Trail Heroes: Paul Sprengel of Sweden
We are all familiar with the phrase, “Trails don’t build themselves.” While every reader here knows that all too well, the consensus is that most mountain bikers are not always aware of who builds and maintains the trails they enjoy. In a social media post this week, we asked what obstacles you face regarding trail building. “Finding and recruiting volunteers” was one response.
So, how do we get more mountain bikers to park their bikes for a day and instead pick up a shovel, rake, or McLeod and work on trails? One possible solution is to capture the hearts and imaginations of the youth …
I continue to repeat this phrase: “We believe that trail builders, the unsung heroes, are integral to mountain biking.” This is a series to celebrate volunteer trail builders. Those who give their blood, sweat, and years to build and work on trails … for free. I’m excited to share our next article in the Trail Heroes series. Even more so because we get to highlight and celebrate Paul Sprengel from Sweden. Let’s jump into this …
Sean: How long have you been involved in trail building?
Paul: I can’t remember exactly when I started, but I guess it was probably around the time I was eleven.
Sean: What has your level of involvement been? (any formal leadership roles?)
Paul: I am the founder, architect, and builder of the Silvermountain backyard bikepark. I lead a team of two associates: the main wood structure engineer, my dad, and the main safety manager and landlord, my mom.
Sean: How or why did you start?
Paul: My family lives remotely in the forest in Sweden, so I started building my trails because I couldn’t easily get to any good trails in my area. So, I began constructing my own trails and small jumps with my shovel and wheelbarrow. These later evolved into tall wooden features and big freeride jumps that I built using my dad’s excavator.
Sean: What are some unique challenges for trail building in your area?
Paul: The Swedish weather has been a huge challenge since it is so unpredictable. It constantly changes between being super dry and very wet, which causes the jumps to be destroyed within a short time of being built.
Sean: What are one or two success stories that you're most proud of?
Paul: I recently built my biggest jump yet. It was a long process since the weather changed daily. Some days, it’ll be super dry, and other days, it will pour rain, flooding the trails. I am super proud of this new jump because I trusted my stomach and not my brain. Everyone said it wouldn’t work, but it actually worked on the first try.
Sean: Favorite tool?
Paul: My favorite tool is the excavator because it makes moving dirt so much easier and faster. After years of using the shovel and wheelbarrow, it is amazing.
Sean: What bike are you currently riding?
Paul: I am currently riding a Cannondale Jekyll 2. My sponsor, Abbas Bike Workshop, fully customized it with a Raceface cockpit and pedals in silver. It has a purple E-thirteen cassette and Aenomaly swichgrade seatflip. The bike is also equipped with a purple Formula Selva S fork and a Formula coil in the back, Cura brakes in silver and Linea rims, Pirelli tires, and Cush cores.
Sean: What is your favorite kind of trail to ride on?
Paul: My favorite trails are jump trails and downhill trails with giant roots and rocks.
Sean: What are some of the biggest changes in trail building and mountain biking you've witnessed over the past 5-10 years?
Paul: I have noticed that many bike parks are being built all over Europe, and the trail-building community is growing. I share my building vids on TikTok and YouTube, and the support I get is amazing. It`s really cool that we can connect in our niche via social media.
—————————-
That concludes our interview. Special thank you to Paul’s mom for helping out!!! If you have a story to tell, drop me an email.
Interviewer: Sean Benesh Photos: Supplied by Paul and his mom.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sean Benesh
Sean is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Trail Builder Mag. He is also the Communications Director for the Northwest Trail Alliance in Portland, Oregon. While in grad school, he worked as a mountain biking guide in Southern Arizona. Sean also spends time in the classroom as a digital media instructor at Warner Pacific University.
