Why Do You Dig?

Earlier in the week, I posted this question on our social media, “For those of you who are volunteers, why do you give up weekends (or weekdays) to work on trails?” The responses were overwhelming as there was an outpouring of support for why we work on trails. I’ll share a few of those responses in a moment. But that question and those responses got me thinking about what it is about trail building that is so captivating. Let’s dive into this …

Each weekend, countless people give up precious time to go out on their local trails and dig. For parts of the world like here in the Pacific Northwest, those days are most often cold, bone-chillingly damp, and rainy. It’s not for the faint of heart, yet there are trail-building work parties all over the region. What is it about getting outside, grabbing a McCleod, and moving dirt that is so appealing?

The same question can be asked of those who work on trails professionally … for a living. Why do you dig? Sure, it is a career. A job. However, if we can choose any job or career, something must be appealing or compelling to turn a love into a paid gig. Yes, I know, whether you do it professionally or even as a volunteer, there are a lot of times when it simply sucks. Whether it’s numbingly cold or sweltering hot or dealing with insects, mechanical issues, and other dangers, you still lace your boots up and head out anyways.

Why?

My hunch is you love it.

Last weekend, like it happens so often, I spent time out on the trail. No, I was not moving dirt with a shovel or cutting downed logs with a chainsaw. My tool, as most often is, is my camera (or, I should say, cameras). I met up with a group of volunteer trail builders in the parking lot of a local trail system before we collectively drove deep into the forest where we parked, huddled together again, grabbed tools, and began filing towards the work site. It had been raining in the parking lot, but the rain stopped by the time we got to the trail.

I use the term “trail” loosely, as this crew was tasked with cutting in a brand-new trail. Flags were the only visible reminder of a trail through the dense Pacific Northwest forest when we arrived. With the volunteer crew lead directing the crew, slowly but surely, the dense undergrowth turned into a ribbon of dirt … a trail. Downed logs were removed, and a new trail was cut in.

The best part about these days is always the conversations. It’s about community. Laughing together. Building something together. Lots of introductions as we meet people for the first time or get reacquainted with others we haven’t seen in a while. Trail building really is about community. That almost sounds selfish, but there is something oddly satisfying and invigorating when we volunteer.

For years, I taught an undergrad course where, for the final project, students had to spend time volunteering in teams. At the beginning of the class, most are frustrated that the biggest assignment is about giving up their precious time to volunteer. Many outwardly grown. Interestingly, at the end of the semester, when students and their teams give presentations on their service projects, you can suddenly see an enormous change. Throughout the years, students have volunteered at homeless shelters, food banks, urban gardening co-ops, elementary schools, and so much more.

I’ve lost count of how many times students are in tears as they share about their service projects. It hit them. It’s ironic that the more we give ourselves away for the betterment of others, not only do their lives benefit, but so do ours. We are enriched and even changed. That’s so much of what trail building is. Giving our time … our effort … so others can benefit by riding these trails. Sure, we enjoy riding those trails, too.

When I posted that question on social media a couple of days ago, I was blown away by some of the responses. I’d like to wrap up this article by sharing some of those responses …

  • Create a trail and getting probs is the best feeling 🙌

  • It's an amazing win win. You get help build amazing trails and get to see the enjoyment of your work from everyone who gets to ride it!

  • Being part of the legacy of trailbuilders is a club I would happy to pay money to join.

  • Building community, trails,and friendship. What else could you want. It is a privilege not a sacrifice.

  • To be the change we want to see in the world! Anyone can build trail, it creates healthy and inexpensive ways for people to enjoy the outdoors, spend time with friends and family and exercise the body and mind.

  • It’s rewarding, in a selfless way - helping to give back to the community I love, and know that I’m (hopefully) helping bring more joy to something that brings others joy.

  • Because our kids ride and so do we. So we build trails for all who love this sport as as much as we do

  • When it comes to helping out in other trail areas: to support and show respect to those who built trails for us to indulge in.

  • For the love of the build! To envision, create, than ride what you built. To see and hear sounds of happiness from others enjoying your creation is what does it for me

  • These comments are great. We need to bottle and distribute this.

Thank you to everyone, whether you’re a professional or a volunteer, for making mountain biking happen.

Words: Sean Benesh Photos: Sean Benesh


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.

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.

http://www.seanbenesh.com
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Celebrating Two Years of Trail Builder Magazine