Preorder the Next Issue of Trail Builder Mag
It is time to release our next issue! The long-anticipated arrival of Volume 2, Issue 2, is here at last! Here’s what you can expect for the next issue and how to preorder …
Just like we did with the last issue, we’re taking preorders. Why is this important? It allows you to secure your copy and guarantee that you get one. As mentioned in our article from last week (“From Concept to Cover: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Trail Builder Magazine”), we’ll be rolling out subscriptions after the New Year.
To preorder Volume 2, Issue 2, click the button below.
What kind of content can you expect in our upcoming issue? We’re glad you asked! Here’s the rundown …
Women Trail Builders Spotlight: Ama Koenigshof | Emily Williams
The article provides an insightful look into the life and career of Ama Koenigshof, a Construction Manager for IMBA. She shares her journey from early experiences with land stewardship and trail work to her current role, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Ama highlights her unique perspective on trail building, focusing on construction and community needs over personal recreation. She also discusses the importance of representation in the industry and her favorite projects and trails, showcasing her passion for creating inclusive and enjoyable outdoor spaces.
Drew Steusse is the Builder’s Builder | Anders Engberg
The article highlights Drew Steusse, a passionate and dedicated trail builder from Bellingham, whose love for creating trails transcends the physical act and builds community and culture. Starting off building jumps with friends, Drew now balances coaching and professional trail building through Broken Tool Trails. His projects emphasize creativity and respect, inspiring others to engage in trail building. For Drew, trail building is not about grit but the joy of creation, connection, and honoring the sport’s spirit.
From the Ground Up | Austin Smith and Jerrick Montee
The article recounts the development of Bogus Basin’s Basin Gravity Park in Idaho’s Treasure Valley, highlighting its transformation from a ski-focused recreation area to a year-round destination for mountain biking. Austin “Cheddar” Smith played a pivotal role in accelerating this evolution, leveraging his creative vision, community engagement, and passion for downhill biking to build trails that meet the needs of the local biking scene.
The Comprehensive Story of ITRS Through Its Architects | Mischa Crumbach and Edoardo Melchiori
The article features an in-depth interview with Mischa Crumbach and Edoardo Melchiori, the architects behind the International Trail Rating System (ITRS). They discuss the origins of ITRS, which began as separate projects in 2020 and evolved into a unified system to enhance mountain biking safety and trail quality. The article highlights the core values of ITRS, its community-driven development, and the challenges of standardizing trail ratings globally.
Subsistence | Cody Wilkins and Charles Stemen
“Subsistence” describes a collaborative trail-building project focusing on minimalist and feature-centric trails across various terrains in Colorado, the PNW, and Wyoming. They explore natural landscapes, creating unique, short trails that highlight specific features like rock rolls and wooden drops, rather than long, flowing trails. This approach allows them to build and ride trails that fit into their busy schedules, showcasing the potential of overlooked terrain and inspiring a fresh perspective on trail building.
The Art of the Trail | Edward Dennis
The article “The Art of the Trail” by Edward Dennis explores his journey of combining his love for bikes, trails, and art. Edward shares his passion for combining art and cycling, detailing how he creates visually engaging and informative trail maps that enhance the biking experience. He emphasizes the importance of making trail signage fun and reflective of the trail’s features, using drone photography and sketches to bring his designs to life.
Harnessing Data to Transform Trail Building | Craig Meinicke
The article “Harnessing Data to Transform Trail Building” emphasizes the importance of integrating data collection, analysis, and visualization into trail building operations. It highlights how leveraging data can enhance profitability, efficiency, risk management, and team collaboration. The article outlines practical steps for incorporating data into daily routines. It also discusses the benefits of data-driven strategies, including better planning, increased transparency, and improved decision-making, ultimately positioning organizations as innovative leaders in the trail building industry.
Thanks again for your support! Secure your preorder magazine today.
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.
