It’s time to release Issue 2 of Trail Builder Magazine! We’re stoked that this day has come. After the success of Issue 1 and selling out of our print copies in less than a week, we’re doing something different this time around. We’re taking preorders. Here’s how you can secure your copy (at the end of the bottom of the page) … but first, what kind of articles and content can you expect in Issue 2?

Texas teenager Rhett Jones had a dream of building a world-class bike park close to home and just saw his dream turn into reality with the opening of Station Mountain bike park in Marble Falls, Tx. Built for riders, by riders, it has the most trails, highest elevation and by far the longest jump lines in the state of Texas. There’s a weekend shuttle service a lot of initial buzz and it’s already attracting some of the top mountain bikers in the country. Pro Neko Mulally, who built his own bike park and inspired Jones, was the first rider to hit the trails when it opened. Seth Alvo, sent a video congratulating him on his impressive venture and is planning a visit.

Now that it’s September, the release of Issue #2 is right around the corner in October. Time has flown by since we released our first issue at the beginning of July. As with anything new, there’s trial and error. We’ve also given ourselves space to be flexible and adaptable. There will be changes implemented for Issue #2. Thank you, though, for journeying with us in this startup process. Our user survey has given us valuable data, which we are putting into action. But before we go any further, we’re excited to announce the release of our updated Media Kit. So what is it, and why is it important? And why am I telling you this?

TranSierra Norte is the first international Multi-Day Enduro Mountain Bike race in Mexico. Taking place in the Sierra Norte Region of Oaxaca, South Central Mexico. The race features a combination of physically demanding stage racing, traditional food & drink, and cultural immersion. A week of adventure, just before the iconic celebration “Día de Muertos”, a traditional festivity that reminisces on those who have passed and celebrates life after death. During these times, the city is covered with “ofrendas” (traditional tables with offerings for the dead) , Orange “Cempasuchil” Flowers, candles, Candy Skulls and “Papel Picado” (paper flags).

From July 10 - 12, NOCTI will be conducting an assessment development workshop at NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC), where NWACC, NOCTI and bicycle trail industry leaders will work together to develop a nationally standardized accreditation exam for trail-building and maintenance competencies. Industry leaders attending the workshop include corporate and non-profit executives, the US Department of Forestry National Trail Advisory Group, local trail builders, community colleges and others. This effort is supported by the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation.

After years of planning, public comment periods, and collaboration the proposal for the Bean Peaks Gravity Flow Trail System in Prescott, Arizona has received final approval from the U.S. Forest Service. In a press release on June 21st, Sarah Clawson, District Ranger for the Bradshaw-Chino District of the US Forest Service stated, “We’re excited to add this unique experience to our world-class trail system in the greater Prescott area. As is the case for all our trails, this project would not be possible without our partners and the dedicated community of all trail users who continue to help us design, build and maintain them for the benefit of locals and visitors alike.”