Projekt Roam: Dig It

Camaraderie. Dust. Sweat. Exertion. Chatter and laughter. Embellished tales. But a few descriptives actively depicting a train day in any biking community…

As for ours, warmth emanates from the sun's beams, making it easy for our trail crew to forget we are supposed to be in the clutches of winter. The steady but offbeat pitter patter of various tools resounds through the air as each individual in our group, from youth to adult, lends a hand to help improve the quality of the local trails.

Glancing over my shoulder, the antics, of our five year old self-appointed "foreman" brings an ear splitting fin to my face. I better make sure that my McLeod is doing more work than my vocal cords, lol.

As I hack away at the hard packed soil, wisps of conversation reach my ears. One of the boys was speaking about how he tries to get one of his siblings outside into the sunshine and away from the TV video games. Even though I consider my experience in the mountain bike industry as still being in it's infancy, hearing such a mature of train of though the youngster tugs at my heart strings a little. It allows hope to flourish with the promise that the youth of this generation will follow in the footsteps of those that push the boundaries to make our sport what it is.

At times, to say the least, we are but a product of our environment, and its impressive to witness how parents are involving their children in the mountain biking community, teaching to respect and give back. The age old adage comes to mind "actions speak louder than words".

Throughout the mountain biking scene, I see so many leading by example, showing that hard work, can be fun as well as rewarding. And of course, that when the tools are put away at the day. the sweetest reward comes from making fresh tracks on groomed trail.

With these parting thoughts, what more can I say but encourage everyone to get out there, appreciate nature and the beauty of your local trails.

The more care and finesse you put in, the more fun and everlasting the trail will be, as well as the companionship between friends, and communities will grow…

Words: Jessee Maule Photos: Colt Maule

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