The Scottish mountain biking community is gearing up for the country’s largest ever concerted voluntary trail repair, maintenance and build effort.
On the weekend of Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th April 2016, the Scottish ‘Take Care of Your Trails’ weekend will take place with trail repair groups from the Highlands to the Tweed Valley joining forces as part of a nationwide, coordinated weekend of volunteer-based trail maintenance events.
Volunteers of all ages and abilities will hit their local trails to take part in the event.
Graeme McLean from Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland the partnership project responsible for co-ordinating the weekend says:
“After a successful pilot year in 2015 we are delighted to launch the Scottish ‘Take Care of Your Trails’ weekend. Scotland has some of the best mountain biking trail provision in the world and those who spend time on these trails are keen to ensure that it stays that way. Last year proved that giving up a day or two of their time to help maintain their local trails is something most mountain bikers can get behind. The sheer volume of volunteers mucking in over the course of the weekend is going to make a huge difference. We’re really looking forward to seeing all the ‘before’ and ‘after’ shots from across Scotland!”
Andy Wardman, Mountain Bike Ranger from Forestry Commission Scotland says:
“We are really looking forward to being part of this nationwide event, showcasing the good work of trail repair groups and encouraging more people to give it a try. Here at Glentress we host Scotland’s longest running trail repair group – the Glentress Trail Fairies. As such, we really get to see the impact of trail repair groups over time. The groups’ efforts are invaluable in sustaining the world-class offering of trails that we have here in the Tweed Valley.”
Tom Veitch, a mountain biker who will be volunteering to take part in the initiative, says:
“I’ve got so much out of mountain biking over the years so I’m happy to give back some of my time to help maintain the trails. It’s really rewarding seeing the impact of your day’s work at these events plus you get the added feel-good factor next time you ride that trail.”
Trail maintenance events will be taking place at various locations across Scotland over the weekend on 23rd/24th April 2016. There will be a range of tasks to suit all ages and abilities so everyone is welcome. For locations and booking information, visit www.DMBinS.com/takecareofyourtrails
