From a Trailbuilder

In the world of mountain biking, few people think about what happens before their tires hit the dirt. Behind every twisty singletrack and heart-pumping descent are the trailbuilders and the communities who make it all possible. While big commercial sports and other flashier activities get plenty of attention, it’s the grassroots efforts of local builders that truly embody the spirit of the outdoors, of adventure. These unsung heroes, often working on tight budgets and most you don’t even know by name, create trails that bring communities together and showcase the raw beauty of the land, while at the same time empower those same communities with jobs, opportunities, and an economy.

One of these community heroes and inspiring leaders is Adler Paulino, who is proud to be one of those builders. “For years, I’ve devoted my time, my energy, and my passion to trailbuilding—my blood, sweat, and tears” he tells us, “not for fame or fortune, but for the love of the ride and the joy of sharing it with others. This is my story, and the story of so many others like me.”

Now, full disclosure, Adler is a good friend of mine and one of the best people I know so I’m a bit biased. But believe me when I tell you, I’ve known very few humans who work as hard and believe even harder in the power of community-built tracks.

Building Trails, Building Community

Trailbuilding is about so much more than digging in the dirt. Each trail is a labor of love, designed not only to challenge riders but to connect people to nature and to one another. Local trails are the lifeblood of mountain biking communities—gathering places where friendships are forged, skills are honed, and memories are made. There are few bonds on earth stronger than the bond of going down a mountain together, on bikes.

Unlike commercial bike parks, which are often designed for high-volume use, local trails have a unique character. They reflect the land’s natural beauty and the builder’s creative vision. Adler tells us that he’s “…seen firsthand how a trail can transform a community, becoming a shared space where people from all walks of life come together. These trails aren’t just for bikers—they’re for hikers, runners, and anyone who loves the outdoors.”

Trailbuilding also brings people closer. Volunteer days, where riders pitch in to help build and maintain trails, create a sense of ownership and pride, “dig and ride”. When a community comes together to shape the land, it’s about more than just creating a place to ride—it’s about building deeper experiences and hopefully better lives, in all ways.

The Challenges of Grassroots Trailbuilding

For all the joy it brings, grassroots trailbuilding is not without its struggles. Funding is one of the biggest challenges. “Most of us work on really small budgets, relying on donations, fundraisers, and volunteer labor to keep the trails open,” Adler continues, “tools break, erosion and the weather take its toll, and new projects often require permits, labor, and materials that stretch our resources to the limit.”

Meanwhile, commercial bike parks often have large budgets and access to heavy machinery. They can churn out trails quickly and promote them through professional marketing campaigns. While those parks offer convenience and fun, they can sometimes overshadow the quieter, more personal work happening in local forests and hillsides.

But that’s what makes local trails special—they’re not perfect, and they’re not supposed to be. Each rooty climb and rocky descent tells a story of sweat, determination, and love for the land. When you ride a local trail, you’re experiencing something one-of-a-kind, created with care and passion. Even the uplifts, which most of the time are motorcycles pulling you on makeshift tow cables, are actual jobs created.

How Riders Can Help

Mountain biking thrives on each other, and riders play a vital role in the survival of local trails. Every time you ride, donate, or volunteer, you’re helping to keep these trails alive for everyone to enjoy. Supporting local trails can be as simple as showing up for a dig day, dropping a few pesos into a donation box, or spreading the word about a favorite spot, event, race, or ride. It’s also all about valuing the work that goes into these trails and recognizing the dedication of those who build them. “The more riders get involved, the stronger our trail networks become,” Adler insists.

It’s important to remember that this isn’t about choosing between local trails and bike parks. Both have their place in mountain biking, and both can coexist. But without the support of the community, local trails risk shutting down and then being forgotten.

By choosing to support, invest, and believe in grassroots efforts, you’re helping to preserve the diversity and soul of the sport–while giving communities opportunities for a living.

A Shared Passion for the Ride

At its heart, mountain biking is about joy—the thrill of a descent, the challenge of a climb, and the connection to each other and to nature. “Trailbuilders like me work tirelessly to create spaces where riders can experience that joy. We don’t do it for recognition; we do it because we love the sport and the people who share it with us.”

So the next time you hit your favorite local trail, take a moment to appreciate the effort that went into it. And if you can, give back, no matter how small: could even just be a photo or a video of the trail. Every volunteer hour, every peso donated, and every ride shared helps ensure that these trails remain for future generations.

And in a world where the sport is growing fast, it’s up to all of us to protect the grassroots spirit that makes it special. Together, we can keep local trails alive and thriving, preserving the joy, challenge, and connection that make mountain biking a way of life.