Trailwork with Mount Wilson Bicycling Association (MWBA)

From equestrians to hikers and mountain bikers, these trail work groups keep all trail users in mind when repairing current trails and designing new ones.These groups are volunteer-run and usually funded as well. Some may have contracts with the USFS to maintain certain areas, while others may have contracts for new trail building.Finding a local group to dig with can be very rewarding and challenging. Your effort spent in the sun and heat will help you appreciate the little things, like how the yucca spikes are trimmed along the single track and vegetation brushed to improve line of sight.If you've recreated in the Angeles National Forest in the past 34 years, you've most certainly hiked trails maintained by the stewards of Mount Wilson Bicycling Association.Their hard work has been enjoyed by all trail users since the first spade broke ground back in '86. Now, a six-person board of avid mountain bikers, hikers, bikepackers, NASA engineers and all-around rad people tirelessly operate the 501(c)3 non-profit organization.Join MWBA every third weekend for a day in the sun, maintaining local trails for all users! Specifically, this weekend (Sunday, August 18 · 8 am—2 pm PDT) is a BIKE-IN workday. Volunteers should be able to comfortably ride 12 miles and climb 1500 feet of narrow, exposed singletrack to access the worksites. New volunteers are asked to arrive early to sign liability paperwork. At 8 am, the volunteers will review the day's work and allow everyone to pick out their tools based on their skills. You can work as hard or as little as you like. The main goal is that you keep yourself and those around you safe. Appropriate safety gear is required before heading out. I lean toward a comfy pair of denim you don't mind riding in, the same for your closed-toed shoes, a long-sleeved sun shirt, neck gaiter, full-fingered gloves, and eye protection. Generally, the trailwork crew will provide hard hats, but it's best to check beforehand. All help keep you safe, so don't skimp!Most trail work days involve hiking to the dig site, but sometimes they will bike in. Contact the organizers before attending if you're more comfortable walking in. You can visit MWBA's website here for more information on volunteering and what to expect in more detail.Trailwork is an opportunity to play in the dirt with wicked tools, from Rouge Tools version of the McCloud to the STIHL electric string trimmers and DeWALT loppers. Trail Solutions and IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) published an excellent field guide for building and maintaining proper trails.All of these excite my interest in tools and nature. Ain't nothing better than hauling debris over the side of the singletrack while paving the way for all trail users to recreate and enjoy nature in peace. Remember to yield to hikers and equestrians when mountain biking on shared trails, and be sure to pack a bell! Until then, enjoy these recent photos from Traece on their dig day with MWBA.

I want to give a special thank you to Road Runner Bag's very own Ester. She's shared her heart with the Angeles National Forest and all of its trail users and has equally dedicated her time as Vice President of the Mount Wilson Bicycling Association.Thanks again, Traece; your photos effortlessly capture the mood of a solid trailwork day.