Single Track Communications

12/12/2023

For those of us in the chillier parts of the world, snowfall turns trail networks into new and exciting places to play, but managing the multi-use side of that can be a little more work to please all of the different winter user groups. This article is meant to be used by trail organizations to help their users understand and appreciate the users types and the work that winter trail management requires for each. (6 minute read; https://singletrackcomms.com/explaining-winter-trails/.)

12/05/2023

I am really pleased to bring all trail enthusiasts a special story of trail stewardship in one of the most unique forms I’ve ever come across. Whether you’re an MTBer, hiker or trail runner like those from the who are featured in this weeks article, check out this incredible method of putting trails first. I can’t wait to see who else this inspires! Congrats to the entire MATR team for this model of trail leadership! (6 minute read; https://singletrackcomms.com/an-idea-that-matrs/.)

11/28/2023

We’re blessed in the trail world to have so many incredible hand tool companies to choose from. Your comprehensive resource list of hand tool companies is now live here: https://singletrackcomms.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-trail-building-hand-tool-suppliers/ No matter what tool you’re looking for, companies like Cascadia Trail Builder Supply, Sentiers Boréals, ShapeShifter Tools, Backslope Tools, Rogue Hoe Distributing, Tools for Trails, Trail Boss and many more can hook you up with digging and shaping the dirt and rocks we love. Huge thanks to the many passionate trail diggers who contributed to this list.

11/03/2023

🌲 Calling all trail builders! 🛠️ We're compiling a list of top hand tool companies across North America and the world for trail maintenance. 🌿 Share your favorite hand tool brands with us to help create an easy-to-reference list for trail organizations! 🚵‍♂️ Let's spread the word and make trail building easier for everyone! Comment below with your go-to hand tool companies! Tag them if you want them to earn a little extra love! 🏞️

11/02/2023

Communicating the success of your trail organization is a critical part of the feedback loop for funders, decision-makers, and the public. Such communication demonstrates the trail organization’s ability to fulfill its promises, highlights its stakeholders, and when needed, enhances the chances of securing further support. For these reasons and more, let’s dive into Bike Cochrane Society's innovative communication approach: the yearbook. (Tap link for full article.)

It's truly brilliant and an amazing way to engage funders and decision makers. I highly recommend checking out this idea for all trail orgs!

Why You Might Want a Yearbook Communicating the success of your trail organization is a critical part of the feedback loop for funders, decision-makers, and the public. Such communication demonstra…

10/03/2023

In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected from the natural world, our trails and outdoor spaces hold the promise of reconnection and rejuvenation. Trails wind through pristine forests, meander alongside bubbling streams, and traverse rugged mountain terrain, offering us a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. These trails are more than just paths; they are gateways to adventure, sources of inspiration, and sanctuaries for both body and mind.

However, as the popularity of outdoor recreation continues to surge, our trails are facing a growing challenge: how can we foster positive behaviour among the diverse array of users who seek solace, adventure, or simply a breath of fresh air on our beloved single track? From hikers to mountain bikers, birdwatchers to trail runners, and families to solo explorers, our trails are shared by people from all walks of life, each with their unique expectations of what that experience should feel like.

Today’s 4-minute read revolves around a simple yet profound concept that I believe all trail organizations should encourage their users to adopt: “GO FIRST.”

In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected from the natural world, our trails and outdoor spaces hold the promise of reconnection and rejuvenation. Trails wind through pristine forests, …

09/14/2023

In late 2020, a group of trail enthusiasts and I were hard at work planning a first-of-its-kind trail park for our town. We needed to quickly raise funds to kickstart our trail dreams, even though we weren’t yet ready to announce the project to the public (that would come in July 2021). We had some immediate expenses that needed to be covered.

During a Board meeting where we brainstormed fundraising ideas, the suggestion of creating a calendar was proposed. The plan was to collect scenic images from around town, with a focus on outdoor recreation. We would then sell these calendars to generate revenue. Initially, I wasn’t very enthusiastic about the proposal...

Fundraising with Calendars (Seriously) In late 2020, a group of trail enthusiasts and I were hard at work planning a first-of-its-kind trail park for our town. We needed to quickly raise funds to k…

09/14/2023

In collaboration with various agencies, trail organizations have been instrumental in establishing and maintaining some of the world’s most iconic trail destinations. Consider well-known places like nearly anywhere in British Columbia, New Zealand, or Colorado and Utah. However, the significance of organizing for the betterment of trails extends beyond iconic locations. Even if an iconic trail destination isn’t in the picture where you live, forming a trail organization holds immense value...

Why bother with trails? Why organize? Why start a trail organization? What are the benefits of a trail organization? Why do trail organizations matter?

09/14/2023

Stories are an essential tool in how humans communicate ideas, experiences, values and so much more. They serve to connect us emotionally, foster empathy, provide context, enhance memorability and give us the means to ensure we reach a receptive and broad audience.

In every presentation, conversation, social media post, or grant application we write, an accompanying narrative—a story—is taking place. Sometimes we carefully consider the narrative and what it might be saying, other times we don’t put a lot of thought into it, allowing others to interpret it freely...

My Trail Story Stories are an essential tool in how humans communicate ideas, experiences, values and so much more. They serve to connect us emotionally, foster empathy, provide context, enhance me…