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Dig and Build
Dirt Jumps and Trails
Part II
HOW AND WHERE TO BUILD
BMX AND
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
With a little imagination you can build a fun place to ride
your bike wherever you live. Dirt jumps, freeride drops and bridges,
mountain bike trails and bmx tracks can add countless hours of fun
to your life. While some may
complain about their lack of riding spots, you can build a place to
ride just about anywhere. All it takes is a little time and effort.
And once you start it becomes almost as fun as riding.
One thing that is often overlooked by
many is the possibility of leasing land. While most of us can't
afford to go out and purchase land, you might be surprised at what
you could lease with a few buddies. Many large landowners have land
that is leased out to farmers and hunting clubs. Often some of the
land has been over farmed, clear cut or excavated and is
undesirable. This is just what you are looking for. Dirt pits, which
we are fortunate enough to have red clay in the south, provide a
perfect setting. Other areas that may contain ravines or gullies
also provide great spots because of the drops they provide. And
though we do not advocate riding on private land without permission,
you may take a closer look at the abandoned lots in your
neighborhood or better yet out in the county.
Another approach might be to approach
your local parks and recreation department or the county about land.
Most governments can be convinced to provide riding areas, it just
takes a little tact and patience. Take a look at other cities and
parks to see what they have done and use them as a reference for
trails in your area.
Believe it or not, abandoned garbage
dumps and landfills can also be used. You will often find scrap
wood, usable logs and things like refrigerators that can be buried
and used as jumps. The huge mounds and gullies they provide can also
be used for speed and hills. Of course the major drawback here may
be the smell. And just make sure you have permission before riding.
Barry Page
Dig and Build Part I
>click here
Track and Trail Reviews
>click here
Hire a Professional Trail Builder
>click here
Sample Trail Parks
Emerald Coast Dirt and Vert (ECDV
Ft Walton Beach, FL)
See what some old guys have done with a
few shovels, saws and hammers. The DVD video features old and young
alike on a variety of jumps, trails, ramps, bridges and other riding
terrain. You may even be inspired to get on your bike and ride.
Old as Dirt DVD
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