How Trails Transform Communities // Biketown

Biketown is a story of mountain bikers, unlikely partnerships and the communities they create.
Learn more and get involved at FreehubMag.com/Biketown
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Struggling to find their seat at the table, mountain bikers have had to form unlikely partnerships in their fight to ride. Little did they know they were actually helping transform the identity of their communities. Specialized and Soil Searching present Biketown, a film by Freehub magazine.
Mountain bikers have a long-standing tradition of working with private property owners, land managers and governments, from the local to federal level. Often, these relationships are driven by a dedicated and passionate group of mountain bikers, trailbuilders and advocates, despite a sometimes turbulent and confrontational past. Biketown takes a deep dive into recreational trail development in Chisholm, Minnesota, Bellingham, Washington, Snowshoe, West Virginia and Pacific City, Oregon to explore themes at the heart of the current mountain bike movement-whether that be cooperation between the timber industry and a mountain bike community, federal forest managers and trailbuilders or advocacy organizations and tourism boards.
This project would not be possible without partnerships and a huge collective effort. Thank you to the community leaders, families, trailbuilders, dreamers, athletes, designers, brands, mentors, advocates, stewards, volunteers and everyday riders who helped make Biketown possible. We are grateful for strong brand partner support and amazing product donations-the proceeds of which will directly impact the future of mountain biking.
Thanks to our partners:
Specialized Bicycles: www.specialized.com/us/en
Maxxis Tires: www.maxxis.com/us/
10 Barrel Brewing Co.: 10barrel.com/
IMBA: www.imba.com/
Ride Concepts: rideconcepts.com/
Portside productions: www.portsidepro.com/
City of Bellingham: cob.org/
Pocahontas County, WV: pocahontascountywv.com/
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[@daledaugherty4957]

This was incredibly well done and there were a few moments that resonated with me pretty deeply. The narrative is very focused and the production value is great. Thanks for making this and thanks to everyone who put time into sharing their stories here.

[@JeraCravoMyself]

I was going to write basically the same thing! Super inspiring and touching. Great production! Thank you!

[@TheStabbyCyclist]

First shot nearly brought me to tears. I had the good fortune of being stationed just South of Bellingham for five years. Galby changed my life. Sadly I got transferred last year and had to move away. I feel like Bellingham is still in my future though. Felt more at home there than anywhere I've ever been, and I've been all over the world. Amazing place with wonderful people... oh, and bikes.

[@user-gj8mn4ce8d]

Yeah , always loved going down and getting away from the madness of Vancouver / Whistler . Riding Galbraith was always great and small town feel was so great. Met a lot of great people

[@jeffreyd3352]

Riding bikes is good for the soul. Thx to all those making it happen.

[@robbiewalsh723]

Bikes bring people together! What a great community

[@DizzyBone3030]

As a trail builder myself, I really appreciated the message and encouragement for land owners to work with the Mtb community. All we want is more sweet trails!

[@davidswenson1723]

Powerful an moving story! Incredible appreciation for the sometimes unsung heroes… the trail builders!!I am a 62 yr old man who has been on 2 wheels all my life. From early bmx, XC, road an mtb. The enthusiasm an passion that I see for this way of life today from young people is truly inspiring! Damn, I wanna ride my bike right now, unfortunately here in Colorado it’s -3 and socked in with about 3’ of that white stuff. 🤟

[@davidjohnston9652]

@freehub this was very heartening! It shows the power of community and conversation; as well as, Americans have more in common than what divides us. 👍👍👍

[@ToddSalimanOfficial]

It’s the best piece of content I’ve seen in years. It’s that good.

[@bensun432]

Inspiring and helpful film. Glad you are showing this side of mtb. There needs to be more education on how to create trails and keep them around

[@roughster1615]

What a great video! As a rogue trail builder this brings me hope. One common element to each of the stories was the power of action. Definitely by the trail associations once trails were established, but it was almost always the perseverance and action of a few individuals who first put the shovel to the ground that make it happen. This has always been “the plan” establish the trails, get people hooked then try to approach it from this is already an established usage. I met an ex-city council guy on the trails one afternoon and we chatted. He told me flat out, “Don’t try to go legit till you have everything you want in, because once they know, it will years, if not never, before you dig again.” This made me very sad :(

[@stefromfortworth]

Love this! There are SO MANY examples where, MTB has literally transformed a place from being almost desolate, to THRIVING…just by opening up their landscape to biking and hiking. Everyone benefits from it, whether they ride or not. Local stores and hotels get more business, people have something productive to do, landowners get an extra use for their land besides just logging….

[@chiplitch]

I paraphrase: the trail is the easy part. The process to get to a decision on whether to build the trail is the hard part. A great summary of our government

[@lathropchung]

This video rings true on so many fronts. This is the exact right way the mountain bike community needs to advocate for itself. Creating partnerships with land managers and the U.S. forest service is the only way we can help grow and spread the sport. This video needs to be played in every household across the country.

[@bradystoffer1078]

This was an incredibly powerful and beautifully done piece. I felt this on many levels man. I've been building my new bike the last couple of weeks and I'm sitting here watching this and looking at my new ride planning all the trips we're gonna take together. 😂 I definitely need to experience these trails and lovely places in person in the very near future. This was such a great watch man.

[@dank3823]

Success is learning from those places and areas that have found it already. As it turns out mountain bikers aren't such bad folks after all.

[@unclefuzzyss]

Cue the chorus. This was incredibly well done. Absolutely inspirational. While i don’t have hundreds upon hundreds of acres to work with, I’m certainly going to work hard to get more Trail in my local area. Its worth it. I know this. And i think the land managers here know it too. Let’s go!

[@SecretSpots]

As a trail builder from the Northeast, this resonates hard. Very well done.

[@BikeDork]

Well done. Glad to be apart of this incredible community.

[@HandlebarVentures]

Incredible video! Thank you to all trail builders and organizations

[@derekmurrow5665]

Great film! Thanks for all the countless hours by the local trail alliances to create and maintain great trails.

[@raisingarizona13]

Absolutely fantastic short movie Freehub and Portside Productions! Thanks so much for producing this.

[@alexbond25]

A movie about great mountain biking towns that isn't just an ad for Bentonville paid for by the Waltons?? Hallelujah! Now this I gotta see

[@NH-il6uc]

This is a great video! I rode Galbraith a ton in 1994 and 1995 while a grad student at WWU. It’s so great to see what you all have done there since. Galbraith and Chukanut were always so awesome.

[@acornhehe]

This is fantastic! Should be required watching for everyone who enjoys riding their mtbs. A lot of people put in a lot of effort helping all of us enjoy the trails we ride. Well done!

[@jacobrich7785]

This was incredibly well done and so important to show

[@Highnoonshred]

Sense now I spent time at the Kingdom Trails in VT! This story seems simular to that area! Knowing the history of where you ride or shred is so important!!! THANKS!!!!

[@kevingatchalian6421]

Very cool. Video really well done, and I'm always amazed at what trailbuilders do.

[@daveg8212]

What an inspiring video! Well done @freehub!

[@macfawlty]

Tremendous documentary, amazing stories and great filmmaking.

[@radwallmadeira]

Great film guys !! Inspiring and helpful for what we are looking for in Madeira Island trails

[@hobmarg]

Wow... this is amazing, great engaging story telling and very high quality production value. People should be able to see this on Netflix or other major streaming platforms!

[@suzanneclements]

Our local trail system down here in Brevard County Florida was shut down several months ago because various city officials and the local MTB community (jokingly referred to as "5-8 mountain bikers" to minimize the community) clashed. Everything is blocked off by fencing, monitored by trail cams, and locked up in the court system indefinitely now. So sad and heartbreaking. We lost several miles of sanctioned trails and many hours of safe, off-road outdoor rec in our community preserve. The city locked us out as well as all the walkers, hikers, birders... everyone is cut off. Hoping it resolves sooner than later. Maintaining a good relationship between land managers/city officials and their communities is so important.

[@freehubmag]

Keep up the good fight!

[@abikeesclerosada]

Mtb in USA is so different from here in Brazil, you guys ride trails, a lot of fun for sure, here we ride more off roads, like cross country. I wish we had more trails like you!!!

[@CrypticChronicles01]

Amazing Film, had no idea all the history behind Galbraith when I was riding there. Makes me appreciate it much more

[@datractor]

So glad I grew up in New Zealand, trails did look epic though but man you have some crazy laws.

[@tinkeringcyclist9314]

Great vid an great information! Thanks for sharing this!

[@MultigrainKevinOs]

This played as a mid roll ad for me and I watched it in its entirety. Well done video! We are facing similar issues in Edmonton getting our trails into an official status and helping get a park built. The sport is exploding and we have so much access to excellent recreation at our doors to share in while being champions of the nature that it stands in to protect it for generations.

[@freehubmag]

Thanks for watching Kevin!

[@ericweidner9826]

Love these films

[@cutlaps]

Wow! Such a great video. Visually stunning and very informative. I consider myself so lucky to be able to build trails on my own private property but one day I hope I get to share them with the world. Thank you for all the time and effort put into this film.

[@mr.palmer6462]

Great film, amazing stories

[@Highnoonshred]

This movie makes me think about Burke, VT and the NEK aka KINGDOM TRAILS! So got the same vibes!!!! 🙏🏼🚴‍♀️💨 Ride with Gratitude!!! 🤘🤘🤘

[@nauflag]

Absolutely inspiring

[@kevinliu6002]

Amazing thank you!!!

[@manutara2007]

Oh, such a great video...I really hope that we would have that level of trails here in Chile...we have 4000km of mountains...but a few official bikeparks ...its growing though

[@Mandolin-yx7fs]

Very,very well done!

[@ridingincircles]

It'd be interesting to get some thoughts on this. I feel like illegal trail building is almost a necessary evil or at least it has been. Without the trails going in, it won't appear as if there is a need to invest and develop a network by towns and cities. Without trails, you can't develop a rider base and get enough interest to form local mtb coalitions. Also, without people asking for trails, I don't know that there are many local municipalities thinking "why not put in 20+ miles of trails and see who shows up". I know there are some instances out there of this, but they are a rarity. Black Rock outside Falls City, OR comes to mind. That being said this was done with state land managers if I'm not mistaken, and there is a solid organization (BRMBA) to help back this effort up. Maybe as local officials wise up, they will see the potential and be more forthcoming and open and adopt a "build it and thy will come" mentality. But in all reality, most places will not prioritize until a need clearly exists and people are knocking on doors from all sides. Western and Central Washington is a prime example of this. When I moved there 20 years ago there were not a ton of legal trails. It wasn't terrible, but not what it is today. But through the work of clubs like Evergreen and WMBC and all the smaller groups that have existed along the way (WIMPS, BBTC, Single Track Mind, etc..), more trails have gone in legally, but also so many of those "illegal" trails have become legitimized, immediately bolstering the size of the trail network.

[@richardradcliffe6047]

Great stuff. Thanks.

[@evergreen_strength]

Love it!

[@andreasdahl133]

wow, just wow!!!!

[@Vivendocadadia]

Wonderful histories

[@NorminkoDH]

Can't wait to get home from work!

[@scottmcbride4652]

So rad!

[@MoscaBikeTeam]

love it. Congratulations

[@pace_tracker]

So amazing video! So good vibes and I can sense the Finnish Sisu 🇫🇮 Kero!

[@petekero7102]

🙂

[@marcmaza2821]

This is awesome video! We’re in a situation right now they wanna take trails away build luxury homes! That’s crazy shutting trails down :/ where you make memories! When you met all your buddies out there!

[@corismsyn]

Awesome video!

[@ssjj9584]

Nicely done 👌

[@KennethMesser1]

Very well told story about a part of the US that we otherwise hear way too little about.

[@joepyleproductions]

Well done on all accounts!

[@joonasvinnari6532]

Super!

[@Tastewithnewdrinks]

Amazing video😍

[@trivialone11]

Great video from history to present of mountain biking. I have a similar story of bootleg trials in early 90's and am so please my family and friends now greatly benefit form legitimization and outreach of those very special and talented few who have gone the extra mile(s) to bring MTB to what it is today. Join your local MTB club. I'm a member of Evergreen Mountain Bike Aliance. That is how these things are funded and the correct way to develop land for MTB and all outdoor rec.

[@dirttdude]

i did advocacy for years, there are tricks to incentivize reluctant tree farm land managers, i gave up on tree farms because they aren't sustainable, now i'm looking to duplicate something that's kind of between whistler and downieville. i want to build a destination trail and eventual trail system with shuttle capabilities and climbing trail that descends 6000 feet or more down into a town. That town will prosper. Looking for something on the west coast in Washington, Oregon or northern California, not to far from an airport

[@misterhulk]

Not sustainable? Ok pal, in 30 years these seedlings will be pecker poles that they will harvest prematurely to make really shitty products! /s

[@EIH7703]

Nice video ! 👏🏼 I’m in love I saw 5 times the video only for Becky .! 🙈🙈

[@yengsabio5315]

Hello there! How exactly do you plan on where to put the drainage for your trail network? Thanks in advance!

[@spacewalker9375]

Met Carson stoch once in Pacific city

[@petedog9581]

Th ability to ride hiking trails on 26" wheels was what it was all about. Shared access on trails was abandoned years ago. Now trails are golf cart paths built for speed om $10K bikes. Big $ industry propaganda that you could be the next pro rules the day. Good luck. Gotta have trials skills t ride hiking trails, unless you like walking,

[@Chahtawarrior31]

It's always about the MONEY and not humanity! Sic Great Video and it's good to know that MTB trails scare Corporate America! I support IMBA, USA CYCLING, and many others. We need a safe place to explore our habits and love! I wish someone really dig hard to get Mississippi Trails more Neighborhoods frequent! I have to travel 50 - 60 miles one way to get to an MTB trail! Sigh

[@pytek23]

Mint

[@user-nf3oq2ge3g]

This is the point I realize I’ve been riding converted elk trails on my mtb bike in Oregon. The trail network here is actually insane u just have to know where to look

[@eholm522]

EBrown you got a tail light out homie.

[@brandonperez2267]

I want to invite Ranger Jack Tribble to move to California.

[@MrGogogordo]

Nice story. Now can we get a little help in Marin county please? Been here 45 years and we still can’t get 1 inch of trail built. Very sad considering it’s the birthplace of mountain biking. And if you want to say Crested Butte is the home of mountain biking, well look at the trail system they have. They seem to have got it done. Never heard of IMBA around here. Poaching it will be then.

[@gomerpyle7721]

Them horse people for ya

[@Chahtawarrior31]

Fleecing of the states! GOD gave us this land and man charging us to use it! Wow

[@evanrollyson7317]

Anyone know the music at the 19:15 minute mark?

[@GageGillum-jm8rn]

Trying to figure this out myself as well…

[@doghill_]

inscrible, this is motivational

[@lforrest14]

That crash in the end credits, going right in to the tree, what was the outcome? How did the rider fare and how bad was the bike? It was brutal!

[@joelsjogren5245]

The crash happened on the first take of fast riding at Redhead. The rider unfortunately broke his collarbone. I believe his bike was fine!

[@lforrest14]

@@joelsjogren5245 Thank you for the follow up, I appreciate it. Such a good short film overall.

[@Frater_Maven]

"Yea they're kinda like rats . . ." We may be an unsightly bunch comparable to rodents or weeds, but like rodents we will multiply and like weeds we will grow. What a great story . . . Y'all watching down there in Bentonville? Follow the example set by the riders in the PNW, on BOTH sides of the border. They are probably the most dedicated riders anywhere in the world.

[@AlenBlackWolf]

Excellent video 👏👏👏 I watched it with gusto. 🤠 You did a good job. Kudos to you. 🙂 Thanks for the video and greetings from Croatia🇭🇷✌️🚵‍♂️

[@Jack-ox9mi]

Экскаваторы ЭКГ, БелАЗы, это точно миннесота?

[@heiselblock]

i just want people to ride Galbraith with. anyone out there

[@heiselblock]

i lived around here my whole life but i just havnt run into the right people i just moved near the mountain ill ride to the lot. just want people to ride with

[@understandingroy]

I really don’t like how nice they are playing with environmentally destructive industries but I also get that’s kinda the point of the movie.

[@fattirecyclesport1496]

Why did Snowshoe get like 3 minutes of coverage?

[@Frater_Maven]

"Yea they're kinda like rats . . ." We may be an unsightly bunch comparable to rodents or weeds, but like rodents we will multiply and like weeds we will grow. What a great story . . . Y'all watching down there in Bentonville? Follow the example set by the riders in the PNW, on BOTH sides of the border. They are probably the most dedicated riders anywhere in the world. EDIT: This has made me super jealous. I have been living in San Francisco since 2010 and the land management in Marin County (the supposed "Birthplace of Mountain Biking" and the location of the MTB Hall of Fame) will NOT BUDGE on their policies which are so clearly one sided, favoring equestrians. Of the total amount of all single track trails in Marin County, mountain bikes are allowed on less than 10%! There is a 15mph speed limit on all fire roads, that the rangers enforce by setting up freeway style speedtraps. They also stop all mountain bikers on sight and ask to see either your season pass or day pass. I've never seen a ranger while riding there and NOT been stopped by them asking to see my pass. It doesn't help that over half of the council members who have the say regarding multiuse and dedicated trails in Marin County are themselves land owning equestrians. Mountain Biking has zero government representation in the land that has been deemed it's birthplace . . .

[@justind5262]

Obviously mtn bikers and loggers need to work in harmony, but i absolutely cannot understand someone talkingg about the effect of trails on the environment when we build massive loggong roads and do clearcuts. Which I am in support of, we need industry. I just dont understand the disconnect. Especially if you live on a road, in a house, in a place that was formerly untouched nature.

[@GHinWI]

All the work these people have put into getting this land access, and we’re now seeing motorbikes trying to weasel their way onto trails everywhere, pretending to be bicycles. If this trend continues to creep, it’ll be the end of the access because the owners will realize there’s too much damage, & too many accidents, as the motorbikes continue to creep heavier and more powerful year after year.

[@onionsyes]

Creating trails so that people can DRIVE to them in their pickups and SUVs is regression, not progression. It's really sad that this story is told from the back of a pickup.

[@rgolianeh]

Mountain biking destroys the environment makes life difficult for animals. They should be banned.😊