WE BUILT IT, BUT CAN WE SHRED IT? // The Singletrack Sampler

[@ifixsprinters]

Thank you for making a video about trail maintenance. Trail etiquette like trail work, yielding to hikers, horses and saying hello to people on the trail is super important to keeping public trails open to riders. You, Seth and Brian have a huge influence on new riders and videos like this show the work that goes into keeping trails awesome.

[@bgiunta2773]

It's so epic how you make everyone around you feel awesome. Runs into subscribers --> they are pretty quiet --> you shred with them --> stoke builds.

[@The_Sampler]

Really appreciate you saying that. I'm not just blowing smoke when I say I want think we are building a community here, and the best part of it for me is to get to meet and ride with people that are a part of it!

[@kgt263]

Im not sure how i came across your channel. I had never mountain biked before and your videos got me hooked. Got a bike two weeks ago and Ive been on a few rides now and absolutely love it.

[@raifolson7033]

kgt263 thats awesome welcome to the club

[@Wizler71]

Nice man! Welcome to wonderful adventures and much enjoyment!

[@bacala0]

Welcome to the addiction!

[@sonorangaming449]

Seth got me

[@colinwilbur9459]

That KZbin vortex brings you all sorts of places. Enjoy the new bike man

[@scnomad3626]

Good job helping out with trail work. In too many places it’s the same small crew doing a lion’s share of the work. Guys like you have the means to promote giving back, and it is appreciated.

[@colinvanwerkhoven3043]

BKXC, Seth's, GMBN, and your channel have all inspired me to push my riding more. Actually got me to put in for an internship through my grad school in Sedona for 3 months and then heading up to Draper UT to spend a month with family. So 2019 will have me doing some insanely awesome riding! Keep up the work man, you and the others are an inspiration!

[@gabrielrutkevich5627]

lol same here. you should try watching Jordan Boostmaster!!

[@colinvanwerkhoven3043]

I've heard of his channel, definitely going to check it out, thanks!

[@slimetime4668]

Colin vanWerkhoven skills with Phil is essential

[@joelleat1201]

I'm upgrading my old hardtail with wider bars, shorter stem, hydrolic brakes and 1x10 drive train Soooooo stoked

[@The_Sampler]

huck yea bro!!

[@fernandomarquez6408]

I literally just rode my first trail an hour ago lol I sucked but looking forward to advancing my skills. You where my inspiration to do so, thanks for your motivation man.

[@Wizler71]

Welcome to the club man! As Alex would say, LFRHGS!

[@gabrielrutkevich5627]

keep riding my guy!!! it only gets better.

[@gearbox1858]

Update ? Did you keep riding?

[@pseudomugilidae5897]

I went down to explore Pisgah last December and chose the trails I rode based loosely off of the part of redemption 17 in Pisgah (Laurel mountain/pilot rock is now my all time favorite trail) cheers!

[@billiewright3577]

You guys, Brian, Phil, Seth and yourself have inspired me to get back on the MTB after a 17 year break. I sincerely appreciate your work on the channels.

[@SquarebobSpongepants]

I got into biking 4 years ago then found u and Seth's channel, saw the amazing places you Rode so I decided to save up all my money, quit my job, buy a van and just travel and ride for 4 months, I even rode a few trails before u ha! Just got home and have 4 months of catching up on videos . Good work man. Your doing a great thing by inspiring people like me. it changed my life.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Dude, this is great! Stoked to see you giving back. Two thumbs up!

[@wickedmountainfilms]

You have no idea how proud I am of you for not only doing work, but putting pisgah area sorba in your video. They deserve the shoutout and you deserve a big pat on the back. Cheers to you buddy

[@The_Sampler]

Hell yea they do man! I was fortunate to get to meet the president of the chapter along with a few others and I'm just so thankful for everything they do to keep the place I love so much in such great shape. Coming out to work and making a video is the just a small way that I can show my gratitude :D

[@scnomad3626]

Right on, man

[@davidpylant3643]

Live in Birmingham, went and rode fire mountain in Cherokee last summer after seeing you ride it. Ended up meeting the builder. He was out riding it and talking to folks.

[@davidcattell1140]

David Pylant I live in Birmingham, the one in England 😂

[@evanoc12345678]

ive gotten back into mountain biking after about 7 years since finding you guys on youtube , its great to see your immediate reactions to how much fun your having , makes me want to go for a ride

[@ryanl.4296]

This year I started helping out at the trail days at my local trails. I love every minute of it and get so stoked riding the sections I helped build!!!

[@TwitchyNick]

So awesome that your contribution is forever part of that trail. As for your question. I rode Cedar Rock/Big Rock in April and immediately flashed back to one of your videos when I came to the opening where you turn left and begin the ascent up the slick-rock. I was so stoked I was recalling parts of the trail the entire ride and definitely the descent. Good times.

[@glpf5]

I always work a couple of organized trail days per year at different systems in my area. I also carry pruners on my early (5:30am) rides to keep back the face-slappers that seem to keep coming back very quickly. Nothing like riding something you built!

[@FF-hz4ul]

Honestly I enjoy building trails as much as I like riding them, the feeling of doing something that can be enjoyed by so many just makes me feel great.

[@Wizler71]

I've done volunteer trail work a couple times. It was really interesting to meet the regular crew, learn how trails are planned and built, and feel like I was investing in my local scene. I recommend the experience to anybody!

[@dshawster]

Ridden a few trails but never because I saw it on youtube, but it definitely tells me where I should be ridding and helping plan future trips! So true about your comment that your not a pro-rider and just riding alot will naturally make you better over time.

[@Krigloch]

Trail work/building is so much fun! Dig and shred, that's what we do! Alex, of all the youtubers I think you would like our trails the most. Very xc/trail oriented, but the amount of features we've put in is amazing! Jumps EVERYWHERE! Drops, berms, it's a damn playground! Come to Springfield, IL. You wont be disappointed!

[@notachance8887]

To answer your question, Yes I am going to ride trails I've watched other people ride on KZbin. I'm going to Crested Butte and Gunnison CO the first week of June based on your Video's. My journey started with looking for bike reviews and I came across Seth's channel first. What started out as me looking for a decent bike to ride for exercise and maybe some dirt roads, turned into watching pretty much all of his videos. I really like the way Seth presents his content. His channel got me thinking "You know, that looks like a whole lot more fun the bike paths." Then I came across your channel from his. Now I've watched pretty much all of your videos and your excitement and enthusiasm really comes across as genuine and its contagious. That took me from "That looks like fun" to "Yeah I'm going to do that too." I hadn't ridden a bike since college and hadn't done anything more that path riding since I was a kid some 30 years ago lol. I got my bike a month ago and hit the trails. I've had to bail, I've wrecked, I've even bounced off a few trees. And I've had a blast doing it.

[@DinnerForkTongue]

Riding down the trail is a thrill. Building a trail is an art. Bombing down a trail you helped put together... THAT is an experience. Way to go, Alex!

[@The_Sampler]

well said my dude

[@arneniemann4963]

Took the words out of my mouth. I was ready to write exactly the same thing.

[@arneniemann4963]

That is a commercial.

[@jtsvec]

I haven't ridden a bike in 10 years or so, and your videos motivated me to get back on the saddle! I picked up a hybrid bike to start getting comfy again, but you're the man. Your edits are sick and so is your riding!

[@The_Sampler]

YES!!!! That's so friggin awesome man, cheers to you and for the decision to get out there and have some fun!!

[@jtsvec]

The Singletrack Sampler I actually have a question for you. I plan on getting a mountain bike, because I love backpacking and trails. Is it worth buying a hardtail to learn? Or should I just save for longer and get a full suspension bike? Thanks for your time man, I don't think anyone has ever replied to a KZbin comment of mine hahaha

[@Wizler71]

@Jordan Nothing wrong with a good hardtail. Great way to get started for lower cost.

[@scrooge1374]

Jordan Svec get one of those new hardtails with a some agresive geometry (so it handles descents better) and a dropper post. You will love it.

[@robinknupp7181]

Thanks for the great review. We struggle with that section of trail. You wouldn't believe all the negative comments on our page. I appreciate that you get it and that you helped and that you rode the rock. Also, that you pushed up. People are so annoyed that they can't ride up anymore. It can be done, it just might take a little more thought and effort. -RCK

[@Chester2183]

My girlfriend and I just drove 3hrs up from Fort Lauderdale to Alafia due to your videos. NC is our first pick to move so we've been paying attention to the trails you and Seth ride up there as well. Probably more common then you realized. Keep up the good work, love the vids.

[@Mattocepeck]

Moved to Asheville in January and your videos were a hugely helpful resource for scouting trails before riding them for the first time.

[@spoon913]

Me and a group from Dominican Republic, went to Brevard/Asheville last summer and this year we are heading back to Pisgah for our second time. Your videos are definitely a great reference for which trails to ride. It would be great to meet you and ride and/or grab a beer.

[@markalexander08]

DuPont. Flat Rock and Ridgeline. Had to ride em after the vids. It’s actually my YT profile pic. Also I regularly volunteer at Blankets Creek and Old Rope Mill trail days (Home trail networks). It is kind of cool riding sections you worked on. You can figure out that perfect line that much quicker. 😄👍🏾

[@coreystrand3699]

I’m from MN, but heading to Wasatch Crest UT in July after watching your video last year. Looks amazing. You do a great job of showing the absolute joy of mountain biking great trails. Keep it up.

[@clarkgribble516]

I rode in Bentonville last year for spring break because of Seth's videos. This spring we tried to go to Pisgah but we were rained out, so we drove down to Georgia and rode instead. Redemption 17 definitely inspired that trip.

[@MelodicMinds.]

It's a long way from Denmark to the trails you ride, but after watching your videos I got into MTB. The last couple of weeks I have been riding the local trails, every other day, and having a ton of fun. Last time I went riding with my son (10 years) and he loves it too. Thank you and the others for being an inspiration :-D

[@brianhudak4610]

Me and my kids just started mountain biking last year. They just, within the last 3 4 years, have built a lot of trails by us. Me and a few of my kids got to go and do some trail work before they opened for the season. You guys are fantastic! Thanks for helping to get me back into shape as well.

[@The_Sampler]

That's awesome Brian! Thanks to you and the young ones for putting in that work!!

[@jeremytaylor799]

Dude......when i first started watching you and seths videos i always liked them but now yall have really progressed and they are really fun to watch. Yall have progressed like crazy!!! Shred till ya dead. Good work

[@adrianbowley1595]

Last summer, we took a family vacation from the Midwest to California. I purposely planned an overnight stop in Salida, CO. I rented a bike from Absolute Bikes and rode an after work loop you made a video of. It was an awesome evening ride after a long day of pulling a 35 ft camper trailer through the mountains.

[@arneniemann4963]

I love riding Dupont. I had a flat yesterday on Turkey Trot. Though it sucked having a flat, it was so cool just being there. There wasn’t a rider that passed by that didn’t ask if I needed help. The mtb community is made up of a great group of people. Your video epitomizes the mtb group as a whole. Thanks for all you do and represent.

[@BryantJBole]

The only reason I’ve ridden kolo, reeb ranch, kitsuma, bakers creek, greens lick, fire mountain, big rock, bennet gap, and ridgeline is because of youtube. I’m forever thankful for y’all.

[@RevibinDesigns]

Just moved to Asheville area early April. I am getting TONS of ideas of trails to try from you, Seth, Brian, and Phil!

[@trailkarma4098]

I’ve just gotten in to mountain biking and so far the only trails I have ridden I have seen off KZbin. They were great trails too. Awesome video and awesome trails you built!

[@markkligerman6861]

Oh yeah, Alex, plenty of trails. Last week I rode Kitsuma because of your video. Also Chattanooga.

[@MBOA]

Watching your videos makes me hope to one day travel around riding different trails. You give me a ton of motivation to build up my courage. The trails near me are all sorts of difficulties, and some of what I see you ride looks so great. Mixes of flowing downhill with technical sections. We only have a few of those here - it's mostly one or the other.

[@tuckercarter7834]

Loved the videos of Kitsuma and heartbreak ridge. I rode those trails 25 years ago and recognized alot of the views. my plan is to hit them in June this year. New bike and new love of mountain biking..

[@kretzkid98]

Went on a trip from ontario to Asheville this spring (13 hour drive each way). during that trip I rode Kitsuma, bent creek, dupont and loads of pisgah, mainly inspired by your videos along with Seths videos. Camped out of my van for 10 days, and rode ridgeline after looking through your pisgah and asheville videos!

[@thebeardedman-drenaline5546]

Also, I just started building a backyard trail, it's got a lil down hill, some climbing, a creek crossing, and a railroad trellis....it's gunna be fun building it....and even funner shredding it! Thanks for the inspiration !

[@jonfreismuth4805]

Way to go guys! That section you worked on looks sick. After watching this I’m definitely gonna get involved in my local trail maintenance days

[@lucaslewter1796]

Dude! I drove 14 hrs from North Texas to ride in Salida CO after watching you're video! Had a great freaking trip thanks!

[@257fatman]

Yo where at in north texas??? I go to school in denton!

[@lucaslewter1796]

257fatman Dude I'm in Collinsville north of Dentin on 377

[@ROBinJVILLE]

i wish i could say u inspired me to get on a bike, but i have been on the saddle for 20 yeras. however, u did inspire me to quit being all the time XC guy and i got a dualie and im learning to go downhill

[@techfour4921]

You and your group have convinced me to take my next vacation to Moab. Every time I see you guys go back there I get super hyped.

[@richardwoodworth8805]

I went to Fire Mountain in Cherokee, NC after watching you ride it. I was heading to Asheville from So Cal to hang with a friend and I was watching ride videos to find places we could try that we had never ridden before. We went out on a Saturday and there was maybe eight people there. Did three loops riding a different downhill each time. I would never have thought to head out 50 miles from Asheville, but in the end it was totally worth it.

[@wilsona4909]

Yeah man, you guys r inspiring me a many more, I ride my bike every day to work & looking forward to buying a MTB

[@lewiswalker4163]

That section looks mint!! Dude you deserve way more subs than what you do. Keep making enjoyable videos and shredding hard!!

[@The_Sampler]

Que pasa mi amigos??!! I've been getting messages from people thinking I haven't been uploading, which tells me some of you aren't being shown my vids by YT. If you want to make sure you don't miss a single video, make sure you not just subscribe, but also SMEASH THAT BELL (notification) BUTTON!!

[@beardedtexan7699]

Dude, great work on the trail, me and my riding buddy are planning a mtb trip because of watching you and Seth going around riding new places

[@Sycoholic]

Can't wait until I'm home and can ride the work you guys did. Wolf Branch is my favorite. Fast, flowy, I can just hammer down and blast it!

[@mikewalls13]

You ABSOLUTELY got me back into it! Thanks bro!!!!

[@daniel1996johnson]

Finished my exams today and going for my first ride in years tomorrow! Thanks for the inspiration, nice video!

[@ClearViewSolutionsMS]

I use your videos as a review for trails I’ll visit. If it’s good enough for you I know I’ll have fun. You’re the reason I’m going to Pisgah this summer. Your videos, Seth’s, Tonka, BKXC and Clint Gibbs have helped me a lot.

[@Gamebit450]

You are the reason I got back into MTBing! I am over a weight 42 year old. Your videos made it look so fun I handed my trek marlin 6 down 2 my cuz and got the Roscoe 8. Down 30 lbs 2 months, and thats with a kneee that is at 40% lol. So I thank you and Seth!

[@The_Sampler]

Yo Michael! I don't talk about it much, but bad knees from playing soccer my whole life definitely were part of why I got into biking. It's so much easier on them, and turns out... a whole lot more fun too!!

[@thebeardedman-drenaline5546]

I take notes on these videos!lol , I just started mnt. Biking and by watching these videos they help shape me as a rider, I appreciate ya Alex son, maybe one day we we'll run into each other and ride some, till then, keep shredding!

[@jtcude]

Out of all the trails that you and Seth and BKXC have ridden in the area, I chose Greenslick and Ridgeline based solely on the fact that you loved them the most... Now I am looking for all the rest!

[@aaronturner3656]

Awesome of you to get out to build and highlight those maintaining the trails in that area! Our Builder brothers and sisters put in tons of hours (days, weeks, months really) out there for others to enjoy their labor. Come on out to Oregon and see some of our awesome trails around Corvallis that Team Dirt maintains.

[@LifebyBertie]

Dude...that is some nice trailwork you guys did out there, great vid on riding it!!! I will be checking out some trails Brian did here in Europe later this year, so yeah, Phil, Seth, Brian, you and all the others out here, you guys and gals are a great inspiration!!! Cheers Bert

[@northeastmtb6283]

Live in northern Maine, made a trip to VT to ride kingdom trails, perry hill, and millstone after NES last year with you and Phil!

[@ccbean1980]

I rode the Whole Enchilada last year with my little brother because you Seth and Brian Made it your video about it! And we're riding it again in two and a half weeks!

[@streddaz]

That's awesome. I love trail work and watching someone else build is really interesting

[@TrailFeatures]

This is a perfect example of why trail work is so great. Even if you just got your first bike, I guarantee you'll have way more fun than you think and you'll make so many riding buddies after one day you'll never have to ride alone!

[@glebnerzhin3345]

Trail building is my favorite things to do with my friends and this inspires me to ride and build more

[@mizznfizz1]

Yup. Went and rode Bidwell Park in Chico, Ca because of Brian and Robert (BKXC & B1KER B1).

[@seanlynchcycling8044]

Sick riding Alex bro. Great to see you help maintain trails too

[@themidnightrider6805]

I build and maintain trails constantly. I love it and plus it makes me a better rider!

[@peterbeer4746]

Half way through watching all your vids, super stoked awesome man got to get me some of that, yeah boy , some of the best vids on you tube look forward to watching the rest of them keep up the great work 🤘

[@billturner1240]

Hey Alex.... yes watching you guys and gals...on KZbin has been huge in my dreaming of trails to ride. Now my dreams are becoming real. For the last two months I have been traveling to the EXACT trails and places I have watched videos about. Just want to say.... that you have it going on man. Great content.... for real ! Thanks for doing what you do.....

[@The_Sampler]

Huck yea Bill, thanks for the kind words my man!!

[@bigguy1110]

Plan to go to Pisgah next year after watching you, Seth, Phil, and Brian all ride there.

[@sinistert23]

Thanks to you I recently went to santos and alafia. It was a blast, thanks for the awesome videos.

[@simonfarr8670]

yeee boi #nodignoride! good to see trailwork on the mainstream! Pisgah Pride Day has really become something to behold!

[@ryans8907]

I appreciate you helping out NC for the better, ( from a fellow Carolinian)

[@The_Sampler]

Cheers dude!!

[@go-dog-go]

Sweeeet Trail!! That monument boulder by his tire at 2:58 is a 'snakebite' or chin buster at some point for someone ; )

[@jacobgionfriddo283]

Quality looks great 👍 Keep up the hard work man, really enjoying the vids

[@user93634]

This video get's me so stoked to be racing the Pisgah 111k this weekend

[@guitarguy4991]

Thanks for the trail work! Now round everybody else up from Florida and head home.

[@bigslacker666]

Haven't ridden one because of a youtuber but I have seen youtubers ride trails that I've ridden! :D Nice to see you out doing trail work Alex!

[@randallhosteen1578]

Watching your trail videos did inspire me to ride. Goodyear az, fins trail park is one of the first trails I have been on.

[@_zilo9000]

Man that section looks sick!!!!! Loved the line choices! I have wanted to do some trails that you guys do but I am working on my skill level but hope to travel to Pisgah. and shred on those trails

[@donbracci2199]

I live in Florida, but was vacationing in Tennessee. I decided to ride Baker Creek Preserve after seeing you and Brian riding it in a video.

[@_Schreintime]

Alex! I just got back from Bentonville because I saw you guys went there. Best mountain bike trip I've had!

[@johngiannone736]

Going to Pisgah in June because of the redemption series. Can’t wait!!

[@RickyDownhillRDH]

Excellent work on that trail, and the video!!

[@MTBGarage]

I used your videos, BlindstuffMTBs and BKXCs to plan my Pisgah trip, was NOT disappointed!

[@RideLabs]

It's interesting to think that all the trails we love have had people study and work on making each section the way it is. Then we fly down them and start seeing their vision the faster we go. I see this evident especially on more technical trails. Thank you for sharing this perspective.

[@eolle43]

Agreed about loving technical trails but I see the opposite. Mostly I have seen a dumbing down of technical trail that a new set of less experienced trail builders. Basically what I have seen is: paving over technical features that could be linked, adding half-assed water bars that have increased erosion, not following standard bench cuts guidelines or filling in drops/roots. However since this is all done by the local club the users of the trail are often marginalized for a younger age demographic.

[@RideLabs]

Eric O Yea, I've seen that too. When I said this, I was thinking about some trails I recently rode in moab and how they have just enough to make them rideable at speed, if you spot the line soon enough. It's genius! Regarding local trails, I guess I need to adopt one and learn to build the kind of tech trails I love. Now I just need more time 😁

[@RVANCE199]

Dude I absolutely only made the trek out to Windrock because of you and Seth's videos. Soooo glad I did! Horesface was rad!

[@CasualMTB]

Nice work Alex, looks great. I recently volunteered for the first time at my local trail on a build day, and while we just did some general maintenance and pot hole filling, it felt great to know that something I ride regularly has been fixed by me!

[@zachel]

Great job on the trail man! Those are my go-to's out there in bent creek! :) Hope to see you out on the trail one day!

[@L48R0D3N7]

I always scout out areas I hope/plan to ride on KZbin. Not always KZbinrs, some just regular dudes documenting their day on the trail.

[@logandavies6981]

I have been to both duthie hill and galbraith because of your channel, Seth's channel, and Brian's channel. Also I bought my fort mountain bike with money saved up over the summer mowing lawns and even though I'm only in 9th grade right now, I am saving up to live in a van during and possibly after college

[@tn8584]

Ridden a number of trails that first saymw on youtube. Awesome vid Alex. Will be cool to see a video of pure trail building, maybe share some of the thibgs you learn from building trails.

[@byronlangerman4468]

I'll be heading down early July and camping near Pisgah, I'm so excited to try some real mountain trails(I'm from the flattest part of Michigan)!

[@ltdanyj]

Nice work! It's always great to get out and give back to the trails!!!

[@tonyd8753]

I have not ridden trails that I've seen on youtube, but they are getting added to my list. I stick to local trails mostly but plan on checking out some of the Fruita and Moab trails you've talked about.

[@coasteringkid]

This section of trail was the first time I went otb😂. Thanks Alex! I chose the line to the right which has since become eroded with drops instead of going on the pristinely placed rocks. I was totally fine

[@The_Sampler]

Oh no dude!! hahaha I know the temptation of going of the rocks though, it's definiteily harder to stay on the inside. Glad you were all good tho!

[@cmagnell613]

My folks live down by Tampa about an hour from Alafia and I'm definitely planning on checking it out after seeing your and Seth's rides next time I'm down there.