They Said Building a Trail Here Was Impossible, We Did it Anyway | Skidmarks Ep. 5 | Driving Range

This was the Biggest challenge we've ever taken on. Hailey and I volunteered our summer to Build an adaptive mountain bike trail with BC inspired features. We are building through some of the most heinous boulder gauntlet. Everybody who walked this section said it was not going to be possible. Going into this phase of the build we knew this was going to be the most hardest part of the build but that's also what made this so rewarding.
This trail will be officially opening in 2024 as part the the Driving Range.
Guest appearances from ‪@BCpov‬ and ‪@VanGirlYuka‬
My Riding Channel ‪@SkillsWithPhil‬
Episode 1 • Building & Testing A T...
Episode 2 h • They Don't Teach This ...
Episode 2.5 • Clearing Trees After a...
Episode 3 • No Room For Error, Bui...
Episode 4 • No Turning Back, Build...
Episode 5 • They Said Building a T...
More Information
Where - Bolton Vermont
Name of trail System "Driving Range" Part of Richmond Mountain Trails
www.richmondmountaintrails.org/
/ richmondmountaintrails

[@PhilsWorld]

Looks like this video did something to make the KZbin algorithm happy. Anyway, if you're looking for more of this I have a whole playlist dedicated to this trail build kzbin.info/aero/PLzZW3ETdJHyV1wTAmtNHgx4wSS4B6iB18

[@dogfighter1]

I am impressed! You took some risk on that excavator. I was watching you on the edge of my seat.

[@PhilsWorld]

If it wasn't for the seat belt i would have slipped out of my seat on some of those descents.

[@scotth2728]

@@PhilsWorldlooks like good place for a four point harness!

[@matt45540]

​@@scotth2728It seems like you could add a winch on the top of the excavator too as a safety line, I see them doing that in the logging industry a lot

[@MichaelRei99]

I think the term a man and his excavator seems appropriate here! It is so cool that Hailey enjoys working with you on the trail. I’m stoked for you being able to get to do something you love to do for a living. May you be able to continue doing so as long as you wish!! Thanks Phil for the endless hours of entertainment!

[@KestrelYI]

Thank you all very much for the hard work!

[@PhilsWorld]

Our pleasure!

[@Flyingcow2021]

The home stretch! This has been such a fun series to watch, and so cool to see some adaptive riders finally getting to check it out. That's gotta be the best payoff for all the hard work that's gone into this.

[@MtbKING27]

I love when Phil posts. Hopefully someday I’ll get to meet him.

[@PhilsWorld]

It's a small world, and the mtb community is even smaller!

[@MtbKING27]

Hopefully 😂

[@d.russell8303]

He's a great guy. One of the hardest working men I know. Respect Phil. ✌

[@MichaelRei99]

@@d.russell8303When you are doing what you love it’s really not work .

[@Trick2stroke]

Top notch work on this! Wouldn't expect anything less. Excellent excavator operation and attention to detail on the trail. You really can't beat someone building the trails that is passionate and knowledgeable about what a good trail consists of.

[@Dix-OnBik3s]

Absolutely Got Me! 15m in 'oh yea, the mans shrapenin' his chain, good call' right into 15m10s and you cut a "Check Out This Caterpillar!!" In. I died. That was gold. Watching you run stick on that mini ex is Diggin' ASMR for me as a builder. Keep up the rad Diggin' and Ridin' 🤙

[@newenglandagingrider1738]

You excavator skills have come a long way since you first bought the machine. I am looking forward riding the completed trail next season. Thanks for everything you and Hailey do for the local MTB scene.

[@PhilsWorld]

Thank you! I've definitely gotten better but the editing helps mask some of my incompetencies haha. I've still got a lot to learn!

[@jrbrumley9334]

WOW, just WOW!!! Fantastic job and you really put the mini excavator through its paces without a doubt. Thanks for sharing! J.R.

[@thereal_mikegnorp]

Love this trail building series. It's always nice to see @BCpov and @VanGirlYuka 😊

[@kendallc8807]

In awe of your skills on a bike AND in the digger. Ever thought of opening your own trail building business?

[@PhilsWorld]

I'm considering it. I really love riding and I really love building. I wish i had more energy and time to be able to do more of both (and also edit), but I'm always having to sacrifice one for the other. It's why i didn't post as much riding content this season as i have in the past but this project meant a lot to me and thought it was a worthwhile tradeoff.

[@MichaelRei99]

@@PhilsWorldAlthough I love watching you ride I find watching you build to be so much more satisfying! Having time conflicts about which things you get to do that you love is a good problem to have!😊

[@chrisfinney1905]

I believe you have the biggest balls in the world... mini excavator, steep mountain terrain usually don't mix! But you sir have made it look somewhat easy...when we all know it isn't. My hats off to you Mr Big Balls! I'm Amazed with your skills. I'm an operator by trade and I don't think I'd ever try to do what you're doing! Bravo!!

[@matt89447]

Thanks for sharing. Wish I was young again, pushing 69 in July. You've got some nads maneuvering that like a mountain goat. Good luck !!

[@user-ln4iv4dz5j]

This is awesome. Glad you're not listening to the naysayers. Imagine the years of enjoyment you'll get from this project. It'll keep you going through the difficult times.

[@PhilsWorld]

It's one of the most memorable summers I've had, regardless of what other people say, it was well worth it.

[@sparkyplugclean2402]

Love the trail, beautiful work on it.

[@leelewis7314]

good day to one and all... great job on the build you guys, great!... 1 of the 1st big rock obstacles you worked on, (not sure where), you left it on place and ended up building a series of rock steps around it.... Perfect!!!... at the time I had no glue about adaptive features, they are so needed, I imagine... so now I understand why you covered the 2 step options up.... but I gotta say, they need to be a feature somewhere!!!... well done young man, young lady, well done!!!

[@alyx680]

Adding a comment for the algorithm. Been a sub for 5/6 years now, got to meet you out here in Cali at the US Fox open, took a picture with me for my son which was super cool of you. I rarely comment but this one DEF deserved all the clicks/comments/everything, the work put in to build an adaptive trail, the giving nature of it is exactly why I build and ride. Most of the time the MTB community ROCKS! Keep being awesome!

[@PhilsWorld]

That was a fun event, i have fond memories of it. As someone who doesn't comment much on stuff these days myself, I get it and I also appreciate that you left one on this video. Thank you!

[@jimmorrisy7881]

You’ve got some balls, my friend. They watching you ride your bike down the trail explained why. Your maneuvering that excavator across and down that steep slope on soft material was very impressive.

[@JeepingNet]

Wow that trail is amazing! Great job

[@nobitsapothecary]

thanks for all the hard work building and editing hours of footage. i love these videos!

[@PhilsWorld]

Thank you! I was originally going to make this the last video, but I had 7 hours footage when I laid it out on the timeline so I divided the last video in two parts.

[@chsrcworld168]

😍😍😍You excavator skills so nice. I love this small one.

[@woweeoi11]

Diesel fuel $126, rake $32, GoPro $250, the price of documenting and building a sweet trail with your partner? Priceless

[@PhilsWorld]

These videos are fun trips down memory lane. Even though we lived through this not that long ago, its easy to forget all the things that happened along the way.

[@paulweakley3440]

Pretty awesome. I've been building community trails in my neighborhood for three years manually / used arborist mulch. I'm impressed with your dedication! Looks great

[@fabricationnation8052]

Love these videos....kelp up the good work.....I love that you and you're wife get to do this together

[@fivetool]

What a great trail. Great content, Phil. Seeing the adaptive riders trying it out brings it all home.

[@PhilsWorld]

It was really awesome seeing how stoked greg was about the trail. It's be a fun challenge building a trail that I want to ride but also something that will work and be fun for adaptive riders.

[@AnsariBaksh]

That looks like fun 😃

[@marksibel4853]

I stand in awe!

[@PhilsWorld]

Still hard to believe all the work that went into this!

[@seandunlap1743]

Phil, My 13 y.o. and I ride Lees McRae on the regular. Such fun stuff in there! Wife is an alum as well... and me? NH native myself. Keep sending us the good stuff and we'll keep watching. Stay safe!

[@Rec_hunt_fish]

That was a black bear i seen at 56:24 into this right? so cool but glad he didnt decide to get a closer look at the trail, Awesome work on the trail

[@PhilsWorld]

It was! At first Thought it was some of the chipmunks going at it but the noises sounded larger. Luckily black bears are more scared of us and leave us alone. I'm surprised that was the only bear sighting i had this whole summer out there.

[@MichaelRei99]

@@PhilsWorldI’m sure that excavator looks like a intimidating monster to a bear.

[@PhilsWorld]

Haha very true!

[@vladamirtepes5567]

I see you're becoming a lot more proficient and confident with the Mini Ex. Can't wait to come check the trail system out when it's officially open.

[@dennisboyd1712]

Great Job, wish it was near where I ride

[@maxvinzi]

Love these long trail building vids Phil! I know it’s probably a ton of work for little results but we love it. Can’t wait to finally get up to vermont from mass this year and try out all the trail systems! Driving range, cady hill, perry hill, and of course kingdom trails!

[@PhilsWorld]

Thanks! This is just down the road from Perry Hill! I'd suggest looking at Cochrans while you're in the area but there's a lot of good riding all over the place here.

[@OverlandGeneration]

that machine has become an extension of you! Nice Job!

[@suragencia]

Hailey is a 10! Verry lucky guy Phil...

[@jayesh5131]

Fr So supportive 🙏

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome

[@CP-qx2ff]

What a good looking trail. It's crazy how many hours of building go into a minute and a half trail.

[@Andrea.in.the.outdoors]

Nice video!

[@ethanhelm1852]

Yes finally he uploaded I have been checking everyday for 2 months

[@MrSaemichlaus]

Archaeologists in 300 years: oh look the romans constructed downhill tracks up here!

[@Friskee62]

NICE work you guys....

[@PhilsWorld]

Thanks Thomas! We were exhausted of after this one

[@r.ccustomtruckingsydneyaus4632]

this is going to be a sweet track .

[@helicopter269]

Your doing a great job there

[@PhilsWorld]

🙏 thanks man, it's been a lot of hard work but super rewarding!

[@TheRotundRider]

Love these videos. And as always I'm seeing Eric and Yuka on other people's channels rather than their own. LOL

[@HinhNay-fi2yz]

Chào bạn cảm ơn bạn đã chia sẻ video này chúc bạn thành công và sức khỏe luôn luôn và hạnh phúc gia đình ♥️♥️♥️

[@Agustin-jo8mv]

Dude! The dang video recommendations at the end blocked my screen. I am not a mountain biker but this was sick!

[@chalkrockranch]

Wow! I'm a horse/trail guy, rather than a bike/trail guy, but that is pretty incredible. Great work! Thx KZbin algo.

[@PhilsWorld]

The KZbin algorithm mystifies me! But from one trail user to another thanks for the kind words and happy trails!

[@sparkyplugclean2402]

I was watching you just before the camera cut out, saying to myself "I like the technique this guy uses of running the boom off where he can see the bucket. I guess we're about to see with that rockpile he's climbing into whether he's been operating for longer than I have. Skillfully done getting through there, but the answer is no if that was the sketchiest he's been into." Getcha a winch mounted on a sledge with a battery so you can recover your excavator if you do roll it. My little 300.9 has been on its side 4 times, only twice on purpose. Oh, I've been running excavators of one type or another since I was about 4, in my forties now.

[@hazelbrown3695]

That run is so scary and bit dangerous but you all done amazingly down this mountain

[@oxford821]

This is the best trail making video ever. Your skills are amazing on those slopes. Are you anywhere near Northern Pa ?? I have property that needs a trail!!!

[@markdyson9190]

The austic bmx bob the builder. It’s a fun time watching.

[@50Acres]

Hey Phil the trails look awesome, I'm so jealous you get to trail build. That was a whole reason I bought my land in the first place but just have never had time. Have you ever considered building an excavator bypass rather than abandoning a line? Complete the tough section by hand and then fill in the bypass once the trail is done?

[@PhilsWorld]

If you go back to the previous few videos we've built a few hand built a line option where i couldn't or it didn't make sense to build with the excavator. That line wasn't part of the original plan, and what we came up with is arguably as good.

[@vtjpd]

Love any videos on the maintenance of your excavator. New Cat 301.8 operator here learning the ropes. 110 hours and two summers of projects in.

[@PhilsWorld]

I'm assuming you found my channel through this video but incase you didn't I'll link it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4WnhIifnL-Kgac What kind of work do you do?

[@vtjpd]

@@PhilsWorld I believe that was the first one of yours I watched. I push paper for the feds, but have 10 acres in Milton, VT that I have clearing projects and culvert replacements that are needed. Would love specific info on how much grease goes in when you do those three different zerk fittings for the “house bearings.” Figured at 5 years 0% and inflation the way it's going when I bought, I'll get my projects done and maybe even sell later at a profit 😉

[@keithbrettell2058]

As a ♿ user myself, it was neat to see the guy in the three wheeler come down the trail👍

[@PhilsWorld]

Greg is the man! He's been the person who makes sure everything we do is working and points out any issues along the way. This whole trail network is (as far as i know) is the first trail network in the US thats being built from the start to be adaptive bike ready. As a builder its fun because it adds a few challenges on how things can be built while still having challenging features for different users.

[@philkerr4548]

👏

[@timgarland5949]

In a word: TERRIFYING! I enjoy watching you ride things that I have no skill to get even close to (ie: The Diving Board). But for pure KZbin terror, there is nothing like an excavator on sketchy terrain! The shots you "missed" were probably just your GoPro freaking out and forgetting to record. Keep up the good work and be safe.

[@sithebugguy3193]

i envy you. looks like a gret stress-free life

[@timlewis5096]

My height phobia would mean a carefull , slow scramble down. You made a fantastic track and I hope many years of fun, excitement and few injuries result from its use Well done

[@MTB_Corbin]

3:53 my anxiety was peaking lol

[@PhilsWorld]

That moves wasn't that bad, definitely not a place where i wanted to mess up, but the thing where the camera cut out had me pretty tensed up for a bit!

[@user-ii7qi2cw3u]

I admire it! What is the total length of the trail? And how long did it take you to master it?

[@giggitygiggitygoofg6069]

That trail looks great and will work great as long as its bone dry but all those rock surfaces you got layed out are gonna become deadly once its wet it'll be worse than ice so you need to clearly sign post these area as people are idiots and sadly will slip, fall, then Sue you for their own stupidity. Just a warning to be careful and wish you all the best. Very nice work & great video.

[@PhilsWorld]

This is a black diamond mountain bike trail, roots, rocks, and technical features are to be expected risks when riding down such a trail.

[@Melicoy]

20:00 cant sneak excavator through the gap. Then sneaks it through lol

[@PhilsWorld]

I didn't show it but gap was more narrow higher up because the tree had a slight lean to it. So while my tracks fit through the gap at the base the excavator didn't fit higher up.

[@heartchase6284]

1:0:1:57 mouse coming to check what all that racket is

[@PhilsWorld]

Hehe I didn't catch that before! It's hard to tell, but that's most likely a chipmunk. There were dozens of them and were causing quite the ruckus!

[@timkirkpatrick9155]

as a down hiller from decades ago, I can say sometimes the word choice makes a difference. You may be physically able to build it but is the slope and soil actually good to build on.

[@gojoe36]

Use a cordless Sawzall with a Pruning blade to do all tree work near rocks and the ground. The blades are cheaper than that chainsaw blade when you hit a rock.

[@PhilsWorld]

Good thing chains are meant to be sharpened. :)

[@doctajuice]

Trail difficulty rating - green, blue, black, double black, Phil built it 😂😂

[@stepano1456]

한국이였음 굴착기 사장님 내공으로 나오는 바위는 정갈하게 담을 쌓았을 텐데 ... 영상도 좋고 장비도 좋고 작업도 잘하시네요.

[@brly9243]

Bet you unearthed hundreds of arrowheads on the trail 😊!

[@PhilsWorld]

I wish! If I did, I didn't see them. I did find a bunch of old logging gear like rusted oiling cans. Not nearly as cool.

[@sithebugguy3193]

44:35 what that first step its a doozi!

[@dipperfox]

Seems like a stump crusher might have come in handy here.

[@PhilsWorld]

It would be nice at times but bringing in additional equipment is always a bit of a hassle. Here the only practical way to get equipment in is to go all the way to the start of the trail and hike it down. So you try to do what you can with the tools you have.

[@DustyLaman-tz7yr]

56.25 a bear runs by down the hill from where you two are hand playing rocks

[@PhilsWorld]

Yup! I was actually filming the bear on my phone. honestly for how much time we spent building out there in surprised that was the only time we crossed paths.

[@keyboardwarrior9199]

Is there a reason why you don't use the tree trunks to help armour the sides of the track? Is it just because you got lots of rock to use and its preferable?

[@mindofmission]

What species of animal was that @ 1:23:53? Walking left to right below you? Anyway, great work you two!! 💪🏻👍🏻 I will not suggest that I know the fine details of how to trail build, but I would like to mention that a good mason chisel may help in sculpting your rock obstacles.

[@PhilsWorld]

That was a black bear, not uncommon to see around here but that was the only one i saw during this whole build throughout the summer.

[@good5402]

산길 내는거 좋다

[@bexo34]

Hailey putting in work!! Where is this Phil?

[@PhilsWorld]

It's in Bolton Vermont at a new trail network called the driving range. It officially opened this past August. For what it's worth here's the trail map, but this trail (Skidmarks) isn't on the map yet. www.trailforks.com/region/the-driving-range-51149

[@bexo34]

@@PhilsWorld I thought so. Knew you'd been building there. Can't wait to hit it.

[@johncorreia9041]

did anyone else see the black bear?? when the was filling in the hole with rock. at around a little before, timer, 58:26/1:23:54

[@PhilsWorld]

You can just barely tell but I was filming the bear with my phone, he was making quite the racket.

[@paulweakley3440]

What is the machine you are using? Really I'm just curious on how powerful it is.. thinking about renting something similar to do similar trail building work. Just looking for 'What should I be looking for' cuz your machine seems to be about the perfect size.

[@PhilsWorld]

With Caterpillar, the size of the machine is the 2 last numbers, so this is a 301.7, which is a 1.7 ton machine. It's comparable to a kabota u17, john deere 17g. All those are zero tail swing models so if you are next to a wall the back end doesn't overhang the tracks. Most companies have a model in that range. Most rental's dont have thumbs, but if you can find one that does (especially hydraulically like mine) its very useful. I will say, I've built stuff by hand my whole life but there was a steep learning curve to learn how to build with a machine. I found that the first time i used it i made a huge mess. It wasn't the controls that took a while to get used to but the process and organization of materials.

[@paulweakley3440]

@@PhilsWorld Very helpful. Thank you

[@JD-db5cr]

3:59: Punjabi beats.

[@wandaeades7274]

Where are you located. I thought you were down south but my husband said Vermont !

[@PhilsWorld]

Your husband is spot on, this is in Vermont.

[@wandaeades7274]

It so pretty and green! I'm in NC. where we have blue mountains!

[@PhilsWorld]

My wife and I both went to school in Banner Elk, western NC is beautiful!

[@IAOCCChaps]

Sure looks like a black bear went across the bottom of the hill at 56:20...

[@PhilsWorld]

Yup that's why i zoomed in and slowed down the footage for a second. Surprisingly that's the only one i saw the whole summer

[@phillipshearer6844]

Did you see the bear running pass you guys

[@PhilsWorld]

Yup! We heard him crashing through the bramble. Luckily black bears are pretty harmless, they are usually more scared of you. 🐻

[@michaelchamberlain4618]

That was a mudslide You put the rock doll down low not up on the hill cuz slide down and plug up your rent your trail

[@leandrops2489]

you could make this part of the trail with lumber, too much easier

[@PhilsWorld]

Everything has trade offs. Wood rots and doesn't last especially around here. I like wooden features but their lifespan is pretty limited. It's also either time consuming to make lumber provided you have rot resistant trees to work with; or if you buy lumber its expensive and needs to be hauled into the woods which can be labor intensive too.

[@leandrops2489]

@@PhilsWorld I hope you can achieve your goals,

[@tomtj460]

Music at 4.25?

[@PhilsWorld]

Search for "streets of punjab" - its from KZbin music library for creators. It's worth noting, these days KZbin often automatically IDs music and lists the track below and they're usually pretty accurate.

[@regconrad7783]

Man I thought I had a beast 299c Skidsteer sideboom mulchers 6 way blade calm buckets ect 150k in attachments for trail Maintance that lil hoe is a champ awesome video

[@PhilsWorld]

This mini excavator really punches above its weight. What mini skidsteer do you have? I have a ditch which sk350, I actually had no idea they had 6 way blades for mini skidsteers. I shouldn't be surprised though since there's literally an attachment for everything 😂

[@Chrislimey38]

Is this going to be a Hiking Trail?

[@PhilsWorld]

This a Mountain bike trail, there's a few clips towards the end of us testing it.

[@Knuf024]

56:23 was that a black bear?

[@PhilsWorld]

Yup, sure was!

[@Knuf024]

@@PhilsWorld 😱

[@Knuf024]

@@PhilsWorld also, Matt Carriker over on Demolition Ranch and Off the Ranch is rebuilding a ranch in Texas. Thinking about trails on the property, figured I'd plug you. Would be an awesome collab.

[@PhilsWorld]

@@Knuf024 Black bears aren't anything to worry about as long as you try not to pet them. They're more scare of humans and tend to avoid us.

[@Knuf024]

@@PhilsWorld I'd be absolutely frozen lol

[@mitkoshredder]

Nothing is Impossible

[@jayesh5131]

1 hour of pure cinema 🤌❤️‍🔥

[@robertlane3513]

I for one do not need music, i can watch with out it.

[@PhilsWorld]

You are free to make your own channel and edit your own videos :)

[@jayesh5131]

​@@PhilsWorldDamnn😂

[@davidross5169]

Use a rock,

[@guest6423]

Machines = meh. They prevent the finest outcomes.

[@PhilsWorld]

I agree, I actually prefer hand building. The outcome is always way more interesting, but unfortunately it's just way more time consuming. If i had infinite energy and time i'd do everything by hand.

[@shartne]

WOW

[@MountainGurkha14]

Wow Very good Job God bless You 💯❤👍🙏 New Subscribe

[@samgolin7629]

木炭可以切成燒木材使用冬天來時……

[@keithbrettell2058]

This trail was a heck of an undertaking, how long is it?👍🚵‍♂️

[@PhilsWorld]

I don't have that figured yet! I never got around to measuring it before the snow fell. We'll be opening this trail in the spring , so lll get a chance to track the length then.