Orbea and IMBA join forces through the first ‘Design, Construction and Maintenance of Sustainable Trails’ course
There’s no doubt that trails connect us. For some, they are a simple link between one point and another; for us, they are a space in which happiness is born. A good trail brings us the purest feelings of freedom and creates an almost primitive connection with nature through our bike.
But, as with other things, it’s essential to take care of and maintain these small pockets of freedom for riders. At Orbea, we stepped forward to partner with IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) and promote the practice of good trail construction and maintenance. In fact, it’s not just essential, it’s necessary.
Educate, then enjoy
On Friday, November 12, the first edition of the Trail Building School was held in the town of Pola de Gordón (Castilla and León, Spain), a course on Design, Construction and Maintenance of Sustainable Trails. Trail builders from all types of terrain across Spain attended this three-day course to hone in on the specialized technique of trail construction.
During the course, students and instructors covered all topics relating to trail building, from legislation and required authorizations to build new trails, to specific construction techniques, tool handling and sustainability.
Although theoretical conversations were essential, the course also focused on an obviously practical part: getting students into the field to build their own trails, working side by side to design and construct a real trail.
Direct from the EWS
A very special participant attended the course: former Orbea Fox Enduro Team rider and new Orbea ambassador, Gabi Torralba. The Aragonese cyclist, who is very interested in trail building techniques, participated with the goal of acquiring new methodologies and expanding his knowledge in this area.
“They taught us techniques to build trails that are sustainable, drain water well and have much more flow,” said ‘Torrambo’ of the course’s key topics. The Enduro World Series rider led by example during the course, showing the group that it’s everyone’s responsibility to take care of what makes us vibrate the most.