So many great trails out there, how do you find them? The local trails are easy. They are close and you ride them all the time. Your friends know where they are too, so riding them is a no brainer. But what if you are going somewhere new? Here are a few sure fire ways to find the appropriate ribbons of loamy goodness…
YouTube – Before you go, or while you are there, search for MTB trails (or gravel/road routes) in the area you will be riding. More often than not someone has strapped a handful of GoPro’s to themselves and taken footage of the “best” local trails and no doubt given a full description of what those trails have in store. Of course, these are the filmers point of view and need to be taken with a grain of salt as to how gnarly or easy they may be – caveat emptor!
LBS – The best source for local trail info because it’s usually up to date and accurate. The folks at the shop ride too, and often, so they know what’s open (or not), and where to send you. Plan on spending a little time shooting the breeze with them, tell ‘em where you’re from, how you ride, how long you’ll be there and what you’re looking for and they may be happy to oblige. The friendly employees are also there to make a living, so pick up some merch while you are chatting them up and chances are, they will be more willing to share the good rides with you.
TrailForks/MTB Project/Gaiagps, etc. – apps are an easy way to find trails in the area you are headed to, and in your own backyard too. There are quite a few to choose from and each does the same thing a little differently. Free versions are available for most apps but plunking down a few bucks could make your experience much more rewarding. I recommend Trailforks. It is comprehensive, packed full of trail options from around the globe and a feature I find most helpful is that it uses GPS so after you have downloaded a map you don’t need cell service to navigate. Also, it links right to the map on your phone, so directions to parking near where your ride will start and end are a snap. Pro tip: getting the app of your choice before you go and spending a little time messing about with it can abate the confusion of being at a trailhead wondering how it works.
The rides and routes are out there, find them and go enjoy the ride!