I've always had an interest in pursuing a job in the MTB field, but the aspect of trail building intrigues me the most. I've done some research, but im not coming up with much. How can I gain training for an entry level position?
So which one are you mtby??? :devil:To earn a living building trails you either have to be lucky, or a hustler.
I would contact your local mountain bike club. They almost certainly have people who would offer experienced advice simply for allowing access to the finished product. You'll be much better off having good help and getting it right the first time than screwing it up and then having to fix it later. The cost of a mistake could be high in terms of land damage. It's a nobel thought, but don't try to go it alone. As for reading material, at the very least, buy IMBA's Trail Solutions and Troy Scott Parker's Natural Surface Trails by Design.I own my own mountain. I am days away from buying a used mini-excavator and start my own trail system. I have about 600 acres of terrain from flat cottonwood lined creeks to maple covered benches to steep-north-facing pine-covered slope. Several fantastic summit overlooks with huge views. There is really nothing there now but elk, deer and moose and of course cattle in the lower meadows all summer. My plan is 9-12 miles of trails that take advantage of all terrains and views, with some fun features.
Question1: I am looking at a 6000 lb Takeuchi 125 (4'9" blade and width) and a 3600 lb Takeuchi 016 (39-51 inch expandable width/blade). I need to do some other work like digging pipe trenches and building a real road or two. So, I'm torn. Thin for trails, or 4'9" for a middle ground all-utility excavator?
Question 2: Am I crazy to try this without professional advice and planning? I would rather do it myself and digest the reading materials and tapes to learn some layout, grade, drainage, esthetics and overall plan than pay someone. Funner that way. Forst places to go for reading materials?
Question 3: Any way to make $ with this, even a little? How about building something so good that you hold an event once a year. Anyone do this and generate a positive cash-flow? I am doing it for the fun and exercise, but I am always looking out for a $. And that would certainly skew the way I lay this out, if I thought that certain types of courses had more appeal.
Thanks,
JH