Managing Mountain Biking

Published: 2007 

Audience & Application 

This book is a foundational guide for establishing a common language and collaborative best practices between land managers and mountain bike organizations to ensure the success and sustainability of trail networks. 

• Land Managers: The book focuses on better management of trails by providing a comprehensive understanding of who mountain bikers are and what they want.
• Trail Champions & Trail Organizations: The book provides the communication and language needed to effectively collaborate with stakeholders and advocate for sustainable trail development.
• Recreation Providers: This resource helps providers answer questions like: "What makes one trail a success, while another is unpopular or the source of conflict?" and "Why do some trails last for decades with minimal maintenance?" It offers solutions to dozens of trail-related dilemmas, providing the framework for successful trail stewardship. 

About the Book 

The core goal of Managing Mountain Biking is to provide solutions for trail-related dilemmas by promoting effective collaboration and best practices. It is focused on helping establish a common language with mountain bike organizations to ensure long-term trail success. The book offers a collection of best practices for planning, designing, and managing successful trail networks and bike parks. The principles outlined not only help identify the causes of trail conflict or unpopularity but also provide the solutions to guide future trail development toward networks that are built to last for decades with manageable maintenance. It serves as an excellent complement to Trail Solutions: IMBA's Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack. 
 

While the book was published in 2007, the core message remains relevant today: successful trail management hinges on understanding user desires, promoting collaborative partnerships, and committing to proper planning, design, and maintenance. Readers are encouraged to reference the 2023 Mountain Bike Trail Development (link) book for updated, comprehensive guidance.