Why Supporting Your Local Mountain Bike Club Is a No-Brainer

Why Supporting Your Local Mountain Bike Club Is a No-Brainer

If you’re an avid mountain biker, you know how important it is to have trails that are not only fun, but also well-maintained and safe. But here’s the thing: those epic trails don’t maintain themselves. It takes time, effort, and yes—money. Enter your local mountain bike trail clubs and trail centers: the unsung heroes of our sport.

They’re the heroes, but they can’t do it alone. 

We get it. You’re busy. We all are. Maybe you don’t have time to swing a shovel on trail maintenance days. No worries—there’s still plenty you can do to make a big impact. 

Becoming a member is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to help. As HAFTA’s Paulo LaBerge puts it, “There’s strength in numbers… a greater membership base gives a trail association credibility and a stronger voice when engaging with stakeholders.” The more members a trail club has, the louder that voice becomes when it’s time to apply for grants, advocate for more trail access, or pitch improvements.

And that growing support base brings even more value. “Having a committed board and engaged membership base is critical for maintaining and improving a trail network,” LaBerge continues. More support means more trails, more events, and a tighter-knit community. Simple as that.

Still wondering “Why now?” Let’s talk about this past spring. A brutal ice storm tore through many trail systems across Ontario. MOC’s Johny Yeaman explains, “Clean-up efforts are like nothing we have seen before, but the community continues to rally. Dozens of volunteers and trail centre staff hours are being dedicated to getting trails back open.” By purchasing a trail pass, joining a club, or donating, you’re helping to buy equipment, fuel volunteer efforts, and restore trails to their pre-storm condition (or even better!).

Trail costs are rising, but so is the quality of the riding experience. Local trail centers are making serious investments—renting machinery, hiring staff, and expanding trail networks. The result? More diverse terrain, better maintenance, and exciting new projects to ride.

The benefits don’t stop at the trailhead either. MORCA’s Ryan Smith notes, “Local trail clubs… create recreational opportunities for all ages and support local businesses like breweries, hotels, and restaurants!” Trails generate tourism and fuel the local economy. It’s a win for everyone—from riders to restaurateurs.

Another important piece of the puzzle? Your local bike shop. Many are doing the heavy lifting when it comes to pushing trail support. As Dave Doherty from Flow Café & Bikes shares, “We help push trail memberships, sell their clothing from our shop, and ultimately collect more donations for trail projects. We also work to lower the cost of bikes for local schools and donate bikes to kids who wouldn’t otherwise have access.” Local businesses like Flow are partnering with clubs like WEBC to grow the sport, create new riders, and build stronger communities.

As Yeaman wisely says, “Supporting trail centres provides funding and a display of interest to encourage and support areas for new trail construction.” More support means more trails—sometimes even faster and better than before.

So, next time you’re cruising your favorite loop, take a moment to appreciate the people who made it possible. Better yet, join them.

Buy a pass. Join your local club. Volunteer when you can. Support your local bike shop. It’s not just about giving back—it’s about paying it forward.

We’re an incredible community. And one well worth supporting.