photos by David Halterman

o you ever wonder who the trail angels are that keep your beloved singletrack so crisp? Or who fixed that section of the path that you kept rolling your ankel on last fall? Chances are, its your next-door neighboor, your postman or even the bartender from your favorite local pub. With nearly 3,000 registered volunteers, Trails 2000 has dropped sweat on nearly every mile of trail in the Durango area for nearly two decades. From organizing volunteers and coordinating projects to spending countless hours in the sun and dirt, the efforts of Trails 2000 are spread far and wide and enjoyed by all. But where do you learn the skills needed to build a proper switchback? And what exactly is sustainable grade? Lead by Mary Monroe, Trails 2000 trains all of its volunteers in proper trail maintenance and supplies them with the tools needed to keep our paths happy. Trails 2000 teamed up with IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) over the weekend for a Trailbuilding 101 class in the Grandview-Ridge area. TheTelegraphtagged along for a no-sweat, no-obligation look at what it takes to maintain the hundereds of miles of trailwork in and around the Durango area.

<br clear=" width="450" height="189" xwidth="450" xheight="189" /> Anna Laxague, with IMBA, briefs the crew on tool basics before they get out onto some trails. Marilyn McCord displays the groups emblem as volunteers work a section of trail. Gina Dorner, center, tests the crews recent work with a ride-over, giving the workers a much needed rest. Heather Griffith tags a tree in preparation for new trail construction with the help of IMBA member, Jason Wells. Mary Monroe, director of Trails 2000, talks dirt with Anne Laxague. Volunteers demonstrate the proper technique in maintaining a benchcut.