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A Dirt Revolution

Specialized Soil Searching

Trail builders are the unsung heroes of mountain biking. We are changing that. Specialized Soil Searching is a movement to recognize, celebrate, and support the trail builders who help shape our sport and our stoke.

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A Dirt Revolution

Specialized Soil Searching

Trail builders are the unsung heroes of mountain biking. We are changing that. Specialized Soil Searching is a movement to recognize, celebrate, and support the trail builders who help shape our sport and our stoke.

Pedal The Planet Forward

Since 2018, Specialized Soil Searching has provided financial, organizational, and outreach support for trail systems around the world. We focus on three essential and interdependent aspects of trail work—ambassadors, dig days, and fundraisers—to assist communities in maintaining and growing their trail networks. Trail advocacy is the right thing to do for the sport, supporting not just bike riding, but creating sustainable, multi use trails as well.

Pedal The Planet Forward

Since 2018, Specialized Soil Searching has provided financial, organizational, and outreach support for trail systems around the world. We focus on three essential and interdependent aspects of trail work—ambassadors, dig days, and fundraisers—to assist communities in maintaining and growing their trail networks. Trail advocacy is the right thing to do for the sport, supporting not just bike riding, but creating sustainable, multi use trails as well.

BY THE NUMBERS

IN 2019 AND 2020 SPECIALIZED SOIL SEARCHING SUPPORTED:

50 TRAIL BUILDERS
200 DIG DAYS
11,000 VOLUNTEER HOURS

Why not sponsor trail builders like athletes?

What if the outdoor industry sponsored trail builders the way it currently sponsors professional athletes? We are, it’s called the Specialized Soil Searching Global Trail Ambassador program. We’re supporting a group of Trail Ambassadors from around the world so they can focus on building and maintaining trails for us all.

Why not sponsor trail builders like athletes?

What if the outdoor industry sponsored trail builders the way it currently sponsors professional athletes? We are, it’s called the Specialized Soil Searching Global Trail Ambassador program. We’re supporting a group of Trail Ambassadors from around the world so they can focus on building and maintaining trails for us all.

We host, we dig!

We host Specialized Soil Searching Dig Days around the world. They’re a chance to connect with your trail community—to get your hands dirty, build awesome trails, ride bikes, eat warm food, drink a cold beverage, and meet great people. Keep an eye on Specialized Soil Searching for information on upcoming dig day opportunities.

FUNdraising

Trail building requires equipment, time, hard work, and some money to pay for much of the above. We host fundraisers around the world, where you can donate to a trail organization and get a chance to win some amazing gear or even custom Specialized Soil Searching bikes. We also provide grants and bike raffles to qualifying trail organizations, through the Outride Fund.

FUNdraising

Trail building requires equipment, time, hard work, and some money to pay for much of the above. We host fundraisers around the world, where you can donate to a trail organization and get a chance to win some amazing gear or even custom Specialized Soil Searching bikes. We also provide grants and bike raffles to qualifying trail organizations, through the Outride Fund.

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Jump the Dump

QUESTION: How much rock and soil does it take to build a mountain?

ANSWER: None, just a few metric tons of…well…garbage!
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Given to Fly

Some people change the world and are beautifully oblivious to the fact. Ron Ponney, Brad Stuart, Luke Beers and Eric Simmons are some of these people.
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The Constant Gardener

“Dillon Osleger is what you'd call a “gentle activist.” His passion for mountain biking, and his conviction for a healthier planet, bridge the gap between recreation and activism. Can a trail possibly preserve and protect what we hold dearest in our natural environment? Dillon shares his conviction with us, and we reckon he’s onto something.”
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Quiet Craftsman

When the earth speaks, Hylton Turvey listens, taking the time and care to carve trails in South Africa in a way that honors her presence. Soil Searching founder, Fanie Kok, shares this intimate profile of a man who has a true connection with the land he builds upon.
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Guardian of the Mountains

Ryo Hazuma is a man who can—and will—move mountains. Living in the Minami Alps of Japan, he dedicates himself completely to developing and maintaining trails at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, all while consciously bridging the generational divide.
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Tales from Tasmania

A professional chef turned professional trail builder. A racer turned wizard with an earthmover and a shovel. It’s safe to say that Ryan De La Rue and Rhys Atkinson never followed their guidance counselors’ advice. We’re glad they didn’t.
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For the Love of Flow

What do you do if you dream of riding renowned trails, but you aren’t lucky enough to actually live in a mountain biking Mecca? Caio Suzarte’s answer? You transform your home into a riding destination in its own right.
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Your Bike is Your Freedom

Is a pump track just a jumble of berms and rollers? A trail just a scratch in the soil? Not to Eduardo Arruda. Eduardo is changing his world, one brilliant track and trail at a time.
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Home, Home in the Van

Transforming a van into a rolling home on wheels may be many riders’ fantasy du jour, but Will Cadham and Mark Taylor (the “Free Radicals”), have been nomads on a trail riding—and trail building—mission for years now.
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