**Point #2**. Unfortunately, its not as easy as just delegating work out with a list. Land managers and permitting processes (and this does not apply everywhere. This applies where I volunteer, and with the land managers we, the NSMBA, deal with) make this challenging. So while we'd love nothing more than for everyone to be able to volunteer the maximum amount of time they could, it simply isn't possible. Specific tasks and jobs are permitted, and specific persons and permit holders must be there while work is performed. YMMV, depending on where you live.
Now, should that stop you from clearing some drains during a wet winter ride? ABSOLUTELY NOT. If everyone took 5 minutes from every winter ride to clear some drains and puddles.... man. It would make such a difference. So by all means. Pull some deadfall out of the way. Move some branches. Sweep some leave, move some loose rocks..... you get the idea. But unfortunately it just isn't really possible to totally delegate major (or even relatively minor) trailwork out to a list. If you'd like to do more work, reach out to your local organization who will likely be happy to connect you to the best route to helping out - this may be through structured trail work, or just connecting you with a local, permitted builder who's looking for a hand here and there. Its also very helpful to flag issues and problems on Trailforks.
We (the NSMBA) are trying to provide more opportunities, and smaller opportunities that require less commitment, for volunteerism as we're completely reliant on our volunteer leverage not only to accomplish our goals, but to maintain the level of work we need to to, and keep our relationships with land managers. There's a great calendar on the website to help out and give you a starting point. [[http://nsmba.ca/events/](http://nsmba.ca/events/) ]([http://nsmba.ca/events/](http://nsmba.ca/events/) );
The 'shame and blame' method isn't doing anyone any favors, as we all lead different lives, and have different constraints. But if you want to, there's always more ways to give back, and not all of 'em really require a whole heap of commitment. Next time you're out on a ride, ask who in your group is a member of your local advocacy and maintenance organization. And if someone isn't a member, no need to shame them about it, just ask why!
June 20, 2017, 2:40 p.m. - Cooper Quinn
**Point #2**. Unfortunately, its not as easy as just delegating work out with a list. Land managers and permitting processes (and this does not apply everywhere. This applies where I volunteer, and with the land managers we, the NSMBA, deal with) make this challenging. So while we'd love nothing more than for everyone to be able to volunteer the maximum amount of time they could, it simply isn't possible. Specific tasks and jobs are permitted, and specific persons and permit holders must be there while work is performed. YMMV, depending on where you live. Now, should that stop you from clearing some drains during a wet winter ride? ABSOLUTELY NOT. If everyone took 5 minutes from every winter ride to clear some drains and puddles.... man. It would make such a difference. So by all means. Pull some deadfall out of the way. Move some branches. Sweep some leave, move some loose rocks..... you get the idea. But unfortunately it just isn't really possible to totally delegate major (or even relatively minor) trailwork out to a list. If you'd like to do more work, reach out to your local organization who will likely be happy to connect you to the best route to helping out - this may be through structured trail work, or just connecting you with a local, permitted builder who's looking for a hand here and there. Its also very helpful to flag issues and problems on Trailforks. We (the NSMBA) are trying to provide more opportunities, and smaller opportunities that require less commitment, for volunteerism as we're completely reliant on our volunteer leverage not only to accomplish our goals, but to maintain the level of work we need to to, and keep our relationships with land managers. There's a great calendar on the website to help out and give you a starting point. [[http://nsmba.ca/events/](http://nsmba.ca/events/) ]([http://nsmba.ca/events/](http://nsmba.ca/events/) ); The 'shame and blame' method isn't doing anyone any favors, as we all lead different lives, and have different constraints. But if you want to, there's always more ways to give back, and not all of 'em really require a whole heap of commitment. Next time you're out on a ride, ask who in your group is a member of your local advocacy and maintenance organization. And if someone isn't a member, no need to shame them about it, just ask why!