What To Do If You Ride Up On Someone Digging

If you’re out for a ride on a built trail, odds are you’re going to roll up on a trail builder eventually. Even if you’re out for a night ride, there are a select few dedicated builders you might surprise. When this happens, it’s important to know what to do.

1. Riding A Closed Trail - If you’ve ducked under a CLOSED sign, or stepped over a barricade, and you run into a builder actively digging, you’re going to want to prepare yourself for a solid can of whoop ass to be pointed in your direction. Rightfully so. There is no excuse for your actions, and you deserve the scolding you are about to receive. My advice? Don’t argue. Apologize profusely and leave immediately. Like, go home and think about what you’ve done and who you are as a person.
   
   
2. Try Not To Startle Them - If the trail builder is really in the zone, and doesn’t realize you have entered the chat, let them know the best you can, without startling them. The heart attack that can accompany a nice middle-of-the-woods surprise, is often not received super well. Calling out in a non-threatening voice, “Hey there. How’s it going today?” is a simple greeting that makes it clear that you are not an animal or someone patrolling the area.
   
   
3. Offer help - If the builder sees you coming: Stop, without skidding, set your bike down, and ask if you can help with anything for a little bit before continuing on. If they decline, don’t take it personally. If someone is in the woods, digging alone, it is probably because they want to actually be alone.
   
   
4. Be Actually Helpful - If the builder takes you up on your offer to lend a hand, go for something that is helpful to them without overpowering the situation. You are there as an assistant at this point, not an alpha. You can help fill, carry, or empty buckets of dirt. You can move debris out of their way. If there are extra tools, ask if you can use one of them to help and go for something simple. Raking is an easy one.
   
   
5. Thank Them -It is important to acknowledge and thank the builder, or builders, for all the hard work. Just try to not sound entitled, like they are doing it for you or your friends. Odds are, they’re not. You’re just lucky enough to reap the benefits.
   
   
6. Leave An Offering - When you get down to the bottom, leave a 6-pack or a beer if you can. If you can tell which car is theirs, or if you find an obvious spot, leave a note letting them know that you appreciate the work and to have a cold one on you.

A few things we strongly recommend AGAINST:

1. DO NOT attempt to ride past them or over the area they are working on.
2. DO NOT let them know that you would help, but you can’t, but they should hit you up next time. 
3. DO NOT inform them that you dig plenty, elsewhere.
4. DO NOT let them know about more work that needs to be done on the trail. 
5. DO NOT advise them on how you think the trail should be changed. 
6. DO NOT insert yourself into whatever they are working on. 
7. DO NOT ride the same trail again, right after. Give them space to work.

These are great guidelines for the sporadic run in. If you are running into this situation more often, you might want to reconsider your choice of riding zones. It could be an indication that you are riding in a No Dig, No Ride area. That could mean that these small gestures during your riding are not enough contribution to justify your repeated presence. If you are switching up your ride zones, and continue to run into someone, be diligent about following these guidelines. Eventually, the builders will get to know you and word will travel that you are considerate. They might offer you to join them for a dig day, or at the very least, be totally fine with seeing you repeatedly.