Trails in the BMX/ dirt jump world seem to come and go, often times leaving behind only memories and photos. In this instance, when we referring to trails, it is in the BMX context, where the definition of trails is significantly different from the MTB definition. BMX bikes are designed to jump dirt, and a typical session on a 20″ means fun, and that’s it. No heart rates, spinning, or aerobic threshold here. Just moving dirt with friends, grooming it, then riding it. The problem? No permission means usually means limited life spans for these riding spots created and christened with sweat, tears and sometimes blood. Unless you own your own property, (most kids that love dirt jump don’t) the solution is to search for a spot secluded and hidden enough they won’t be found, which is why spots like this kept a secret.
Since those days, the local trails were plowed a number of times, then new ones were started somewhere else. When there is a core group of riders and diggers, it is the cycle. Eventually a new set of trails were started and became known as the Harvest Trails, AKA the Gully.
We were fortunate enough to ride the Harvest Trails outside of Eugene, Oregon several years ago. Eugene has always had a strong dirt jump scene as long as I can remember. I spent several years living there in college, and helped dig when there were trails behind the BMX track. BMX racing was always a strong part of the scene, and where many riders got their start.
Since then, the trails evolved. The crew rolled up their sleeves and made their very own master pieces of dirt. I can’t imagine now many hours were put into these.
Harvest Trails from Nathan Sykes on Vimeo.
Read more at Tex Diesel
Editorial disclaimer: Ih8bikes makes no judgement as to whether building jumps and riding bikes on public or private land is right or wrong— but acknowledge that it is a reality of the sport. We have donated many hours towards the goal of building legitimate bike parks, (and sanctioned trails) and know how much labor goes into trails like these, and how bummed riders are when their spots are plowed. For a lot of these “kids” the other alternative, to not ride at all, is not an alternative.