Fargo-Moorhead Trailbuilders prepares local trails for the winter season

FARGO, ND (Valley News Live) – After Fargo-Moorhead’s first snowfall of the year, a local nonprofit is busy preparing our trails for the rest of the winter season.

Whether you’re snowshoeing, hiking or fat biking, The Trailbuilders has you covered. Since 2010, the volunteer-based group has maintained trails such as MB Johnson, Gooseberry, Horn Park and others.

“Our mission is to build, maintain and promote natural surface trails in the FM area,” said Laurens Robinson, CEO of The Trailbuilders.

Doing so is a very complicated process. “So, what we do is we organize stepping stones to find the trail, then we come in with a final groom with a snow dog. A snow dog is a machine that sits on a single belt, it’s kind of like a snowmobile without skis on it, it only has one track. We’re standing on a groomer platform and we’re just riding it!” Vice President, Tim Krieg explained.

They ride the snow dog and pack down the snow to ensure a smooth journey. “You kind of have to baby it. It’s different than a summer trail but once it gets hard and packed… you can practically ride a Harley on it,” added Krieg.

The organization is currently recovering from a recent theft, where over $3,000 worth of equipment was stolen from their warehouse.

The thieves got away with saws, shovels and several other power tools.

A big hit for the small non-profit.

“A lot of the tools that were taken, we use them during the summer months, so it’s not detrimental right now that we’re missing those tools, but we want to have them replenished come spring,” the VP said.

Junkyard Brewing Company will be holding a Winter Trail Rally at their Moorhead location to help support The Trailbuilders following the theft incident.

The fundraiser is set for December 5, starting at 5:00 PM Every pint of beer sold at this event will contribute $1 to the nonprofit.

In the meantime, they remind you of what you may need to have a successful trip during our cold weather months.

Robinson said: “It’s important to have the right clothes and always wear a helmet. It’s also a good idea to have goggles. Just be safe and have fun! If you’re going to go out there, you need to prepare to be out in the cold for a while !”

Out in the cold, but always feeling the warm hearts of the winter cycling community.