If you want to build trail, either because you like it as much as riding, or because you need to pay off some sweat equity, you’ll have lots of opportunity to do so this fall. Below are 4 builds coming up in October all crammed into 3 weekends. In all cases the work proceeds rain or shine. Tools are provided as well as some light snacks, but please bring your lunch, extra water, work gloves and dress appropriately for the weather. Work boots are not required, but are highly recommended.

Saturday October 17th, 10am - 4pm - Don Valley

The Don Valley, specifically Crothers Woods, has seen a lot of trail building over the last few years, and it’s still going strong. Meet at the Loblaws trail head at 11 Redway Rd, near the back of the parking lot.

Sunday October 18th, 9am - 1pm - Seaton Hiking Trail

The Seaton Hiking Trail has historically been off limits to mountain biking (despite continuous use for 20+ years). With a new management plan being drafted we’re hoping that mountain biking will finally be a legitimate use. This is a chance to improve a trail that many have ridden, despite it being illegal, and show the other trail users that we’re nice people, hard workers, and love the trail as much as they do. So join The Friends of the Seaton Trail Group and members of your community in enjoying a beautiful Fall day while helping to clean up one of Pickering’s most incredible resources! You have two options:

1) General trail maintenance and cleanup, meet at Whitevale Community Centre Parking lot 405 Whitevale Rd., just east of Altona, or

2) Actual trail construction, nothing fancy but still involving some bench cutting, meet at the Forestream Trail trail head near Whites & Taunton at the bottom of “old” Whites.

You pick where you’re going to work. In both cases RSVP with info@seatonhikingtrail.org to let them know to expect you. And tell them the DMBA sent you.

Saturday October 24th, 10am - 4pm - Durham Forest

Following up on our successful build in Durham Forest this spring, we’ll be tackling another trail in Durham Forest. This time we’re building a new connector between “The Maze” and “The Pines.” This is part of a larger project that will start to rationalize the myriad trails in “The Maze” improving the overall connectivity and efficiency of the trails in that area of the Forest. We’ll be meeting at the “Towers” parking lot in the clearing on the Durham Forest property. For those who ride in the Thursday night series at Durham Forest this is the same location as the race start/stop.

Saturday October 31st, 10am - 4pm - Glen Major

As part of our National Trails Coalition grant we have to perfor 200 hours of volunteer work on the East Duffins Headwaters (this is the official name of Glen Major) property. This work fulfills that commitment. Currently the plan is to put the finishing touches on the new trail that is currently being constructed by Sustainable Trails. Meet near the new Wilder Property, on the West side of 6th Concession Rd., South of Albright Rd.