Rogue trails remain a controversial element of mountain biking, nearly no matter where you ride. They can be some of the best trails in any given riding area. They can also degrade quickly or, at worst, threaten access to other established trails.
Rogue especially thorny for trail organisations who are trying to convince land owners that they represent riders and can manage a trail network in a way that stems rogue trail building.
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But, sometimes, a rogue trail becomes so well established that it feels like it’s part of the official network, even if it is not. What then happens when that trail is slated for destruction? That’s the story told in Cambodia Recognition.
A long road to recognition, and a longer history off the books
Cambodia is a trail that was illegally build on Mount Seymour. It was initially one of the secret, unmapped trails outside the NSMBA’s network of sanctioned and maintained trails. It was eventually such an open secret that the land owner decided it needed to be shut down.
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Cambodia Recognition “tells the story of years of background advocacy, partnerships, and hard work that went into securing its future” as a newly sanctioned trail. Watch, and learn why there’s so much more to sanctioning a rogue trail than just adding its name to the official maps.
Then make sure you go join your local trail organisation and support their work!
Cambodia Recognition
Here’s NSMBA’s full description of Cambodia Recognition:
The North Shore Mountain Bike Association (NSMBA) is stoked to share Cambodia Recognition, a short documentary capturing the transformation of the trail on Mount Seymour. From a hidden gem slated to be decommissioned by the land manager, to an officially recognised part of the North Shore trail network.
Cambodia formally opened in June 2024. This video tells the story of years of background advocacy, partnerships, and hard work that went into securing its future.
Through membership support, volunteer efforts, and partnership funding from SRAM via the Trail Adoption Plan (TAP), NSMBA worked alongside Metro Vancouver LSCR to ensure the preservation, sustainability, and progression of this legendary trail.
Thank you to the original Cambodia builders, and all volunteers past and present.
Shout out to NSMBA Trail Crew: Daniel Shaw, Henry Fitzgerald, Bishop Carasquero, Marcus VanHeyst and Trail Director / Project Lead Sarah McLeod.
The support of this work is possible through membership, partnerships, and volunteers! Get involved at www.nsmba.ca or contact info@nsmba.ca.
A film by Ethan Reynolds.