Great trails don’t just appear. They’re imagined, funded, carved into landscapes, shaped by volunteers and professionals, and carried forward by generations of riders. Shimano launched Trail Born in 2024 with the simple but powerful mission to support the people and organizations building world-class trail experiences across the globe.

Through funding, storytelling, and on-the-ground partnerships, Trail Born helps create new trail systems, refresh aging favorites, expand access for kids and newcomers, and amplify the advocacy groups that make mountain biking possible.

As we look back on the first full year of the program and prepare to announce the newly awarded 2025 projects, it’s clear that Trail Born is already making a meaningful global impact. And we’re just getting started. Learn about the new programs awarded in 2025 here.

Trail Born launched with the goal of accelerating trail development in every region where riders are pushing boundaries and dreaming bigger. From major destination networks to kid-friendly community projects, the program is already setting a new standard for long-term, global trail stewardship. In just its first year, Trail Born-supported organizations have delivered measurable, meaningful progress including 46.22 km / 28.72 miles of new trail and includes major builds and rebuilds across North America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

With momentum building and new projects approved annually, Trail Born continues to help create accessible, sustainable, and exciting places to ride all over the world.

North America - The Ritz

Duncan, British Columbia, Canada

Before Vancouver Island became the global hotbed of next-level freeride talent, it earned its reputation through thoughtful, technical trail building, with roots, rock rolls, and cinematic lines carved carefully into old-growth forest. The Cowichan Trail Stewardship Society continues that legacy with The Ritz, a rebuilt trail that blends modern flow with classic island character.

• Advocacy Group: Cowichan Trail Stewardship Society
• Length: 1.3 km / .81 miles
• Status: Phase 1 complete in Fall 2024. Phase 2 “Memphis” expected Fall 2025
• Notes: Featured in Jackson Goldstone and Anthill Films’ Anytime and officially opened during Shimano’s XTR campaign

North America – Mt. Hough Trail Network

Quincy, California, United States 

The Mt. Hough project represents one of the most ambitious multi-year trail visions in the US, connecting communities, creating riding opportunities for all abilities, and building a marquee destination in the Sierra Nevada. Shimano has been a longtime supporter, and Trail Born will help push the network to its transformative completion.

• Advocacy Group: Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
• Length: 14 km / 8.6 miles (part of a 78-mile master plan)
• Status: Ongoing with full network targeted for completion in 2026

North America – San Clemente Pump Track

San Clemente, California, United States

Southern California’s riding scene thrives on community, progression, and year-round sunshine, and the new San Clemente Pump Track embodies all three. Designed to give families, kids, and adults a welcoming place to build skills, it will quickly become a centerpiece for local riding culture.

• Advocacy Group: Orange County Mountain Bike Association
• Length: 188m / 618 ft
• Status: Grand opening April 27, 2025

Oceania – Triple 3

Derby, Tasmania

Blue Derby has become synonymous with world-class riding with lush rainforest climbs, sculpted descents, and some of the hemisphere’s best backcountry singletrack. Triple 3 joins this celebrated network with a fresh, modern line built to celebrate a decade of world-changing trail development.

• Advocacy Group: Blue Derby Foundation
• Length: 1.37 km / .85 miles
• Status: Opened April 10, 2025, celebrating Derby's 10th anniversary

Europe – Drop Off Zone (OERR Loop)

Netherlands

The Netherlands may be flat, but its mountain bike community is anything but. Volunteer-driven building and creative use of terrain have helped the country become a surprising hotspot for innovative trail design. The OERR Loop’s new Drop Off Zone adds fresh features and excitement to an already thriving local network.

• Advocacy Group: MTBroutes.nl
• Length: 4 km / 2.49 miles
• Status: Completed Spring 2025

United Kingdom - HELFARE Highway powered by Shimano

Wales, UK

This unique collaboration blends Shimano support, Caersws Bike Park infrastructure, and Matt Jones’ unmistakable creativity to produce a trail designed for progression, style, and pure fun.

• Partners: Caersws Bike Park and HELFARE
• Length: 1.2 km / .75 miles
• Status: Opened Spring 2024

Africa – Needles for Speed

Cape Town, South Africa

Helderberg Trails is known for some of the fastest, most scenic riding in South Africa, and “Needles for Speed” lives up to the reputation. Created with input from Shimano ambassador Andrew Neethling, this trail is built to challenge experienced riders while staying accessible for advancing locals.

• Advocacy Group: Helderberg Trails
• Partner: Shimano ambassador Andrew Neethling
• Length: 1.5 km / .93 miles
• Status: Opened February 2025

Asia – Shimano Trail at Peak Mountain Bike Park

Nanjing, China

China’s mountain biking scene is growing rapidly, and Peak Mountain Bike Park is leading the charge with modern design, robust community programming, and progressive riding features. The Shimano Trail adds a signature, high-flow descent built for both speed and skill development.

• Partner: Peak Mountain Bike Park
• Length: 2.28 km / 1.42 miles
• Status: Opened April 2025

Trail Born is expanding, evolving, and accelerating trail development across the globe. With new projects approved each year and a dedicated website, riders will have even more ways to explore progress, connect with advocacy partners, and discover new places to ride.

Trail Born exists to support the organizations shaping the future of mountain biking. The dirt is moving. Stay tuned and follow along @shimanomtb #TrailBorn for more Trail Born stories ahead!