Now that we’re deep into the dog days of summer, we thought it high time to catch up with trails manager Patrick Rooney. Patrick came on board earlier this summer as SWMMBA’s first trails employee, working part-time on clearing, improving, and maintaining some of our favorite area rides. This position was made possible through the generous matching donation the Mayeda family made during Give Big Gallatin Valley. Thanks again to Tim and Maryanne for their generosity, and thanks to all the other community members who donated and made Patrick’s work possible.

SWMMBA: Remind us what you were doing before you came to work for SWMMBA. Where did you get your trail maintenance experience?
Patrick: I originally got my start as a volunteer wilderness ranger with the Forest Service in Leavenworth, Washington. After a season of stirring backcountry pit toilets pro bono, I managed to get a position on the USFS trail crew here in Bozeman.

My seasons working for the Bozeman Ranger District allotted me the tutelage of the most experienced and hardworking trail builders in the Rockies. After years of working throughout a variety of trails and landscapes, I decided it was time to focus energy into a mountain-bike community that has afforded me so many defining moments in my life. Joining SWMMBA as their first official Trails Manager has been enormously rewarding and makes me excited to see what can be accomplished in the future. 

SWMMBA: What is the biggest challenge facing our trails here in SW MT?
Patrick: That question is a real can of worms. I think it ultimately boils down to user group cooperation. From a distance, equestrians, dirt bikers, wilderness advocates, mountain bikers, and so on, all appear to be on vastly different wavelengths in terms of how they best see fit the conservation of the public lands and trails we hold so dear. Upon closer inspection, it's clear that 99% of values individuals hold dear are shared across user groups. We all want more access, especially to a small group of over-loved trails. As our community grows, and individual use of public land also increases, trail conflicts are sadly inevitable. It's up to us as a community to not only be stewards of the trails we already love but also to look towards alternative options and even new trail construction when appropriate. 

SWMMBA: As bikers, what can we do to be better stewards?
Patrick: Being sensitive and respectful of other user groups is always key. It's something I have noticed the moto community getting much better about, and I think mountain bikers could stand to learn something. I have lost track of the number of times bikers have ridden through my worksite while I have a tool in the dirt. With that being said, I think mountain bikers have a powerful ability to do minor trail work regardless of where they are riding. Nearly every time I try to pedal through the entire Truman Gulch uphill I fail. Instead of dwelling in self-loathing while I proceed to push my bike uphill, I pick and kick loose rock from the tread of the trail. Not all trail work involves chainsaws and tool use. Often the most effective work comes down to getting off your bike and spending five minutes pulling rock or knocking back overgrown vegetation. 

SWMMBA: What are some simple maintenance techniques all mountain bikers should know?
Patrick: I'm a huge proponent of flying light when out riding so I think knowing the limits of what's possible is key. Some of the biggest problems involving trails deal with inadequate sight lines and trail erosion caused by poor drainage.  Puddles, bushes, sticks and stones; all of these issues can be tackled via caveman-style digging utilizing a stick or rock, or with a small pair of garden shears that can fit in most people's bike shorts (or lycra if that's your thing). 

SWMMBA: What are you looking forward to with SW MT's biking future?
Patrick: New trails. Especially in SW MT we have a massive amount of super primitive trails that are shared across users groups. These are some of my favorite places hands down, however, I think the Gallatin Valley and Montana communities in general, need a set of system trails close to town. Copper City in Three Forks has blossomed into an amazing success and points to the fact that recreationalists are looking for a place where you can access a wide variety of trails without having to drive from trailhead to trailhead. 

SWMMBA: Given the challenges of COVID, how are you making the most of this summer's maintenance schedule?
Patrick: Ahh yes, ye ol’ 'Rona. The trails this season are busier than any I can remember. When combined with the necessity for social distancing a bit of a dilemma arises. Although trail work is one the safer activities during this crazy time, SWMMBA has most certainly had to pivot its typical operating procedure. Rather than casting a wide net with our volunteer recruitment, we have begun partnering with local businesses and organizations in an effort to both reduce group size and prevent unnecessary exposure amongst people who are not typically associated with each other.  We're also working to keep group sizes below ten, provide face masks and sanitizer, as well as encouraging folks to keep ample distancing while digging. 

SWMMBA: You have experience in the agency side of public-lands management and maintenance. What role do you see private orgs like SWMMBA playing? How can private-public partnerships improve resources and access? 
Patrick: The blessing of organizations such as SWMMBA is our ability to avoid bureaucratic gridlock (internally that is) and acquire funding through a myriad of methods. While working for federal agencies, you see what happens when every boss has a boss, and when funding can turn on a dime based on the current administration. It's during these times when the local and federal land managers struggle with employment and monetary restrictions that the work of volunteer groups becomes vastly more essential. 

Ultimately SWMMBA and many other groups are going to need to step up as trail use and total mileage increases. Our relationships with partners such as the Bozeman Ranger District are key to not only mountain-bike advocacy but to every user group in the forest. Every time a SWMMBA volunteer goes and clears a bike trail, it allows the USFS crews to go elsewhere, thus creating a highly productive partnership. As volunteer groups continue pushing for expanded access and trail improvement, land managers will be more apt to meet us at the bargaining table when they have witnessed time and time again what a positive effect we have on local communities and their respective trail networks. 

SWMMBA: Favorite trails. Pick three.
Patrick: Without giving away too many of my secrets, I'd have to say Grassy Mountain, Line Creek Plateau, and Mount Helena Ridge.

SWMMBA: Favorite après refreshment.
Patrick: Haha, oh man... nothing beats a post-ride White Clam.