We’ve said it plenty of times, and it still holds true. Sometimes the simplest solution is the most efficient. The most efficient is often the best. So when it comes to navigating the trails at speed, keep it simple.
If you’ve ever ridden a trail for the first time, you probably know that being able to anticipate your next turn by markings isn’t just about speed, it’s about safety. Riders need to be able to react to markings consistently to keep their eyes on the trail, not scouring some blurred sign that’s too complicated or too far from the turn.
Many trails have opted for trail posts at intersections that help all trail users to accurately judge their progress along the full loop. Paired with an accurate map and a consistent series of kiosks, trail navigation on foot or slow speeds is easy. It can still have some drawbacks, especially at busy trail systems. Groups stopped or slowed to look at maps are a hazard and the risk is at its highest when that bunch-up happens at intersections. At peak times of the season and popular times of day, that can lead to issues, negative interactions, and even safety concerns.
Using something quick identifiable like a color has been a great tool for trail organizations for years. Whether named uncreatively, like Red Loop, or assigned to more memorable routes, being able to count on looking for just one hue and following it at every turn makes things a lot more efficient and much safer.
We’ve worked with Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association to develop the ultimate in simple, effective trail markings that use trail posts already installed at their trails and many mountain biking and hiking locations across the country. These Trail Post Markers offer trail associations a cost-effective way to offer the locals and visitors a simple way-finding system that last. Made of stainless steel, these post caps are designed to go over a post that’s been spray-painted the right color. Just color your loop, then toss on the caps in numerical order. The caps themselves won’t ever need replacing, and touching up color is easy whenever it needs it.
It also makes it easy to make changes to your trails. With a lot of traffic comes erosion, something more trails are fighting by changing trail directions weekly or seasonally, or by offering riders changed recommended loops to influence how the trails are ridden in.
Like nearly all of our trail products, we offer custom branding to make sure trail users know who is building, maintaining, and protecting the trails in their neck of the woods.
Learn more about the Trail Post Marker and everything else we offer trail associations at up.bike, and ask about our Shred and Share program too.