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A DIRT REVOLUTION
Soil searching

TRAIL BUILDERS ARE THE UNSUNG HEROES OF MOUNTAIN BIKING.
Specialized are going to change that.

Soil searching is a movement to recognize, celebrate, and support the trail builders who help shape our sport and our stoke.

STOKE BUILT HERE
Dig days

Specialized host a series of sponsored Soil Searching Dig Days around the world. They’re a chance to get your hands dirty, build awesome trails, ride bikes, eat warm food, drink cold beer, and meet great people. 

We recently joined forces with friends and riders within the industry and head out to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve where Specialized has had a huge impact in the trail network which is enjoyed by many riders, runners and hikers.

SUPPORTING THE UNSUNG HEROES
Global trail ambassadors

What if the outdoor industry sponsored trail builders the way it currently sponsors professional athletes? Actually, that’s a no brainer — we should be doing that, so we are. It’s called the Soil Searching Global Trail Ambassador program.

Specialized are providing a group of Trail Ambassadors from around the world with stipends, custom Soil Searching bikes, and additional support.

QUIET CRAFTSMAN


When the earth speaks, Hylton Turvey listens, taking the time and care to carve trails in South Africa in a way that honours her presence. Soil Searching founder, Fanie Kok, shares this intimate profile of a man who has a true connection with the land he builds upon.

Guardian of the mountains

Ryo Hazuma is a man who can—and will—move mountains. Living in the Minami Alps of Japan, he dedicates himself completely to developing and maintaining trails at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, all while consciously bridging the generational divide.

READ THE STORY

Tales from Tasmania

A professional chef turned professional trail builder. A racer turned wizard with an earthmover and a shovel. It’s safe to say that Ryan De La Rue and Rhys Atkinson never followed their guidance counselors’ advice. We’re glad they didn’t.

READ THE STORY

For the love of flow

What do you do if you dream of riding renowned trails, but you aren’t lucky enough to actually live in a mountain biking Mecca? Caio Suzarte’s answer? You transform your home into a riding destination in its own right.

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Your bike is your freedom

Is a pump track just a jumble of berms and rollers? A trail just a scratch in the soil? Not to Eduardo Arruda. Eduardo is changing his world, one brilliant track and trail at a time.

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Home, home in the van

Transforming a van into a rolling home on wheels may be many riders’ fantasy du jour, but Will Cadham and Mark Taylor (the "Free Radicals"), have been nomads on a trail riding—and trail building—mission for years now.

READ THE STORY

LET’S GROW THE TRAILS
Fundraisers

Trail building requires equipment, time, and hard work. Oh, and some money to pay for much of the above. Specialized will be throwing a few fundraisers around the world, where you can donate to a trail organization and, in return, possibly win gear or a custom bike. 

Learn more

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