How FAST Trails Are Built: Behind the Scenes of Sioux Falls’ Best Rides

Written By Reva Graves
 

Ever wonder how your favorite Sioux Falls singletrack comes to life? At Falls Area SingleTrack (FAST), building and maintaining trails is more than just moving dirt—it’s a labor of love that combines passion, planning and a whole lot of community spirit.

1. It Starts with a Vision

Every trail begins with a big idea: how can we create an exciting, sustainable, and accessible experience for riders of all skill levels? Our team collaborates with local land managers, city officials, and community stakeholders to identify areas where new trails can be developed or existing trails can be enhanced.

2. Mapping It Out

Once a location is identified, the real planning begins. Our team of trail designers and volunteers walks the land, evaluating the natural terrain, soil conditions, and environmental impact. Using GPS mapping tools and design software, we create trail layouts that highlight the area’s natural features while ensuring minimal disruption to the environment.

3. Building with Purpose

Trail building isn’t just about digging—it’s about building sustainable, long-lasting paths that can handle the wear and tear of riders while protecting the surrounding landscape. Our volunteers:

  • Clear vegetation and debris.

  • Shape the trail’s flow with berms, rollers, and switchbacks.

  • Install drainage features to prevent erosion and maintain rideability year-round.

4. Powered by Volunteers

None of this would be possible without our incredible community of volunteers. From weekend trail days to larger projects like The Great Trail Build at Great Bear, our volunteers are the heart and soul of FAST. They bring the energy, tools, and determination to transform plans into rideable reality.

5. Maintenance Matters

Building a trail is just the beginning. Keeping trails in top shape requires regular maintenance, especially after heavy use or challenging weather. Our crew:

  • Monitors trail conditions.

  • Clears fallen branches and fixes erosion damage.

  • Adds new features or adjusts existing ones to keep rides fresh and fun.

6. Community-Funded, Community-Driven

Every mile of trail we build is made possible by donations and community support. Whether it’s funding for tools, materials, or volunteer coordination, your contributions directly impact the trails you love to ride.

 

Ride With Us

Next time you’re flying down your favorite singletrack in Sioux Falls, know that you’re riding on trails built with passion, hard work, and a deep love for the outdoors. Want to be part of the next trail project? Join FAST today, volunteer with us, or donate to support the future of Sioux Falls trails!

Reva Graves
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Highlights from the 2024 FAST Member Meeting