Trail building in Portugal

In January - February 2023, three groups of students from the Mountain Bike Trail Planning, Construction and Maintenance programme travelled to Agueda in Portugal for their two week mandatory residential. This residential was funded by Erasmus+ which made it possible for all students to attend gaining valuable knowledge and practical skills.
Student Ole Richard Stokke shares his story below.

I had a very positive experience throughout my study stay.
We worked really hard and for me the two week scheme suited me perfectly, as I am taking this course to formalize my own competence.

The teachers are skilled and competent, and I think they are good at focusing on what is important and why.

The location for this mobility, was also well suited, with good accommodation options and affordable prices for the most part.


During the 14 days of this mobility we have done everything from basic maintenance of already existing MTB trails, via refurbishing trail segments, pump tracks and jump lines to scouting walking and "shooting" the grade of new trails. Included flagging and corridor cleaning.


We each have acted as "trail boss" with responsibility for the crew for one day or more, and been led though equipment use, maintenance and planning. The staff has been professional, and have proven a deep knowledge en experience from trail building. Also, they have been serviceminded, flexible and helpful.


I have become much better in "rock work". Reinforcing trail, and making it more sustainable and safer to ride. I also got valuable training in shooting grades, and flagging new lines during my stay. I have also understood more about shaping jumps, the important of finishing one prosess of building at the time, and have a better knowledge of how to use the natural curves of the terrain for choice in corridor and to get as sustainable trails as possible.

Photo: Bike Beitostølen

Photo: Bike Beitostølen

Photo: Bike Beitostølen

Photo: Bike Beitostølen