I have a small forest in my back yard that I have a bike trail and at the bottom I have a berm and I was gonna upgrade it so this video has really helped tysm bro🙂
if i can't make a berm fully out of dirt bc i don't have enough, do i make the structure first with logs and rocks? how do i make sure they stay in place?
First of all, you are one tough dude to accomplish the berm rebuild you did in an hour and a half !! Also your knowledge, experience, teaching ability, and video work, was incredible and helps me immensely. I am retired 70 yr old on a farm and have a mx track that I love and am constantly modifying, and bought a 1ton tiny excavator and am building mountain bike trails on the farm here in the mountains of NC. Thank you soooo much for this great video and thank you for all that you do! 🙏🙏😀
Just awesome as usual. I’m always impressed with how much work you put in to keep those trails running so well. You’ve definitely earned the gratitude of all the riders on those trails. Nice work!
Glad it helped! Another way to think about it: Choose where you want the apex of your berm to be and build out the curve from both ends to where you want both the entrance and exit to be
Drainage can be challenging but also very rewarding when you get it right. My trails are in one of the wettest places in the Netherlands with groundwater levels often creeping up just below the trails. We ended up digging water collection basins at the inside of corners with a drainage pipe going under the corner so all excess water will naturally drain to lower parts of the hill. This way the trails are rideable all year. What also helps on flatter bits is to always have the trail raised a few inches above the land. I often build lines by lowering the surroundings of the line in order to channel the water, the dirt can be used for rollers, jumps etc.
You know, if you get enough rain, that puddle on the low side of your berm will rise. If you were to continue that low section down around, maybe the front of the job that would then drain that puddle. You can’t just make a big hole or like a swimming pool it will just fill up. That also holds water in that area which will make the surrounding soil much more wet due to wicking. That may be desirable in summer months, but you don’t get the rain at that time, so no puddle either. You didn’t mention a split berm where the low point is in the middle of the berm and you need The drain to be in the middle of the berm, I will build a berm a little tighter than needed, straighten out, drop to the ground then another berm linking to it both say right handers, and it worked seamlessly without a big puddle in the middle or some type of culvert or pipe that will eventually get clogged. I do see pipes in Bike parks, but out in the woods I don’t suggest it just due to the fact that it needs to be monitored and cleaned at times. Nice video, and a final little tidbit, get a Rototiller to do a lot of the hand digging then just play with all that brown pile that is created from that Rototiller. It’s like a mini mini excavator. Keep digging. and rubber side down unless you’re whippin or flippin
4k and wide so you can zoom in and out if you want like how I post them, and I take a photo every 10 seconds. 1 hour of digging will give you approx. 10 seconds of footage.
This was awesome! Drainage tips make a lot of sense. I suppose you could fill that soft/wet spot with any rocks you could gather nearby to help dissipate the water?
Need more how to videos. Thanks for this one! I am trying to add berms to some existing sharp flat corners on my local trail system (Have permission). I am running into turns that are more like switchbacks and having issues with the tight radius of them. Is there any specific areas you have seen where you can make a tight berm that carry’s speed well? I have ridden plenty that shoot you out, which is what I am going for, but it’s tough in my landscape without making a 5’ high berm, which the land manager would frown upon. I’ll take any feed back I can get. BTW, that dirt looks dreamy to work with, I spend more time sifting rocks than moving dirt.
love this dudes video, great quality and great riding. but for the longest time i was trying to figure out who he reminded me of. i finally found it, he reminds me of Theon Greyjoy from game of thrones
Thx a lot for this, man! 🤙 Getting treats for our work would be sweet (pun intended 😉) But with 500+ trail users, we would get fat in the blink of an eye 😅
What shovels do you use for general use? As in packing and shaping as well as moving dirt. A shovel that would do both would be fantastic, what do you recommend?
A nice sharp and wide spade for moving dirt, and a flathead for shaping. If you have a really, sharp rouge hoe, sometimes that and a flathead shovel is all you need!
Just curious, may I know why you don't use working gloves? You often pick up rotted logs etc. They sometimes house things like scorpions and centipedes amongst other things over here.
@@MarkMatthewsMTB Ahh okie, thanks for taking the time to answer... yeah am pretty sure you know the area more than most people by now. Please do keep producing these excellent videos. Really inspiring to see you accomplish what you have on your journey and also highly informative for people who enjoy the dig as much as the shred. TQ Mark.
Hour and a half to make a decent berm? It takes me days to build a small one but here in Southern California everything is sooo dry that is so difficult to build
Man, I am frustrated watching this because the dirt where you're at is PRIME for building. Come on over to the east coast of Canada/US and do battle with clay for HOURS AND HOURS just to get a lil wee bermy boi.
@@MarkMatthewsMTB I think your presentation is very good and you've got some good insights. The term "ultimate guide" indicates an attempt to summarize all existing knowledge on a subject. The term "some thoughts on berms" would be a more representative title. Keep up the good work.
Anything I missed?! Let me know
I have a small forest in my back yard that I have a bike trail and at the bottom I have a berm and I was gonna upgrade it so this video has really helped tysm bro🙂
I think you got it all sick vid thanks!
if i can't make a berm fully out of dirt bc i don't have enough, do i make the structure first with logs and rocks? how do i make sure they stay in place?
@@lucafava3148 I would start by stacking rocks if you can. it's the most solid type of fill.
How to carry tools pls!!
6:40 - “A berm’d out jump thingy” - this is the official terminology 😂
100% hahaha
love the vids! you’ve inspired me to build my own trails in the woods in my backyard
Thats awesome! stoked for you
First of all, you are one tough dude to accomplish the berm rebuild you did in an hour and a half !! Also your knowledge, experience, teaching ability, and video work, was incredible and helps me immensely.
I am retired 70 yr old on a farm and have a mx track that I love and am constantly modifying, and bought a 1ton tiny excavator and am building mountain bike trails on the farm here in the mountains of NC.
Thank you soooo much for this great video and thank you for all that you do! 🙏🙏😀
I appreciate that! Really happy to hear you found lots of value here.
Absolutely loving the frequent uploads. You really chose quality and quantity. Keep it up 👌🏻
Thanks man!
Just awesome as usual. I’m always impressed with how much work you put in to keep those trails running so well. You’ve definitely earned the gratitude of all the riders on those trails. Nice work!
Thanks!!
The berm rebuild was like watching one of those home remodeling shows, haha. Love the before and after!
haha same vibe
This was really helpful! So in summary: Radius equals entry point middle and exit down in a smooth line! Keep riding line dry!
Glad it helped! Another way to think about it: Choose where you want the apex of your berm to be and build out the curve from both ends to where you want both the entrance and exit to be
Liked as always
Thanks I really appreciate it.
Drainage can be challenging but also very rewarding when you get it right. My trails are in one of the wettest places in the Netherlands with groundwater levels often creeping up just below the trails. We ended up digging water collection basins at the inside of corners with a drainage pipe going under the corner so all excess water will naturally drain to lower parts of the hill. This way the trails are rideable all year. What also helps on flatter bits is to always have the trail raised a few inches above the land. I often build lines by lowering the surroundings of the line in order to channel the water, the dirt can be used for rollers, jumps etc.
good advice!! thanks for commenting
thanks man always love the vods
vids
@@ridemtbeveryday936 cheers dude!
Dude, this is exactly what I needed, I’m making a backyard downhill trail call Boondock thickets, perfect timing bro 😎
Thanks! Stoked I could help!
I really like how you're documenting all of this bc style trailbuilding
Thanks!
Yes I have been waiting for this. Keep sending it.
Awesome!!
I love the appreciation for the cookie at the end!! great video and advice. great trail work and riding!
Thanks!
berms are always something I've struggled with getting right this helps a lot. great video
That’s awesome! Stoked it helps
Need this! Love your content
Thanks Charlie!
Been waiting for this vid all day
Rad!!
Thanks man really appreciate this helped a lot
Stoked to hear it!!
Lets go Im hyped. your vids are the best!
Cheers Henri, so stoked whenever you comment! Thanks dude.
I live these videos so much keep em up dude!
Thanks!!
Tips from an actual mountain biker.
That's new.
haha thanks!!
Yess been waiting for this vid for a while now
Rad! I hope you find it helpful
Mark Matthews always find your vids helpful
The biggest mistake in life is not listening to advice
You know, if you get enough rain, that puddle on the low side of your berm will rise. If you were to continue that low section down around, maybe the front of the job that would then drain that puddle. You can’t just make a big hole or like a swimming pool it will just fill up. That also holds water in that area which will make the surrounding soil much more wet due to wicking. That may be desirable in summer months, but you don’t get the rain at that time, so no puddle either. You didn’t mention a split berm where the low point is in the middle of the berm and you need The drain to be in the middle of the berm, I will build a berm a little tighter than needed, straighten out, drop to the ground then another berm linking to it both say right handers, and it worked seamlessly without a big puddle in the middle or some type of culvert or pipe that will eventually get clogged. I do see pipes in Bike parks, but out in the woods I don’t suggest it just due to the fact that it needs to be monitored and cleaned at times. Nice video, and a final little tidbit, get a Rototiller to do a lot of the hand digging then just play with all that brown pile that is created from that Rototiller. It’s like a mini mini excavator. Keep digging. and rubber side down unless you’re whippin or flippin
Excellent timing. I’m currently working on some berms at my local trail.
Awesome!!
I have the gopro hero 8 what settings do you recommend I use for my build lapses?
4k and wide so you can zoom in and out if you want like how I post them, and I take a photo every 10 seconds. 1 hour of digging will give you approx. 10 seconds of footage.
This vid was so helfully! Even i understant the basic things now!
I’m pumped to hear that!
yewww i needed this!!
Great video Mark can’t wait to get back to digging!
Thanks Tyler!
Sweetness👍 I'm going to utilize this technology on our Dirt Bike single track trail. Thanks for sharing😎
Right on!
Bro this video was sick🔥🤘⚠️
Thanks!
@@MarkMatthewsMTB did you get your stolen camera gear back?
Thanks for cleaning that up, she sure took a beating this summer
Definitely! People love that trail
So informative!
Brilliant video’s
Thank you!!!
Thanks Matthew, stoked you found it helpful
This is gunna come in so handy! Cheers for the tips man 🤟
Thanks Sam!
Such a great video! Cheers Mate!
Thank you!
This was awesome! Drainage tips make a lot of sense. I suppose you could fill that soft/wet spot with any rocks you could gather nearby to help dissipate the water?
That’s a really good idea, if it wasn’t just me riding that spot I would definitely do that
Awesome I love your vids a lot
Thanks tanner!
Need more how to videos. Thanks for this one! I am trying to add berms to some existing sharp flat corners on my local trail system (Have permission). I am running into turns that are more like switchbacks and having issues with the tight radius of them. Is there any specific areas you have seen where you can make a tight berm that carry’s speed well? I have ridden plenty that shoot you out, which is what I am going for, but it’s tough in my landscape without making a 5’ high berm, which the land manager would frown upon. I’ll take any feed back I can get.
BTW, that dirt looks dreamy to work with, I spend more time sifting rocks than moving dirt.
Its very very tough to carry speed through super tight turns unless they are cut well and actually catch your back wheel nicely.
The video really helped me thanks 🙏
Awesome! So stoked to hear that
love this dudes video, great quality and great riding. but for the longest time i was trying to figure out who he reminded me of. i finally found it, he reminds me of Theon Greyjoy from game of thrones
Haha I’ve never seen games of thrones but I googled it and see the resemblance 😂
@@MarkMatthewsMTB well if you do watch it dont bother with seasons 7or 8
This video helped a lot and all your how to videos do so you should make more and keep up the great work
Thanks, will do!
Thanks for the maintenance Mark, nice work😎
I’m going to make it even taller in the middle next time I’m out there! That berm sees a lot of abuse lately haha
Love your videos man keep it up.👍
Appreciate it!
I love ur vids and since watching u I have started building my own tracks as there are not many in my area
Sick Ruben, nice work! Get the scene going 🙂
awsome vid dude
Thanks Brian!
Great stuff!
Thanks!
Why not build a bigger roller at the top for a faster drop in? 👍
Your vids are fire 🔥
Thanks so much!
Very informative! All I want to know is where you got that badass sweatshirt
Thanks! and hahah I can't remember, Ive had that shirt for a long time! I think maybe eBay? lol
I’m from Tiktok
Thank you friend...
Stoked you enjoyed the video
Sick video thanks
Glad you liked it!
That sweater is badass
🐶
Thx a lot for this, man! 🤙
Getting treats for our work would be sweet (pun intended 😉) But with 500+ trail users, we would get fat in the blink of an eye 😅
haha no doubt!
What shovels do you use for general use? As in packing and shaping as well as moving dirt. A shovel that would do both would be fantastic, what do you recommend?
A nice sharp and wide spade for moving dirt, and a flathead for shaping. If you have a really, sharp rouge hoe, sometimes that and a flathead shovel is all you need!
oh and a rake!
Hey nice video but do you have a playlist of all these "how to build"
Thanks! Not yet, this is the first
Ow okay
Exited for the next one
Right I need to know how to make a 90 degree berm really tight
Make it highest in the middle to lengthen the radius of riding surface
Thx
Cookies from strangers, huh ?? hahahahaha !! That could turn out good or bad. :P
Covid friendly? maybe not but I trust the riders there hahaha.
@@MarkMatthewsMTB Tell them to bring you brownies.....the good kind. :P :P
@@RandysRides that usually slows down digging... hahaha
are your trails open to the public, private or have you build them in public woods?
these zones are all unsanctioned but publicly known and ridden.
@@MarkMatthewsMTB Thanks!
You are really good.
thanks will!
Just curious, may I know why you don't use working gloves? You often pick up rotted logs etc. They sometimes house things like scorpions and centipedes amongst other things over here.
I use working gloves much of the time but sometimes I forget and there’s nothing in the ground here I’m worried about.
@@MarkMatthewsMTB Ahh okie, thanks for taking the time to answer... yeah am pretty sure you know the area more than most people by now. Please do keep producing these excellent videos. Really inspiring to see you accomplish what you have on your journey and also highly informative for people who enjoy the dig as much as the shred. TQ Mark.
What’s the pik axe your using called?
Not sure, home hardware special lol
Sick 🤛
Hey Matt it’s me again I was wondering how u make a good double bc when I do I end up with a tiny arse jump bc well bc idk how to build a good one
Stack at least 5 feet tall and a 12 foot gap if you want something a decent size
@@MarkMatthewsMTB thanks matt
Hour and a half to make a decent berm? It takes me days to build a small one but here in Southern California everything is sooo dry that is so difficult to build
#1 reason I don’t hate the lack of sunny days up here
what you like more hawk hill or alphine?
I prefer 27.5 wheels but the Alpine is such a dailed feeling bike and I like having more travel.
Is it possible can you make a video about how to make awesome jumps
I will. Sick idea!
Okay thank you so much
How long do you want the length of a 180 bern to be?
Depends how much space you have to work with. Id say a few bikes long
How high do you make a berm? Higher
Yes lol
Lets build for more ride
Indeed.
Imagen getting a like from mark matthews
like like like
Man, I am frustrated watching this because the dirt where you're at is PRIME for building. Come on over to the east coast of Canada/US and do battle with clay for HOURS AND HOURS just to get a lil wee bermy boi.
And this zone I am in is nicer for dirt than most places I ride. I drive 40 mins just to build here cause of the dirt haha.
👁️👁️👁️👁️👁️👁️👁️👁️👁️
the ultimate guide?
You didn't think so? Please leave constructive feedback! I wanna make the best videos I can :)
@@MarkMatthewsMTB I think your presentation is very good and you've got some good insights. The term "ultimate guide" indicates an attempt to summarize all existing knowledge on a subject. The term "some thoughts on berms" would be a more representative title. Keep up the good work.
Stop talking show me how you build
Check out the timelapse compilations if you only want visuals