How to Use the Singletracks Mountain Bike Trail Pages

Now that you’ve figured out how to find the best mountain bike trails on singletracks.com, it’s time to learn how to use the trail pages (we sometimes call them trail “listings”). Each trail listing is chock full of information so with this article, you’ll get an overview of how the trail information is laid out …

Now that you’ve figured out how to find the best mountain bike trails on singletracks.com, it’s time to learn how to use the trail pages (we sometimes call them trail “listings”). Each trail listing is chock full of information so with this article, you’ll get an overview of how the trail information is laid out and how you can start contributing!

Trail Page Layout: Top Half

trail_top_half

Starting with the top half of the page, you’ll see the trail title and the location of the trail (city, state). Click either the city or state name to find more mountain bike trails in that area. Below the location there are several tabs with additional trail content (photos, maps, video, races, etc.) and each is mostly self-explanatory. The “More” tab contains links to nearby bike shops and campgrounds (if applicable) and guidebooks covering trails in the area.

The trail photo displayed on the listing page is the most popular photo of the trail as rated by singletracks members and may change based on photo ratings. If the trail has been mapped, a clickable map thumbnail will appear below the trail photo preview.

The MTB Stats area includes aggregated information about the trail including length, tread type, and configuration. The average rating is based on a 5-point scale (1=bad, 5=great) and is averaged over all the reviews of the trail (the # of reviews is listed to the right of the average rating). The trail status is updated by singletracks members and shows when the status was last updated. Trail difficulties are averaged based on member ratings and are tied to IMBA Trail Rating guidelines.

Trail rankings are based on a number of factors you can read about here. The # of members who have ridden the trail (based on “My Trails” list entries) and the # of members who want to ride a trail (based on “Trail Wishlist” entries) is provided as well. Finally, the average speed and time to complete the trail is based on member ride log entries. Directions and description fields are self-explanatory; note that directions may not be visible if you are not logged into singletracks.com

Trail Page Layout: Bottom Half

trail_bot_half

Below the main trail info you’ll find links to similar mountain bike trails based on member ratings. The trail recommendations basically work like this: if a member likes this trail, we grab a list of the other trails that member likes. Nearby trails are listed next if the trailhead has been pinpointed on a map.

Individual member reviews follow. You can edit your own review at any time by clicking the “Edit” link next to the star rating on your review.

Below the reviews you’ll find trail tags. Clicking on a tag will bring up a list of other mountain bike trails that have been tagged similarly.

The green box at the bottom of the page provides links to other area resources including links to other outdoor activity websites (like camping, hiking, trail running, etc.).

The Trail Dashboard

dashboard-hilite1

The trail dashboard on the right side of each trail page is basically the hub for all your interaction with the trail page. To view all available actions (as in the screen shot above), click the “More Actions” link at the bottom of the first column of the dashboard.

1. Review this trail: Self-explanatory. Click this link to open the review form to add your overall rating, comments, and difficulty rating.

2. Watch this trail: Click here to be notified via email each time this trail is reviewed. Click the “X” icon to stop watching a trail.

3. My Trails: Click here to add the trail to the list of trails you’ve ridden. Once a trail has been added to your list you can remove it by clicking the small “X” icon to the right of the “My Trails” text.

4. Wishlist: Similar to the “My Trails” list mentioned above, this list tracks the trails you want to ride.

5. Update Status: Click this link to reveal the trail status update form. Choose from “Open,” “Closed,” or “Wet/Sketchy” and click the “Update Trail Status” button.

6. Tag This Trail: Add description tags (basically adjectives) that apply to this trail. Trail tags will appear at the bottom of the trail page as described above and you can add/delete your tags any time using this form. The tag form will appear inside the trail dashboard just below the “Tag This Trail” link.

7. More Actions: Described at the beginning of this section. Basically shows/hides actions #9+.

8. Correct/Update: Use this form to report inappropriate content or to amend the main trail info if you are not the original listing author. Your corrections and updates will be emailed to a moderator for review.

9. Share This: ShareThis is a service that allows you to share a link to the trail page on many social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Digg, etc.).

10. Training Log: Add an entry for a ride at this trail to your online training log. The basic training log allows you to enter the date, the distance you rode, the time it took, and notes about your ride. The advanced ride log (available with a Pro or Training subscription) allows you to enter more detailed info and view charts and graphs of your progress. Speed and time data is anonymously aggregated for use in the trail stats mentioned above.

11. Print Trail: Printer-friendly trail format to take with you on the go.

12. Add video: This form allows you to submit a link to a video of the trail from most popular video sites (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.). Video links will be reviewed by a moderator before being posted to the Video tab.

13. Add photo: Upload a photo of the trail and provide your caption.

14. Add bike shop: Use this form to add a local bike shop but please check to make sure the shop isn’t already listed.

15. Add GPS data: If you’ve mapped this trail using your GPS, use this form to submit your GPX-formatted data.

16. Travel Tips: Locals, let everyone know where to eat, stay, and play during their trip to the trailhead.

17. Add a Race: Let us know about races happening at the trail.

18. Edit: If you added the trail listing you can edit some of the trail details yourself without having to use the Correct/Update form.

19. Facebook Like: Give a click if you like this mountain bike trail and a quick note will be posted on your Facebook profile.

The singletracks trail pages offer a ton of information so all this may seem a bit confusing at first but we promise once you get a feel for things you won’t want to rely on any other resource!