087 – Gravity Trail Building in Arizona: How the Tonto Gravity Riders are Transforming Mountain Biking at Sunrise Bike Park and Pinal Mountains. (Chris Johnson)

Mountain Cog

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Chris Johnson of Tonto Gravity Riders (TGR) joins us to discuss how this grassroots organization evolved from building unauthorized jump lines to becoming a trusted Forest Service partner maintaining and developing trail systems across Arizona. The episode traces TGR's origins around 2010 and their work legitimizing the legendary NRA Pit jump spot before focusing on creating gravity-oriented trails in the Pinal Mountains. Chris explains how their dedication to quality trail building and community focus transformed what began as "rogue" building into award-winning stewardship.
The conversation highlights TGR's recent work at Sunrise Ski Resort, where they've built progressive flow trails like Yage, Identity Crisis, and Squirrel Catcher that are bringing new riders to the mountain. Chris also gives listeners a preview of TGR's ambitious master plan for the Pinal Mountains, which includes adopting existing social trails and creating nearly 40 miles of new purpose-built mountain bike trails. Mountain biking enthusiasts will appreciate Chris's insights on trail difficulty ratings, the importance of progression, and his advice for aspiring trail advocates about focusing on community benefit rather than personal gain.

Tonto Gravity Riders (TGR)

Web: https://www.tontogravityriders.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tontogravityriders/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TontoGravityRiders/

Trails

Pinal Mountain Trail System: https://www.trailforks.com/region/pinal-mountain-trail-system/

NRA Jumps: https://www.trailforks.com/poi/1410/

Sunrise Bike Park: https://www.sunrise.ski/summer/downhill-mountain-biking/

Mt Graham Trail System: https://www.trailforks.com/region/pinaleno-mountains-mt-graham/

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Chapters

1. 087 – Gravity Trail Building in Arizona: How the Tonto Gravity Riders are Transforming Mountain Biking at Sunrise Bike Park and Pinal Mountains. (Chris Johnson) (00:00:00)

2. Interview With Tonto Gravity Riders Chris (00:00:12)

3. Resurrecting Trails in Pinal Mountains (00:13:44)

4. Trail Ratings and Design Concepts (00:21:29)

5. Building Accessible Trails in Arizona (00:33:22)

6. Building Trails in Pine Mountains (00:43:56)

7. Exploring Angel Fire Mountain Biking (00:50:08)

8. Trail Maintenance and Tonto Gravity Riders (00:55:08)

9. Trail Advocacy and Building Community (01:06:23)

99 episodes

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