Meet Emmerson Wilken, a dedicated member of the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club committee and a professional trail builder.
From humble beginnings, where a simple brick and plank of wood formed his first jumps, to now shaping some of the most renowned mountain biking trails in the world, Emmerson's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Emmerson shares his story, from what sparked his love for trail building to the challenges and triumphs of creating trails that riders of all levels can enjoy. Whether you're an avid mountain biker or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into building world-class trails, Emmerson's insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the art and science of trail building.
"What originally inspired me to get into mountain bike trail building was when I was a grom, watching others hit jumps. We all started with tiny jumps in the yard or street, using a brick and a plank of wood—it's how it usually begins."
"As time goes on and you get better, you draw inspiration from things like BMX magazines. I remember flicking through the pages, not just watching the riding but paying close attention to the jumps and features. I'd try to emulate those in the yard or bush—because we didn’t have anything to ride, we had to build it ourselves. That’s how my passion grew."
"Fast forward a few years, and now we're here at Wynyard, playing in a big sandpit. Our creativity, combined with what the hill offers, determines what we can build. It's heaps of fun, and we end up with some pretty cool results. In fact, Wynyard is one of the biggest public dirt jump spots in the world."
"The Queenstown Mountain Bike Club started in 2003. A group of guys came together, created the club, and managed to lease land from the council—it's called a license to occupy. Since then, the club has grown and expanded our network of trails."
"For me, the link between being a good rider and a good trail builder means not just building for your own ability, but also considering the abilities of those you’re building for. If you're constructing a blue jump track but are a black diamond rider, you need to scale back so that the blue riders can enjoy it too. It takes practice and experience to get that balance right, to understand different features like drops, step-ups, or varying gap lengths. It all comes with time, trial and error, and getting it right more often than not."
"The most challenging part of trail building is figuring out speeds and making them work with the terrain. Sometimes the hill is steep, so you need to control speed; other times, it's flat, so you need to generate speed. It's all about making these elements work together. Designing trails that withstand the elements, like rain, is crucial. If a trail isn't properly designed, it won't last—it’ll get wet, soggy, and worn down. Proper water flow and drainage are key."
"One of my most memorable experiences has been working on international projects, like the Grand Creek series, and digging at the Rampage. Building for the world’s best riders at that level is awesome. But from a community perspective, working on the Wynyard Terrain Park is special. It’s a community effort; everyone gets involved—from kids sweeping to builders doing woodwork. It’s a real community vibe."
"What I find most fulfilling about mountain bike trail building is the hard work itself. You're out there in the elements, whether it's sunny or raining, digging away. At the end of the day, you're tired, but you’ve created something awesome. Watching people enjoy what you’ve built—whether it's kids or adults—gives you such a kick."
"The riding community in Queenstown is the best I've seen anywhere. Everyone is so passionate about what we have. Volunteers turn up for dig days on Saturday mornings—kids, mums, dads, everyone grabs a tool. We break for lunch, have a barbecue, and it’s social and fun. People who help maintain or build the trails appreciate them more, and they take care of them in the long run."
"Adapting to challenging conditions here is just about being prepared. The weather can change quickly—from a warm sunny morning to snow by the afternoon. I always pack a spare jacket, extra pants, and whatever else I might need. It’s all about staying warm and being ready for anything."
"The Hard Yakka gear has been awesome—durable, comfortable, and perfect for long days of digging or riding. It’s super warm on cold days, and comfortable enough to wear all day. It’s not just workwear; I can wear my riding gear underneath and still hit the jumps comfortably. The gear is tough enough to handle a full day’s work and then switch to riding without missing a beat. It’s great to know it’ll protect me even if I take a spill and you also know the Hard Yakka Workwear is going to last the distance."
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