Last Chance To Nominate! The Singletrack Reader Awards

Nominations close on Monday 27th September! Make sure you’ve told us who you think should get our attention this year, in a range of new awards.

This year has been a bit different, again. Rather than grumble about the shortage of this and that, this year’s Singletrack Reader Awards celebrate those who have just got on and done stuff. We’re looking for your nominations for the individuals, groups and organisations that have made a difference to our mountain biking community this year. Creating a more sustainable future for our environment, building new riding opportunities, or bringing new people the opportunity to ride – these are the things we want to celebrate. Here’s your chance to nominate them in the following categories.

Best UK Trail Stewardship Initiative

This award is about the trails we ride. Which initiative has got people out to maintain trails, learn building skills, and help create sustainable and legitimate trails? Is it a dig crew, a community project, or even a trail centre that’s got people picking up a shovel in the name of future fun?

Best UK Environmental Initiative

This is about the ground beyond our trails. Whether it’s care for the wildlife, awareness of our impact on the environment, keeping bikes out of the bin, or encouraging less impactful access to trails, we want to hear about who is making it happen.

Best UK Community Initiative

This award is about people. Who is getting bums on bikes and creating the opportunity for new people to discover riding off-road? Which campaign has brought together the bike community in the quest to improve the sport? Is it a fundraising campaign to build new trails, or provide bikes? Is it an awareness campaign promoting better trail stewardship or access? Whose hashtag is an instantly recognisable message to be a better sort of rider, or to become a rider in the first place? We want to hear about the project, campaign or other initiative that’s helping build our community.

Best Brand Initiative

Which brand has championed a cause for the benefit of the bike community?

Best Use of Lockdown

Who made the most of the quiet hills and downtime? Did someone add new trails to a trail centre? Did someone set up a cargo bike delivery service, or a bike rebuilding service? Was there some enormous bit of cycling street art, or a video series that made you smile? Tell us which lockdown project gets your vote.

Best Singletrack World Image

Some things don’t change, and Singletrack World Magazine and Singletrackworld.com have still been filled with great images. Which one stands out for you?

Best Singletrack World Article

Which article, published in our magazine or on Singletrackworld.com, gave you pause for thought, a moment of laughter, or just a good dose of escapism? This award will be awarded to the writer and photographer (or maybe the multi talented individual who did all the work) who delivered the goods and made an impression this year.

Most Outstanding Human

Whose work has really changed your point of view? Who always seems to be busy doing something else for the good of someone else? Who would you like to take 5 minutes out of their days of giving to others to give a pat on the back?

It’s Up To YOU!

Remember that it’s up to you to persuade us why your nomination should become a finalist. Tell us what a difference you’ve seen them make, or what their work means to you, and why you’re nominating them. ‘My mate Pete because he fixes my punctures’ isn’t going to cut it – even though we’re sure Pete is a great guy!

Need some inspiration? Wondering why we’re doing this? Want to hear a bit about what this year’s awards sponsor, Kona Bikes, has to say? Tune into our podcast while you consider your options.

Help us make our podcasts even better

How To Nominate

Please submit your nominations and reasoning for each category by email to readerawards@singletrackworld.com by Monday 27th September. You can also tag us on social media using #STRAW21 – but don’t forget to support your nomination with why you’re nominating them. Here’s a helpful summary of all the categories – you don’t have to nominate to all of them if you don’t want to!

• Best UK trail stewardship initiative
• Best UK environmental initiative
• Best UK community initiative
• Best brand initiative
• Best use of lockdown
• Best STW image
• Best STW Article
• Most Outstanding Human

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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