Luke Sommer putting in work on his backyard.
Do you wonder who the next generation of trail diggers are? And how they are learning the art of digging? This time around our Trail Digger Interview is with Next Generation diggers Luke Sommer (14 years old) and his brother Jesse Sommer (10 years old). The Sommer’s live in Pittsburgh and under the watchful eye of their dad Mark they have built their own spot in their backyard. So rad to read what they ahve to say about trails and the scene itself. Make sure to follow both of these guys on Instagram: Luke Sommer: @luke_sommer18 and Jesse Sommer: @roaster4130
What’s the name of the main spot you work on? Our backyard
Where is it located? Pittsburgh’s South Hills
Is it public or private? Private
How did you get involved digging?
Jesse: After the 2013 Welcome Jam we wanted to have our own spot so we started digging in our backyard.
Luke: After the 2013 Welcome Jam we were stoked on trails. Trails always seemed cool to me but never put time in to build my own.
Whats your favorite type of feature to build?
Jesse: Doubles
Luke: Hip Doubles
What is the key ingredient(s) to successful trails?
Jesse: Clay and a location where they won’t get plowed
Luke: Clay, hidden location and a good group of friends
What challenges do you have at your spot?
Jesse: Packing as much as possible into the space we have
Luke: Building new features in the area that we have
Digging is an art form, Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Jesse: Being around the great traildiggers in western PA has taught me alot. The diggers that I follow on Instagram are inspiring to me as well.
Luke: At all the jams we went to this year we got some ideas, but mainly Instagram.
14 year old Luke Sommer throwing a big one footer on his home jumps.
Do you build lines more for flow or tricks?
Jesse: Flow because I like going fast and roasting!
Luke: A little bit of both but probably more towards flow I like to boost.
What tips do you have for working on Trails?
Jesse: Have the right tools and know how to use them
Luke: Always having good shovels, rakes, pickaxes etc.
What trail rules or etiquette do you enforce at your spot?
Jesse: Fix case marks, sweep before a session, wear a helmet, and be cool
Luke: No Dig No Ride, be chill, and fix any case marks
Do you enforce “No Dig No Ride?” If so how?
Jesse: Sort of, not everyone digs but everyone has to help. If you ride at our spot its expected that you untarp, water, and tarp.
Luke: Not everyone digs but everyone helps. Sweeping, watering, untarp, tarp
Whats your advice for someone showing up at a trail spot for the first time?
Jesse: Ask the locals what can you do to help and what their rules are.
Luke: Be cool and ask if they need help
Jesse Sommer testing out his own work at his families trails.
What is the Funniest thing you have seen at your spot?
Jesse: A brakeless rider launched out of the 180 berm and ghost rode his bike down the big hill.
Luke: I fell into the gap of one of our jumps because, i didn’t stop soon enough, and didn’t bail
Do you feel the trail scene is dying, growing or staying flat?
Jesse: It seems like its growing since I’ve been on the trail scene.
Luke: Ever since I have been involved it seems to be growing, I feel like Instagram and other Trail websites have help get it out that trails is where its at!
How can we grow the trail scene?
Jesse: Get more kids my age into digging and riding trails.
Luke: Have more skate park kids get into digging and riding
Do you think Trailbuilders get the respect they deserve? Why?
Jesse: I think that Trailbuilders respect each other. I dont think that all trail riders respect Trailbuilders
Luke: Trailbuilders respect each other, but trailroaches dont give any respect to builders
What Bike do you ride at the trails?
Jesse: 1995 S&M Dirtbike
Luke: S&M Randy Brown V2
Any shout outs and thank you’s?
Luke & Jesse: My Dad, Mike and Mark Potoczny, Joe Shimkets, and Rick Bishop
