Veteran mountain biker Julie Gaul looked up and down a trail in Boyce Park where dozens of volunteers were digging, raking, shoveling, clearing, carrying and building.

"This is good," she said as she took a break from helping to widen and level the trail. "This is something that has been needed to be done for a long time."

Gaul, 46, of Plum, is the wellness and fitness director at Carlow University. She also is a member of the Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group (PTAG), a project of Bike Pittsburgh. PTAG relies on members to volunteer their time to keep trails maintained and open to everyone.

"I think I use every inch of this [1,096 acre] park," she said. "I run, ride, walk and cross-country ski here. I run a six-mile loop, and ride on [25] miles of trails. It's a great workout. I'd rather be riding outdoors than ride a bike indoors."

Gaul, also a longtime member of Pittsburgh Off-Road Cyclists, enjoys mountain biking because "you have to focus. You have to be present in the moment."

PTAG members also believe in being present in the future by donating their time to build, maintain and repair trails in city, county and state parks and those on private property. The work complies with standards established by the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

The organization has work days scheduled for Brady's Run on Sept. 7, Deer Lakes on Oct. 5, Laurel Mountain on Oct. 18 and Moraine State Park on Nov. 2.

If you'd like to help, bring water, sturdy work clothes and boots, work gloves and some friends. Digging tools will be provided. If you have a wheelbarrow and/or a large bow saw, bring that/those, too.

As usual, the day's activities will include an opportunity to ride the park's trails and then enjoy a picnic. Food and refreshments will be provided by some or all of the following:

Dirt Rag magazine, REI, Allegheny County Department of Parks and Recreation, Bike Pittsburgh, Mad Mex, Allegro Hearth, Qdoba, Dirty Harry's, Trek of Pittsburgh, Troegs, Pittsburgh Pro Bicycles, West Liberty Bicycles, Gatto Cycles, Speedgoat, East End Brewing, the International Mountain Bicycling Association and Pittsburgh Off-Road Cyclists.

For more information about the Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group and detailed directions to each location, go to www.ptagtrails.com. For up-to-the-minute information on area trails provided by the Pittsburgh Off-Road Cyclists, click on Forums on the PTAG Web site.