Trail EAffect

For Episode 198, we’re catching up with Mike Repyak, who’s back on the show for the fourth time, this time with a brand-new role as Director of Development and Outdoor Recreation for the Kocourek Trailhead Foundation in Wausau, Wisconsin. We dive into Wausau’s ambitious trail plans, Mike’s continued work with IMBA, and highlights from the International Trails Summit that was held this past April in Madison, WI – Basically in Mikes backyard. Topics Include: Mike’s new roll: Director of Development and outdoor Recreation for the Kocourek Trailhead Foundation in Wausau, WI. Recap of what Mike Accomplished at IMBA as the Director of IMBA Trail Solutions. A recap of the International Trail Summit that was held in Madison, WI in April 2025. Pre Conference Sessions Concurrent Conference Sessions The City of Madison, WI as a true multimodal community A meeting about the possibility of starting a statewide mountain bike trail organization in Wisconsin Diving into the details behind Mike’s new role in Wausau, WI. What the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership is and why it exists. What the Private (with public access) trail development will look like adjacent to Rib Mountain State Park in Wisconsin. Effectively expanding access from private lands into parts of Rib Mountain State Park in areas that were previously more difficult to access The prospect of lift access for gravity trails adjacent to Rib Mountain State Park How Mike is still involved with IMBA in a part time capacity 2025 IMBA Trail Labs Foundations in Winona, MN Other Locations for Trail Labs Foundations Kafka Granite’s Wax Coated Pathway Mix (Trail Surface) What Mike looks for in a Trail Community Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership: https://greaterwausau.org/ Central Wisconsin Off Road Cycling Coalition: https://cwocc.org/ Visit Wausau Mountain Biking: https://www.visitwausau.com/outdoor-activities/biking-trails/ IMBA Foundations: https://www.imba.com/foundations Kafka Granite’s Wax Coated Pathway Mix: https://www.kafkagranite.com/natural-crushed-stone/pathway-materials/wax-pathway-mix/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/josh Smith’s Bike Shop – 130 Years of Excellence: www.smithsbikes.com   Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For Episode 197 we have Adam Yeoman, the Executive Director for the Copper Harbor Trails Club. During this conversation we talk all things Copper Harbor 2025, which includes some past events, future events, new trails, and there is also some intel on what participants of the 2025 Copper Harbor Trails Fest might have in store in terms of both XC and Enduro Course. Adam covers a lot during our conversation, and Copper Harbor as a trail organization has a ton going on, so even if you are not from the Upper Midwest there are some pieces of information that you may find interesting or helpful for your trail community. Topics Include: Brief bit of Copper Harbor and Keweenaw Penisula History The transition from club president to Executive Director Staff at Copper Harbor Trails Club Ride the Keweenaw Event Copper Harbor Trails Fest Orbion – Title Sponsor of Trails Fest Women’s & Men’s Ride Clinics New Trails coming online Keweenaw Point Trail continues to be built New Start Hub at the top of East Bluff Winter Trails for Copper Harbor Trails Club Nordic Skiing Hints about 2025 Trails Fest Course for both the XC and Enduro Other events that have been held in Copper Harbor in 2025 Rough Stuff Rally 906 Adventure Crusher 12 hours of All You Can East Bluffet – Endurance Enduro What Adam looks for in a Trail Community Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Copper Harbor Trails Club: https://www.copperharbortrails.org/ East Bluff Bike Park: https://eastbluffbikepark.com/ Orbion – Title Sponsor for Copper Harbor Trails Fest: https://orbionspace.com/ Rough Stuff Rally: https://bikejerks.com/pages/rough-stuff-rally 906 Adventure Crusher: https://906adventureteam.com/mountain-bike-events/the-crusher/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/josh Smith’s Bike Shop – 130 Years of Excellence: www.smithsbikes.com   Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For Episode 196 we have J.T. Horn, J.T, is the Trail Director for the Trust for Public Land. J.T. was also one of two guests on episode 192 where we discussed the Economic Impact that Mountain Biking can have on communities. For this episode we are discussing various ways to bridge the gap between Land Conservation organizations and the Trail Community. This topic can be a rather important topic because land access for trails is often one of the most challenging hurdles for trail development. As J.T. describes during this conversation, partnering with a Land Conservation Organization that understands the value of trails and outdoor recreation can be a critical step in the trail development process. I always really enjoy perspective that J.T. brings during our conversations and I hope you do as well! Topics Include: The J.T. Horn backstory What the Trust for Public Land is, and how the TPL came to be How to engage with the Trust for Public Land for a Land Acquisition The risk and financial lens Focus mainly on high impact larger projects Tualatin Mountain Forest – Portland OR. Due diligence in real estate: Four Key Components Value of the Land Land Survey (Size / Neighbors / Etc.) Title Search / existing rights on the property Environmental Status Bridging the gap between Conservation Organizations and the Trail Community The partnership between the Trust for Public Land and IMBA An example project between the TPL and IMBA Mono Pond State Park in CT The shift in mindset from conserving and preserving land to moving to creating more recreational land on these properties Winter and Summer economics that revolve around outdoor recreation Bethel, MA – Sunday River / Bethel Community Forest Carrabassett Valley, MA and Crocker Mountain Unit Catamount Outdoor Family Center Examples of avenues for funding opportunities Potential Partnership between forest product companies and Trail Organizations Life Wisdom by J.T. Horn Land Acquisition Strategy using good parcel data What J.T. looks for in a Trail Community Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: The Trust for Public Land: https://www.tpl.org/ The Tualatin Mountain Forest: https://www.tpl.org/our-work/tualatin-mountain-forest Mono Pond State Park: https://www.tpl.org/our-work/bigger-better-mono-pond-state-park Catamount Outdoor Family Center: https://catamountoutdoor.org/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/josh Smith’s Bike Shop – 130 Years of Excellence: www.smithsbikes.com   Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services  

For Episode 195 we have Chris Stindt as our guest. Chris is heavily involved hosting bicycle related events, all sorts of bicycle related events. During this conversation we uncover the value that events bring to communities, and in many ways these events help to build stronger communities. Topics Include: The Chris Stindt backstory Chris’s role at Smith’s Bike Shop Events as a vehicle for raising money to fund trails An overview of multiple events before going into a deep dive on them A Brief History of WORS Racing in La Crosse The La Crosse Omnium Road Race – What this event does for the region Side conversation about Kwik Trip Deeper into what to expect at ORA Trails Fest and the UCI racing aspect of 2025’s event Enduro Racing at ORA Trails Fest USA Cycling Gravel Nationals – La Crescent, MN – Across the river from La Crosse, WI Smith’s Bike Shop and the 130-Year Anniversary – 1895 to Present – Yet another community event Other events that Smith’s Bike Shop Supports – Valet Bike Parking at the Moon Tunes Summer Concert Series with the Beer By Bike Brigade. What Chris looks for in Trail Communities Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: La Crosse Omnium: https://www.lacrosseomnium.com/ ORA Trails Fest: https://www.oratrailsfest.com/ Smith’s Bike Shop – 130 Years of Excellence: www.smithsbikes.com USA Cycling Gravel National Championships: https://gravelnats.usacycling.org/ I Helped Design the Gravel Nationals Course Coming to Minnesota. Then We Pre-Rode It (And It’s Going to Hurt) – Words: Chris Stindt https://www.thenxrth.com/post/i-helped-design-the-gravel-nationals-course-coming-to-minnesota-then-we-pre-rode-it-and-it-s-goin   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/josh Smith’s Bike Shop – 130 Years of Excellence: www.smithsbikes.com   Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For Episode 194 Martha Becton takes over again, this time at the 2025 International Trail Summit, which was held this past April in Madison, WI. Similar to when Martha took over last year at the PTBA Conference, Martha is back, and this time she’s got 6 other guests who dive back into the topic of Women in Trail Building. Topics Include: Intro by Martha Becton – Owner of Becton Trails Desi Jarrell – Director of Outdoor Recreation Perry County Fiscal Court Kathie Brennan – Vice President Ozark Trail Association Valerie Niles – Open Space Technician Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Heidi Tillmanns – Director Trail & Infrastructure Trans Canada Trail Stacey Dakin – Chief Program Officer Trans Canada Trail Kathie Brennan – Working with AmeriCorps staff Martha – Volunteering as a retirement job, and staying active when older in life Kathie Brennan – What is now my purpose? Erica Hirsch – Trails Program Manager Cleveland Metroparks Working for multiple winters in Patagonia Argentina Martha – What hooked you into trails – and how can you get into this career of trails Trails as a second career (later in life) Transferable Skills into trails – (Hint, everything is transferable) Desi and Kathie – NICA and getting kids and families on bikes Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: International Trails Summit: https://www.trails-summit.org/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/josh Smith’s Bike Shop – 130 Years of Excellence: www.smithsbikes.com   Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For Episode 193 we have Uriah Nazario and Brock Wagner who are two of the many personalities behind Beyond the Ashes – An Adaptive Trail Story. Uriah and Brock break down the backstory behind this film, who they brought into the film, along with how Universal Trail Design can be incorporated into trail systems without most people knowing, yet providing access to Adaptive Mountain Bikers. This film will be going live on June 19th at the Bentonville Film Festival. Some of the personalities in this film are previous guests on the Trail EAffect podcast as well such as Jeremy P McGhee (Episodes 65 & 66), and Annijke Wade (Episode 85). Topics Include: The backstory on how Beyond the Ashes came to be Bring Brock Wagner along for filming movie, and how this evolved from a documentary with Jeremy P McGhee to a much larger and more inclusive project Bringing Brian Carlson into the film – and the vital role Brian played Having other riders evaluate trails to get feedback from different perspectives Breaking down the differences between the various aMTB’s from Brock’s perspective Learning how to build jumps for Adaptive Riders – and sending Jeremy into an Airbag off of and ATV ramp. Jeremy P McGhee absolutely sending it How Adaptive riders don’t want or need trails “dumbed down” What Brock took away from making this film How the film is broken up into segments The release at the Bentonville Film Festival The possibility of this film going to other film festivals Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Beyond the Ashes: https://www.beyondtheashesfilm.com/ Bentonville Film Festival: https://bentonvillefilm.org/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/josh Smith’s Bike Shop – 130 Years of Excellence: www.smithsbikes.com   Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For Episode 192 we have Jennifer Clinton and J.T. Horn both of the Trust for Public Land. Earlier this year the Trust for Public Land Partnered with IMBA to author a report on the Economic Impact of Mountain Biking. They also presented this report at the International Trail Summit that was held this past April in Madison, WI. We dug into the report itself along with some takeaways from the International Trail Summit during this conversation. Topics Include: About the Trust for Public Land Jennifer Clinton’s Backstory and background in economics Lab for Land and People The partnerships that were created to make this report happen IMBA and TPL Creating the Economic Impact of Mountain Biking Report Selecting data that was published in the past 10 years Mountain Bike Specific Data (not all-inclusive cycling data) Key Findings in the report Planning Considerations – Outside of trails for the community to be successful Chattanooga, TN – Example Community Gorham, NH – Example Community Events and what the event can bring to the community both during and outside of the event. Highlights and Findings that may have been surprising to Jennifer and JT Attending the International Trail Summit Concurrent Session about the report (Co Presenting w/ IMBA) Feedback during / from the presentation Best Practices for using the report Another takeaway from the International Trail Summit – Redhead Bike Park, Chisholm, MN Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Trust for Public Land: https://www.tpl.org/ Economic Impact of Mountain Biking Report: https://www.tpl.org/resource/econmountainbiking   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/josh Smith’s Bike Shop – 130 Years of Excellence: www.smithsbikes.com   Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For Episode 191 we have Lars Romig of Sedona, AZ. Lars has been a long-time member of the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition, along with being a Trail Builder and Mountain Bike Trail Access Advocate. Most Recently Lars led the charge on building the Hardline Trail. This conversation is one that I’ve wanted to have with a Sedona Local for a handful of years now as there is a ton of riding content that comes out of Sedona, but not a lot of content around how the Trails and Trail Access for mountain biking came to be in Sedona. Topics Include: How Lars got into Mountain Biking What Lars does professionally for a career How Sedona Trails came to be for Mountain Biking The various trail zones in Sedona, and the order of when those riding zones opened up for mountain biking Pigtail Trail (within the Hogs network) Started out as an IMBA Trail Day Constant improvements to Pigtail Western Movies in Sedona / Broken Arrow Area Building a relationship with the U.S. Forest Service The growth of membership and engagement with the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition Singletrack Bypass Reroute The Hardline Trail backstory The timeframe of building the Hardline Trail The Public Comment Period of the NEPA Process Recommended Direction Trails User Experience The user reception of the Hardline trail since it opened up Specialized and Soil Searching The Letter: H Trails that don’t start with the Letter H, that are still really great Canyon of Fools and lessons learned from that trail Monsoon Season and Riding Etiquette regarding wet trails Forest Service Trail Crew Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund Funds Non-Motorized Trail Development and Maintenance What Lars looks for in a Trail Community Secrets to riding the Hardline Trail The recommended route for a great ride that includes the classics and Hardline Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition: https://www.vvcc.us/ Specialized Soil Searching Hardline Trail: https://youtu.be/tJ06FMsIoy8?si=sBwZURjM5n-yFM3v Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund: https://redrocktrailfund.org/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/josh Smith’s Bike Shop – 130 Years of Excellence: www.smithsbikes.com   Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For Episode 190 we have Chris Riley from Central Maine. Chris is the president of the Central Maine Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association, and a board member of the New England Mountain Bike Association. Chris and his organization have come up with some innovative ideas on how to handle both new trail construction as well as handling annual trail maintenance. Maine and the New England region has a ton of momentum with mountain biking and trails, and that is really showcased during this conversation. Topics Include: How Chris got into Mountain Biking Chris’s early years in mountain biking Including several trips to ride in the Austin Texas area How Chris got involved with Mountain Biking and Advocacy in Maine Volunteer Engagement and Community Engagement with CE ME NEMBA Bringing on paid staff for trail building and maintenance Trail Systems that fall under the CE ME organization Buying an excavator to accelerate trail building in the region Various ways for funding trails Maine Trails Bond initiative Road Tripping to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan Marquette Trails Houghton Trails Copper Harbor Trails Creating destination riding communities Gravity Bike Parks in Maine Partnering with a local land trust for a new trail system Trail Systems proximity to communities for riding in the region Hub and Spoke Trail Model NEMBA and the 3 Year Strategic Plan Maintenance Matters What Chris looks for in a Trail Community Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Central Maine NEMBA: https://cemenemba.org/ New England Mountain Bike Association:  https://www.nemba.org/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/josh Smith’s Bike Shop – 130 Years of Excellence: www.smithsbikes.com   Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For Episode 189 we have Chase Draper the President of Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers otherwise known as BUMP. BUMP is another powerhouse volunteer driven trail organization that falls under the SORBA mothership in the South East region of the United States. Chase provides some exceltent stories about what can be accomplished when you are willing to outwork everyone else, and he’s got a pretty sarcastic personality as well. Topics Include: How and why Chase got into Mountain Biking How Chase got involved with BUMP Becoming the President of BUMP The backstory of BUMP Gravity Project at Oak Mountain State Park Funding through Inovate Alabama What the new Gravity Trails will do for the Region and Oak Mountain State Park Tannehill Ironworks trail expansion and building the largest adaptive accessible mountain bike trail system in the Southeast. IMBA Ride Centers and how BUMP is pursuing the Silver Level Ride Center Status. Oak Ass Endurance Race – NUE Series Championships for 2025 Bump-N-Grind Race Challenges that Chase has come across with leading the organization and managing volunteers What makes a great trail community in Chase’s opinion Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers: https://www.bump.org/ Oak Ass Endurance Race: https://bumpngrindraces.com/oak-ass-100/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/josh Smith’s Bike Shop – 130 Years of Excellence: www.smithsbikes.com   Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For Episode 188 we have Jarrod Harris and Josh Cohan back on from Jarrod’s Place Bike Park. We cover a handful of topics including what Josh & Jarrod have learned since opening Jarrod’s Place Bike Park and we went deep on All things Trail Armor – The first line of defense for protecting your Flow Trails, Jump Lines and Berms. There’s a lot of great things that Jarrod and Josh have been learning through their development of Trail Armor, but the most important aspect of all of this is that they are taking a chance and pushing innovation, and as we all know innovation breeds innovation and this is definitely a radical innovation! Topics Include: Jarrod’s Place backstory on purchasing the land Lessons learned running the bike park since we last talked (Episode 91) The diversity of Trail Experiences at Jarrod’s Place The efficiency of operating shuttle trucks The Trail Armor Backstory Working with a carpet manufacturer Testing different materials How Trail Armor is helping to reduce overall costs in maintenance and improving trail consistency. Riding through adverse weather conditions Where Trail Armor is used and not used The Evolution of Trail Armor How Trail Armor is reducing or eliminating erosion including dust erosion Trail Armor is available in various colors Customers using Trail Armor outside of Jarrod’s Place Installation and Repair of Trail Armor Cost of Trail Armor How Trail Armor helps to inspire confidence among newer riders Hauling Trail Armor into a job site 80’s Movies Art Installations at Jarrod’s Place Building a great community at and around Jarrod’s Place Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Jarrod’s Place Bike Park: https://jarrodsplacebikepark.com/ For more information about Trail Armor email: info@jarrodsplacebikepark.com Original Jarrod’s Place Episode (91): https://www.traileaffectpodcast.com/jarrods-place-bike-park-with-josh-cohan-and-jarrod-harris-91/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Trail One Components 20% off Coupon Code: trailpod Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/?ref=XavfBrRJfk4VOh Smith’s Bike Shop – 130 Years of Excellence: www.smithsbikes.com   Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For Episode 187 we have Marty Caivano the Local Community Engagement Manager for IMBA and John Cox the Education Manager for IMBA. We discussed many topics including The IMBA Foundations (Formerly known as IMBA Trail Labs), along with a lot of the other community engagement and educational programs that IMBA is continuing to host in 2025… There is also the hint of the IMBA Epics Returning in 2025! Topics Include: How Marty got her start at IMBA How John got his start at IMBA IMBA Foundations Backstory – Formerly Trail Labs Who IMBA Foundations is for Taking IMBA Foundations to Winona and Duluth, MN Bringing back the Trail Care School Black Hills South Dakota Trail Accelerator Workshop Trail Management School IMBA Ride Centers What Marty looks for in Trail Communities What John looks for in Trail Communities The IMBA Epic’s is coming back… Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: International Mountain Bicycling Association: https://www.imba.com/ IMBA Foundations: https://www.imba.com/foundations IMBA Trail Care School: https://www.imba.com/programs/trail-care-school IMBA Trail Friendly Community Self-Assessment: https://https://www.imba.com/self-assessment/overviewwww.imba.com/assessment   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Trail One Components 20% off Coupon Code: trailpod Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/?ref=XavfBrRJfk4VOh Smith’s Bike Shop – 130 Years of Excellence: www.smithsbikes.com   Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For Episode 186 we have Jason Aric Jones. Jason recently announced that he was stepping away from 30+ years of working extremely hard for mountain bike trail access and advocacy, and I know that it would be important to have Jason on the show to recount some of the experiences he has had along the way. Jason definitely took a creative approach to getting the job done, which eventually parlayed itself into the DTE Energy Foundation Trails, and multiple roles in statewide advocacy, that are even helping to influence regions around the entire state of Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula.    Topics Include: How Jason got into mountain biking The reasons behind Jason getting into Mountain Bike Advocacy Some of the challenges associated with mountain bike access in the early days Early days of mountain bike advocacy Creative ways to get mountain bikers involved with advocacy in Michigan Getting access to the Waterloo Recreation Area for mountain biking (and how that started) The Hell Riders (Black Hat Advocacy / Civil Disobedience) – FTW! Getting appointed to the Michigan Trails Advisory Council The Michigan Mountain Bike Association – and the value of Statewide Mountain Bike Organizations. How the DTE Energy Foundation Trail came to be, and the details behind all of it. Black Trails… Actual Data behind trail use numbers and how mountain bikers are a huge part of that Equestrian use and Mountain Bike use Keweenaw Heartlands Parcels and the explanation behind that initiative at the MI Trails Advisory Council. The power of Resolutions at the State Committee / Council level. The Keweenaw Peninsula and why that region is important to Jason What Jason looks for in Trail Communities Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association: https://potomba.org/ DTE Energy Trail: https://dtetrail.org/ DTE Trail - Pure Michigan: https://youtu.be/LctSL056YfY?si=6-wpG32OltelA4jU   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/   Trail One Components 20% off Coupon Code: trailpod Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/?ref=XavfBrRJfk4VOh Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For Episode 185 we have Steve Kasacek back for his second appearance on Trail EAffect. Steve is the assistant Director of the Outdoor Sport Institute located in Maine. We covered a ton of various trail projects that Steve has been a part of in Maine, along with the value of building relationships.   Topics Include: Updates with the Outdoor Sport Institute The value of building relationships Steve’s first PTBA Conference (Spring 2024) Presentations that Steve was involved with at the Conference Bike Optimized Trails and the value they provide to many user types The Maine Land Conservation Conference When is Conservation not Conservation Seven Ponds Project in Monson, ME Loon Echo Land Trust Island Falls, ME Ragged Mountain, Camden ME Residents of Maine approving $30 million to help fund trails Maine Trails Coalition Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Outdoor Sport Institute: https://www.outdoorsi.org/ More Human Powered Trails in Monson, ME: https://youtu.be/OlLY2_Onxgk?si=Nc700oGGOTt21Uxo Loon Echo Land Trust: https://www.lelt.org/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Loam Pass Affiliate Link: https://www.loampass.com?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=track&utm_campaign=traileaffect Loam Pass – Free Pass Protection Code: TAPOD Trail One Components 20% off Coupon Code: trailpod Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/?ref=XavfBrRJfk4VOh Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For Episode 184 we have Uriah Steber, the Owner of Benchmark Trails, Founding Member of the Oahe Wheelmen, and a driving force behind the rise of trails and mountain Biking across the State of South Datoka. Topics Include: The creation of the Oahe Wheelmen and MT Biking in Pierre, SD The rise of trails and mountain biking in rural communities The start of Benchmark Trails Unique Projects that Uriah and Benchmark Trails have been a part of Deer Mountain Village Western South Dakota and the Mountains in this region (Black Hills, SD) Remembering the Children Memorial The IMBA Trail Care School held in Spearfish & Rapid City, SD 2025 South Dakota Bicycle Summit Engaging the Lawmakers in South Dakota and Trails Patrick Lucas – Dirt Relations Documentary How the summit is designed to function Setting Santa’s Test Track for Striders and Adults in a Mall… Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Oahe Wheelmen: https://oahewheelmen.wixsite.com/oahewheelmen Benchmark Trails: https://www.benchmark-trails.com/ South Dakota Bicycle Summit 2025: https://www.sdbikesummit.com/ IMBA Trail Care School Spearfish / Rapid City, SD: https://youtu.be/20YY8FIudOU?si=vB0j9GT9jIJ7Yu4J Patrick Lucas: https://patricklucaswriter.ca/ Dirt Relations Documentary: https://iymbp.ca/dirt-relations-documentary/ Berryfast Bicycles: https://berryfastbicycles.com/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Loam Pass Affiliate Link: https://www.loampass.com?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=track&utm_campaign=traileaffect Loam Pass – Free Pass Protection Code: TAPOD Trail One Components 20% off Coupon Code: trailpod Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/?ref=XavfBrRJfk4VOh Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

2024 SORBA Year in review and 2025 Updates with Philip Darden | 183 For Episode 183 we have Philip Darden back on. Philip is the executive director of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association otherwise known as SORBA. During this conversation we recap some of the more notable events that Philip was able to attend in 2024, how the region was impacted by multiple hurricanes, along with some of the changes that SORBA will be implementing for 2025. Topics Include: Membership updates rolling into 2025 for SORBA SORBA Summits Storms that impacted many of the SORBA Chapters in 2024 Outdoor Alliance Grasstops Collective 2024 IMBA Local Leadership Summit that was held in Knoxville, TN AMBC Fall Fest 2024 – Knoxville, TN Giving Tuesday and supporting Trail Organizations Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: SORBA Main: https://sorba.org/ SORBA 2025 Membership Updates: https://sorba.org/membership-updates/ SORBA Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0T2q5g1ZqnS6cfDI54tuT7?si=054fdc5cbcfd41bf Outdoor Alliance Grasstops Collective: https://www.outdooralliance.org/grasstops-collective 2024 IMBA Leadership Summit: https://www.imba.com/2024leadersummit SORBA Donations: https://sorba.org/donations/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Loam Pass Affiliate Link: https://www.loampass.com?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=track&utm_campaign=traileaffect Loam Pass – Free Pass Protection Code: TAPOD Trail One Components 20% off Coupon Code: trailpod Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/?ref=XavfBrRJfk4VOh Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For Episode 182 we have Daniel Sapp back on, this time Daniel is here to provide some insight around the impacts that Hurricane Helene had on Western North Carolina and the Communities around the Pisgah National Forest. Western North Carolina relies heavily on tourism, please consider supporting these communities and organizations in any way that you see fit as they clean up, reopen and rebuild. Topics Include: The broad impact that Hurricane Helene had on Western North Carolina Being allowed back into the forest for damage assessment and clean up Chainsaws and being certified to work within the National Forest Closed Areas of Pisgah National Forest and why it’s important to respect the closures Volunteer Hours Logged to get trails open in the Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest Unity in the Community of Western North Carolina The Ranger District / Brevard and some other communities are back open and the community needs tourism in the areas that are open! Including Ride Rock Creek and Ride Kanuga – Open for Business! Fundraising for the communities in Western North Carolina Giving Tuesday coming up! Having paid staff at Pisgah Area SORBA and how that has helped the recovery efforts How modern trail building standards and how the newer trails held up during this storm event Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Two Weeks Later: How Pisgah's Communities are Coping in the Aftermath of Hurricane Helene: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/two-weeks-later-how-pisgahs-communities-are-coping-in-the-aftermath-of-hurricane-helene.html Pisgah Area SORBA: https://www.pisgahareasorba.org/ G5 Collective: https://www.g5trailcollective.org/ McDowell Technical College Trail Training: https://mcdowelltech.edu/academic-degree-programs/cewd/trail-construction-and-sustainability/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Loam Pass Affiliate Link: https://www.loampass.com?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=track&utm_campaign=traileaffect Loam Pass – Free Pass Protection Code: TAPOD Trail One Components 20% off Coupon Code: trailpod Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/?ref=XavfBrRJfk4VOh Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For episode 181 We have Brice Shirbach for his third appearance on Trail EAffect. Brice knows trail communities like no other. Brice has been at this for well over a decade now and it shows! We covered how his Underexposed series came to be and, some of the communities that Brice has covered recently through the Underexposed Series. Brice has a very unique perspective on Trails and Trail Communities – This is a good one! Topics Include: The backstory on how Underexposed came to be Pocahontas County, West Virginia – and West Virgina as a whole Marquette County, MI Fernie, BC What legacy means to Brice What Brice has seen change or evolve over the past decade regarding Trails and Trail Communities What Brice looks for in a Trail Community Bonus – POW – Protect Our Winters Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Underexposed Pocahontas County, WV: https://youtu.be/LN1cob0r-mc?si=6pXrHn9TON689YWu Underexposed Marquette County, MI: https://youtu.be/6ebgf8pFAfg?si=TfxYUFANlaqtMaWq Underexposed Fernie, BC: https://youtu.be/7xXeDawpssE?si=Yf1dkoqiKwo0EuYE Protect Our Winters: https://protectourwinters.org/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Loam Pass Affiliate Link: https://www.loampass.com?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=track&utm_campaign=traileaffect Loam Pass – Free Pass Protection Code: TAPOD Trail One Components 20% off Coupon Code: trailpod Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/?ref=XavfBrRJfk4VOh Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For episode 180 we have Charles Evans. Charles is the Trail Maintenance Coordinator for the Snowshoe Highlands Area Recreational Collaborative. The Snowshoe Highlands Region has nearly 400 miles of trail, is a IMBA Silver Level Ride Center, and is the region that has hosted Several World Cup Mountain Bike Races and Championships. We covered the ever-popular topic of Trail Maintenance, along with the Federal Reserve, and even talked a little bit about listening for aliens. Ultimately Charles provides a ton of insight around why The Snowshoe Highlands Area is an incredible place to ride you mountain bike. Topics Include: How Charles got into the world of Trail Maintenance The region of Pocahontas County, West Virginia Trails and types of trails found in the region The Greenbank Observatory IMBA Silver Level Ride Center, and steps towards becoming a Gold Level Ride Center Monday Lick Trail System The role as the Trail Maintenance Coordinator How the Trail Maintenance is funded in this region Partnering with West Virginia University Generating Interest from the Federal Reserve What the lodging and other amenities for going to ride in this region Future Projects in the region The importance of Trail Maintenance What Charles looks for in a Trail Community Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center: https://ridesnowshoehighlands.com/ Pocahontas County, WV: https://pocahontascountywv.com/ Pocahontas Trails: https://pocahontastrails.com/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Loam Pass Affiliate Link: https://www.loampass.com?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=track&utm_campaign=traileaffect Loam Pass – Free Pass Protection Code: TAPOD Trail One Components 20% off Coupon Code: trailpod Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/?ref=XavfBrRJfk4VOh Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For episode 179 we have Luke Krolikowski – the Bike Park Manager of the Farside Bike Park at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galina, IL. The Farside Bike Park is a relatively newer lift access bike park located in a topographically rich part of the upper Midwest known as the Driftless Area. Luke dives into all things Farside during our conversation. If you live in the Upper Midwest and haven’t checked out the Farside Bike Park yet, you should as we are embarking on fall and time will be running out before winter hits again! Topics Include: How Luke got into Mountain Biking The move from MI to Chestnut Mountain Resort Taking over the Bike Park Manager Role The rainy spring and how that impacted opening the park in 2024 Rider Numbers for 2024 The Trail Layout and feedback from riders about the park How the Farside Bike Park fits into the rest Chestnut Mountain Resort Early days of Mountain Biking at Chestnut – Specialized Cactus Cup in the 90’s Future Trail Expansion of the Bike Park What Luke looks for in Mountain Bike Community Loam Pass Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Farside Bike Park: https://www.chestnutmtn.com/farside-bike-park-draft-2/ Chestnut Mountain Resort: https://www.chestnutmtn.com/   Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/ Loam Pass Affiliate Link: https://www.loampass.com?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=track&utm_campaign=traileaffect Loam Pass – Free Pass Protection Code: TAPOD Trail One Components 20% off Coupon Code: trailpod Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/?ref=XavfBrRJfk4VOh Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services