Trail EAffect
Trail EAffect is a show that dives into the stories behind trails, the communities that embrace trails, and the people who rely on trails as a way of life by interviewing the personalities involved with the world of Trails and Mountain Biking.
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Episodes
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
Tuesday Aug 20, 2024
For Episode 178 We’ve got Mischa and Edoardo the two masterminds behind the International Trail Rating System. Mischa is based in Switzerland, and Edoardo is based in Italy. Both have a strong understanding about the nuance that goes into dissecting and rating a trail. While there is a lot that can go into how or why a trail is rated a certain way, this system is the most comprehensive approach I’ve seen for rating trails yet.
Topics Include:
How Mischa got into mountain biking
How Edoardo got into mountain biking
The International Trail Rating System and why
The Survey about Trail Rating
Four different Categories for Rating Trails
Where the ITRS is Rooted – Safety and Decision Making
Trail Builders take on Trail Ratings and the ITRS
The width of a trail and how trail width factors in to how a trail is rated
Becoming a Certified Trail Rater
Implementation of ITRS
Trailforks
Having a 3rd Party rate trails
What Mischa looks for in a good trail community
What Edoardo looks for in a good trail community
Closing Comments
Trail EAffect Show Links:
International Trail Rating System: https://itrs.bike/
Certified Trail Rater Training: https://itrs.bike/announcing-the-next-training-course-and-exam-to-become-a-certified-trail-rater/
Swiss Bike Park: https://www.swissbikepark.ch/
ITRS and IMBA Europe: https://www.imba-europe.org/knowledge-hub/international-trail-rating-system-itrs/
ITRS on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-trail-rating-system/
Trail Therapy: https://en.trailtherapy.ch/
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
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
For Episode 177 we have Emily Brown. Emily is a Co-Founder of the newly created Spearfish Trails Coalition based in Spearfish, SD. If you haven’t been to the Black Hills in South Dakota, this place is truly remarkable. Spearfish has a history of trails and mountain biking that runs parallel with the history of mountain biking itself. Emily discusses the importance of this new coalition and why it is being formed now. Emily is also a Field Guide for SRAM, and SRAM happens to have an office in Spearfish, this means SRAM is also investing in trails and trail advocacy in their backyard.
Topics Include:
The Emily Brown Backstory
Women in Mountain Biking
Field Guide for SRAM
Women Specific Aspects of Emily’s Role
The Spearfish Recreation Path
Black Hills Region / Black Hills National Forest
Trails in Spearfish
The Spearfish Trails Coalition
Founding this and why
The importance of having a plan
Paying Respect to those who built trails before the STC in Spearfish
Traveling to other communities as a SRAM Field Guide
Joining the IMBA Local Program
Working with local government and the Parks Department
The goal to diversify trail experiences in Spearfish, SD
The riding culture in Spearfish, SD
SRAM Investing in their backyard
How SRAM has invested in Spearfish
Sturdy Dirty Women’s Enduro
Emily’s Take on the ideal Trail Community
Closing Comments
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Spearfish Trails Coalition: https://spearfishtrails.org/
Dakota 5-0: https://www.dakotafiveo.com/
IMBA Local: https://www.imba.com/local-partners
Sturdy Dirty: https://www.sturdydirty.com/
SRAM – Our Responsibilities: https://www.sram.com/en/company/campaigns/our-responsibilities
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
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
Thursday Jul 25, 2024
For Episode 176 we have Mike Gehard, Mike is the current president of SORBA Chattanooga. If you’ve been following along for a while, you’ve heard several guests talk about Walden’s Ridge in Chattanooga, now you’ll get the full story on mountain biking in Chattanooga along with the fact that SORBA Chattanooga is currently looking to hire their first Executive Director. Mike Also provides a bunch of insight he has learned through volunteering and working with organizations.
Topics Include:
Why Chattanooga, TN
How Mike found Chattanooga
Why Mike got involved with SORBA Chattanooga
2024 PTBA Conference as a presenter and an attendee
Walden’s Ridge
Shuttles and not the kind that you find at Bike Parks
Building features on public trails and how many feature rich trails should be built on public lands
Other Chattanooga Trail Systems
IMBA – Trail Accelerator Grants
SORBA Chattanooga is hiring and Executive Director and Why
The benefits of being a SORBA Member Organization
Giving back to your local trail organization
What Mike looks for in a Trail Community
Closing Comments
Trail EAffect Show Links:
SORBA Chattanooga: https://www.sorbachattanooga.org/
Walden’s Ridge: https://www.waldensridgepark.com/
SORBA Main: https://sorba.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
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
For Episode 175 we have Glen Jacobs back for Round 2 on Trail EAffect. Glen first appeared on episode 125, if you haven’t listened to the first conversation with Glen, I highly recommend it as, episode 125 will provide some context for this conversation.
Glen is easily one of the most prolific visionaries in Trail Building. Glen Co-founded WorldTrail with Dylan Jeffries 20 years ago. They have since gone on to plan, design and build some of best mountain bike destinations on the Planet.
The overarching theme to this conversation is Glen’s desire to share the knowledge that he, and his team have learned over many years.
This conversation goes quite a bit longer than normal and I need to point out that mid conversation Glen lost power at his place so he pivoted from his computer to his phone to continue the conversation, then back to his computer once the power was restored. Glen is truly a world class human, and we are all very fortunate to have Glen as a professional in our trail community!
Topics Include:
2024 PTBA Conference
Key Note Speaker and Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
2023 Mountain Bike Hall of Fame
Shaun Palmer and Rob Warner
Specialized Soil Searching
The progression of Mountain Bikes
The Quark Knuckle
How Many Quark Knuckles have been put on one trail?
Many Shapes and Sizes of the Quark Knuckle
Blue Derby Tasmania and why it’s so popular and successful
Mountain Biking is just beginning
Listener Question from Mike Gehard – President of SORBA Chattanooga – When Creating Trail Communities, the Top 3 Things for including everybody into Trails
More Quark Knuckle Talk
The need to verbalize and share knowledge
Losing Power mid conversation…
From the 90’s (Mountain Biking)
Validating Trail Builders / Standards for Building and Trails
The importance of Trail Design and the details that WorldTrail Employs during Trail Design
The ARM – Adjustable Rock Matting
WorldTrail Tools
The size of WorldTrail
Sharing Knowledge and Training Staff within WorldTrail
Building World Class Trail Destinations
Future Trail Conferences
Closing Comments
Trail EAffect Show Links:
WorldTrail: https://world-trail.com/
Specialized Soil Searching with Glen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juxlm5dorLU
Blue Derby: https://ridebluederby.com.au/
Glen Jacobs – The Elder Statesman of Trails: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF9-vwN3sPQ
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
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Daniel Sapp – President of Pisgah Area SORBA / Trail Advocacy 174
For Episode 174 we have Daniel Sapp, Daniel is the current president of Pisgah Area SORBA, co-founder of The Backslope as well as colleague to the infamous Seth Alvo of Berm Peak. Prior to this Daniel was a journalist for Pinkbike, among other publications and Daniel has spent most his adult in various roles in the trail and mountain bike world. Ultimately Daniel provides his take on the importance of Mountain Bike Trail Advocacy.
Stay tuned to the end as we close this one out with a Mike Levy story involving a bad decision!
Topics Include:
How Daniel got into Mountain Biking
Daniel and Higher Education
Traveling and landing jobs within the mountain bike world
Not being afraid to walk your bike…
The transition from Pinkbike into Advocacy
Starting The Backslope
2023 North Carolina and the Year of the Trail Campaign
Rails to Trails Trails and their role in the trail world
Pisgah Area SORBA, and where Daniel started getting involved there
The growth of Pisgah Area SORBA
Hiring Staff
Cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service
Backcountry Horsemen of Pisgah
Rebuilding Trails in Pisgah National Forest
A deep dive on infighting within mountain bikers (a discussion that had to happen at some point)
The Butter Gap reroute / rebuild
The Article – Without Trails we don’t need Mountain Bikes
How can we bring more positive awareness around trail advocacy?
What are the ingredients that Daniel thinks make a great trail community
Getting involved with your local trail organization
Bike Parks
Closing Comments
Bonus Content – Mike Levy…
And a whole lot more!
Trail EAffect Show Links:
The Backslope: https://www.thebackslope.com/
Pisgah Area SORBA: https://www.pisgahareasorba.org/
Year of the Trail / The Great Trails State NC: https://greattrailsnc.com/
Backcountry Horsemen of Pisgah Movie https://youtu.be/3qPsMTQwW1E?si=RDFvxXQnfwt4KQB4
Without Trails We Don’t Need Mountain Bikes: https://bermpeak.substack.com/p/without-trails-we-dont-need-mountain
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
Thursday Jun 06, 2024
Thursday Jun 06, 2024
Steve Ford - Bike Park Manager of the Luiseño Bike Park in San Diego, California – 173
For Episode 173 we have Steve Ford – Steve is the Gravity Bike Park Manager at the Luiseño Bike Park located in San Diego County California on the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indian Tribal Lands. We covered all things Gravity Bike Parks from Steve’s experience and how this Gravity Bike Park has huge potential for Southern California!
Topics Include:
Steve Ford Back Story
How the Bike Park fits into the La Jolla Adventure Park
Proximity to the San Diego Metro Area
Bike Park Details and how it functions
E-Bikes at Luiseño Bike Park
The Build and Maintenance Crew
Future Expansion Talk
Chair Lift in the future?
How this bike park fits into the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians
Events
Operation Details (Days / Hours) – Year-Round!
Current Shuttle Details
And a whole lot more!
Trail EAffect Show Links:
La Jolla Adventure Park: https://lajollaindiancampground.com/
Luiseño Bike Park: https://lajollaindiancampground.com/bike-park-pass/
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
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Jeremy Poore from Old Fort, NC / McDowell Tech Trail School / Mountain Top Shuttles #172
For Episode 172 we have Jeremy Poore – who is based in Old Fort, NC which is not too far east of the Infamous Ashville, NC. Old Fort is ramping up to be the next community to embrace the benefits of trails and outdoor recreation. We covered all things Old Fort, Trail Building School through McDowell Tech, Jeremy’s thoughts on the 2024 PTBA Conference, along with his thoughts on the 2024 SORBA Spring Summit. There’s a ton going on in the conversation so kick back and enjoy the show.
Topics Include:
2024 PTBA Sustainable Trails Conference
2024 SORBA Spring Summit
How Jeremy found trail building
Moving to Old Fort, NC
Starting Mountain Top Shuttle Service and why
Creating the Trail Building Program / Higher Education at McDowell Technical College in Old Fort, NC
The best attempt at smart growth for the community of Old Fort
The opening of what might be the longest descent on the east coast
Wood Fired Pizza
Pottery
Quark Knuckle’s
And a whole lot more!
Trail EAffect Show Links:
McDowell Tech Trail School www.traileducation.com
Mountain Top Shuttles www.mountaintopshuttles.com
G5 Trail Collective & Old Fort Trails Project www.g5trailcollective.org
Watershed Bike Park, Old Fort www.facebook.com/foothillswatershed/
Old Fort Bike Shop www.oldfortbikeshop.com
Hey Old Friend, MTB AirBnB www.instagram.com/heyoldfriend2023
Davis Country Store and Cafe www.facebook.com/thedaviscountrystore/
Seeker Coffee (Shuttle pickup location) www.seekercoffeenc.com
SORBA Main www.sorba.org
(ah-BYOH-koh) Wood Fired Pizza https://www.abbiocconc.com/
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
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Tuesday May 07, 2024
Amanda Carey – President of NICA – National Interscholastic Cycling Association – Talking Trails, Youth Development, Leadership and Non-Profits – 171
For Episode 171 we have Amanda Carey as our guest. Amanda is the president of NICA, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. Amanda worked for 5 other Outdoor and Trail Based non-profits leading up to her current role at NICA, including a role as the Executive Director for Mountain Bike the Tetons. We talked all things trails, the role that NICA is playing with youth sports, more broadly mountain biking, and we close with a story that takes this conversation to a place you might not all expect.
Topics Include:
How Amanda got into mountain biking
The numerous Non-Profit organizations that Amanda worked for leading up to NICA
Programs within NICA such as the Teen Trail Corps. And GRiT (Girls Riding Together)
And a pretty crazy story at the end!
Trail EAffect Show Links:
NICA: https://nationalmtb.org/
Mountain Bike the Tetons: https://www.mountainbiketetons.org/
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
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Peter Mills of Elevated Trail Design - 170
For Episode 170 we have Peter Mills the owner of Elevated Trail Design as our guest. Elevated Trail Designs is a PTBA Member Company that is based out of the Ashville, NC Region. Peter is a lifelong mountain biker and trail builder that is responsible for some of the newest yet most notable trail projects in the greater Ashville Region and beyond.
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Elevated Trail Design: https://www.elevatedtraildesign.com/
Elevated Trail Design on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatedtraildesign
Chestnut Mountain Nature Park: https://www.chestnutmountainnaturepark.com/
AVL UNPaved: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/projects/avl-unpaved/
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
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Tuesday Apr 16, 2024
Toby Cortez / Bogue Chitto State Park / Mountain Biking in Louisiana 169
For Episode 169 Toby Cortez is our guest – Toby is one of the masterminds behind the mountain bike trails at Bogue Chitto State Park located in Louisiana. Toby drops a ton of knowledge on this episode, through some incredible stories about how Bogue Chitto came to be, cutting through the red tape that comes with making a trail system reality and what’s in store for the future.
Trail EAffect Show Links:
North Shore Off-Road Bicycle Association: https://www.norbatrails.org/
Bogue Chitto State Park: https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/bogue-chitto-state-park
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
