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 Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
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
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
Tuesday Dec 17, 2024
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
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
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
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
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
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
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
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
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
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
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
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
