Trail EAffect

Nick Ryan | Copper Harbor Trails Club Trails Coordinator | 204
Topics Include:
Giving Tuesday for Copper Harbor Trails Club
Looking back at the 2025 achievements by the Copper Harbor Trails Club
Looking forward at the 2026 goals
Wrapping up the Keweenaw Point Trail in 2026
Winter Trails around Copper Harbor that the far east end of the Keweenaw Peninsula
More than double your donation through the Giving Tuesday Campaign when you donate through the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation to the Copper Harbor Trails Club
The Nick Ryan backstory on how he got into mountain biking
Why Nick chose Copper Harbor as a place to work
Enrolling into the Northwest Arkansas Trail Technician Program
Going deeper on the importance of Planning and Design for trails
Building Experiences
The International Trail Rating System and traveling to Europe to attend the certification course
International Trail Rating System Details
Copper Harbor Trails Club adopting the International Trail Rating System
Going deeper on wayfinding
Things that Nick learned generally speaking while in Europe
What Nick Looks for in a Trail Community
Trail Maintenance and the value / and importance of Trail Maintenance
Closing Comments
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Copper Shores Community Health Foundation | Giving Tuesday: https://www.coppershores.org/giving-tuesday
Copper Harbor Trails Club: https://www.copperharbortrails.org/
Northwest Arkansas Community College Trail Technician Program: https://www.nwacc.edu/academicdivisions/trailstrades/trailtechnician/
International Trail Rating System: https://itrs.bike/
Show Support By:
Outdoor Marketing Bootcamp: https://www.outdoormarketingbootcamp.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
Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
 
Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

IMBA Trail Towns and Ride Centers™ with Joe V. and Marty Caivano | 203
For episode 203 we have Joe V. and Marty Caivano back on to discuss the recently launched IMBA Trail Towns Designation and the recently relaunched IMBA Ride Center™ Designation. We covered everything from the importance of these designations for your community, how to get these awarded these designations, and even provided some example communities for these designations. If you are looking to level up the status of your community – Look no further as this conversation is for you!
Topics Include:
Trail Towns and the why behind the Trail Town Designation
Becoming a Trail Town
Community Assessment Tool
Trail Town Application Window
Why become an IMBA Trail Town
Re Launch of the Ride Center™ Designation
The evolution of IMBA and the mission of More Trails Close to Home
The consolidation of Bronze, Silver and Gold Ride Centers™ to Ride Center™ and Premier Ride Center™
How riders think about where they want to ride today
Defining “Bike Park” within the Ride Center™ Designation
Defining Gravity Riding within the Ride Center™ Designation
Using CAMBA / Mt Telemark Village (Hayward / Cable, WI) and how this region fits into the new Ride Center™ designation as an example
Reapplying to become a Ride Center™, even if your community is a current Ride Center™.
Example of Copper Harbor and how that community would fit into the new Ride Center™ designation.
Joe’s new Ride Center™ radius now that he’s based in Colorado
Marketing component of Ride Centers™
TrailForks & IMBA
Rating and Reviewing Ride Centers™
What Joe V looks for in a Trail Community
Closing Comments
Trail EAffect Show Links:
IMBA: https://www.imba.com/
Trail Towns and Ride Centers™ Press Release: https://www.imba.com/press-release/imba-expands-community-designation-program-new-imba-trail-town-recognition-and-imba
Show Support By:
Outdoor Marketing Bootcamp: https://www.outdoormarketingbootcamp.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
Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
 
Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

For episode 202 we have Miles Ramsey the creative director for 52Eighty Creative. Miles has been working with the PTBA, American Trails, along with others in the Trail Space to improve the marketing game on the outdoor infrastructure we all love to build and use.
Miles also the person behind the Outdoor Marketing Boot Camp which was created as a way to help bring new and creative ideas to the outdoor recreation and trail world.
The Outdoor Marketing Bootcamp will be hosted in a virtual format so traveling to and attending this conference will not be an issue. Miles has brought together more than 25 professionals who work in Outdoor Space as speakers at the Outdoor Marketing Bootcamp. This conversation also kicks off a partnership that Miles and myself have formed to help co-promote both the Outdoor Marketing Bootcamp and the Trail EAffect Podcast.
Topics Include:
How Miles got involved with the Trail World (PTBA / American Trails)
Common themes Miles has seen in terms of room for improvement from a marketing and branding perspective
Small Business ownership
Outdoor Marketing Bootcamp Backstory
Year One Successes
Miles – on “Is it good for the client?”
Speakers and the lineup for the 2026 Outdoor Marketing Bootcamp
What should an attendee expect from participating in the Outdoor Marketing Bootcamp
Various levels of experience
Dates: February 17th & 18th 2026
What Miles looks for in a Trail Community
The Outdoor Marketing Bootcamp Podcast
Closing Comments
Trail EAffect Show Links:
52Eighty Creative: https://www.52eightycreative.com/
Outdoor Marketing Bootcamp: https://www.outdoormarketingbootcamp.com/
Outdoor Marketing Bootcamp Podcast: https://www.outdoormarketingbootcamp.com/podcast
 
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 201 we have Berne Broudy and Greg Durso. Berne is an outdoor journalist, storyteller, and happens to be the president of Richmond Mountain Trails a Non-Profit Trail Organization. Greg is an adaptive athlete and senior program director for the Kelly Brush Foundation. Together Berne and Greg helped to create the new film titled “Best Day Ever” a film about adaptive mountain biking, trail building and what it looks like when inclusion is part of the trail building process from the beginning.
Topics Include:
The purpose and backstory behind the Best Day Ever movie
Breaking ground on the Driving Range Trail System – Vermont’s first fully adaptive trail system.
Challenges with building the Driving Range Trail System
Some of the characteristics of an Adaptive Trail
The intentionality of making the Driving Range sessionable, progressive and diverse in terms of trail experiences for all riders (and this system is mostly Blue, Black and Double Black).
Greg participating in and getting other adaptive riders into the Fox U.S. Open downhill race at Killington, VT
How DH Tracks lend themselves to being great for adaptive riders.
Different types of Adaptive Mountain Bikes
The Kelly Brush Foundation – Kingdom Trails – and Adaptive Mountain Bike Camps
Expanding on what the Kelly Brush Foundation does
What Berne learned through creating this movie “Best Day Ever”
What Greg learned through filming the movie “Best Day Ever”
Screenings of the movie “Best Day Ever” which you can do now!
American Trails: Advancing Trails Webinar: A Guide to Adaptive Mountain Bike Trail Building
What Berne looks for in a Mountain Bike Community
What Greg looks for in a Mountain Bike Community
What Greg thinks the future of adaptive trails looks like
Closing Comments
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Best Day Ever Movie: https://www.bestdayever.mov/
The Driving Range Trail System: https://www.richmondmountaintrails.org/the-driving-range
Richmond Mountain Trails: https://www.richmondmountaintrails.org/
How to donate to the film (w/ a $25k Matching Grant): https://www.bestdayever.mov/impact
Heartland Film Festival: https://www.heartlandfilm.org/festival
The Kelly Brush Foundation: https://kellybrushfoundation.org/
American Trails Webinar: A Guide to Adaptive Mountain Bike Trail Building (10/30/2025): https://www.americantrails.org/training/a-guide-to-adaptive-mountain-bike-trailbuilding
 
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 200 we flip the script, and Pete Taylor takes over as the host, putting your regular host myself, Josh into the hot seat. We dive into the backstory how the Trail EAffect Podcast came to be, a mistake or two that I’ve made along the way along with a whole bunch of other topics that Pete had.
Topics Include:
The Driftless Dirt / Trail EAffect Podcasts Backstory
Why Start Trail EAffect
Where has Trail EAffect taken me
Biggest Surprises and Mistakes
Highlights from the show
Difficulties that have come with the podcast
Monetization of the show
Scheduling of the shows, and time invested into the show
Becoming proficient at podcasting, audio and editing
Give advice, things I’ve learned through this journey
The value of Trail Planning and Design
Advice to Trail Organizations who may be lacking funding
Favorite places / Little Gems for trail communities
What does the future of dirt look like
Thoughts on “expired” golf courses
The future of dirt
What’s next
What Josh looks for in a Trail Community
Closing Comments
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Vernon Trails: https://vernontrails.com/
Bluedog Cycles: https://www.bluedogcycles.com/
Pertnear 20 Mountain Bike Race: https://www.bluedogcycles.com/pertnear-20-2022
 
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 199 we have Pete Taylor of Vernon Trails, Bluedog Cycles and Camp Bluedog – the largest longest running kids’ mountain bike camp in the Galaxy. There are so many words that could be said about Pete but I’ll leave all of that up to him!
Topics Include:
Moving to Viroqua, WI to open a bike shop, a place with zero access for mountain bike trails
Starting with Single Track - Vernon Trails – The local trail organization
Opening Bluedog Cycles in Viroqua, WI
Pete’s take on NICA and how that’s impacted Pete’s Mountain Bike Community
Camp Bluedog – Why start a kids mountain bike camp
The backstory behind why Pete and Alycann started Camp Bluedog
19 years of Camp Bluedog just wrapped up
Trail Building as Part of Camp Bluedog
Partnering with Sugar Creek Bible Camp for the facilities and trails
Events at Sugar Creek Bible Camp… (Past and Future)
Volunteers of Camp Bluedog
Pertnear 20 XC Race at Sidie Hollow every fall
Connecting you to what Matters: T-Mobile Grant for Trail Mapping and Signage
What Pete looks for in a Trail Community
Closing Comments
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Vernon Trails: https://vernontrails.com/
Bluedog Cycles: https://www.bluedogcycles.com/
Camp Bluedog: https://www.bluedogcycles.com/camp-bluedog
 
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 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