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.
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Ethan Edman Trail Crew Manager for TrailBlazers – Bentonville AR, Land of OZ Trails #127
Ethan is a transplant from Southwest Missouri but an Arkansas native at heart, he moved to Fayetteville in 2012 and then later to Bentonville after graduating from Missouri Southern State University with a B.S. in marketing and a minor in Spanish. After moving to Northwest Arkansas he fell in love with mountain biking, the outdoor centric lifestyle and the cycling community that the area has to offer and joined the Trailblazers team in 2019. When Ethan isn’t playing in the dirt you can find him out on the trails riding his bike, doing wheelies and jumping around. Ethan has enjoyed being able to curate many local favorite trails as well as having participated in event preparation for large events such as Bike Bentonville, Outerbike, and the UCI Cyclocross World Championship.
Topics:
How Ethan got into mountain biking
Joplin Mo and the Bentonville Connection
Attending the first Big Mountain Enduro of 2023 at Mt Nebo
Ouachita National Forest / Mena Future
Future potential gravity venue in Arkansas
The TrailBlazers Backstory and Restructure in 2021
The role that TrailBlazers plays with facilitating trail building and maintenance
Oversight of all Trail Construction in Northwest Arkansas
Working with the public / gaining easements for access
Jeremy P. McGhee jumps into the conversation
How TrailBlazers are making trails better for adaptive riders
Jeremy’s first solo loop at Little Sugar Trails
Jeremy is cataloging the entire trail network in Northwest Arkansas for Adaptive riders, and how modification can be made to accommodate more adaptive riders
Jeremy’s Jumping Project and Documentary that is in progress
A day in the life of Ethan Edman as the Trail Crew Manager and his crew
Different categories of work that TrailBlazers does on trails.
Staffing the Trail Crew at TrailBlazers
Ethan’s philosophy for trail building
What Ethan looks for in a Trail Community / Mountain Bike Community
Closing Comments and Thank You’s
A preview of what’s being build at the Bentonville Bike Fest Venue
Links:
TrailBlazers: https://wearetrailblazers.org/
Bentonville Bike Fest: https://www.bentonvillebikefest.com/
Trails at Mena Ouachita National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63649&exp=overview
Jeremy P. McGhee: https://www.jeremymcghee.com/
Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Discount Code (20%) for both KETL Mtn Apparel and Trail One Components: TrailPod
Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh
Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/
Worldwide Cyclery Affiliate Link: https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/?aff=559
Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Gary Gleason of WTB Components – Mountain Bike Trails and Advocacy the WTB Way #126
Topics:
How Gary got into cycling / mountain biking
The early days of mountain biking including the Kamikaze Downhill
The backstory of WTB “Wilderness Trail Bikes” Components
Wanting a pair of WTB Hubs started it all for Gary
Developments that Gary has seen in terms of Mountain Bike Technology since the early 90’s
WTB early to the 29’er game with the Nanoraptor Tire
Prototyping 29er frames for 29er wheels
The deep history of WTB Components and Advocacy for bikes – All Bikes
The vision of Patrick Seidler at WTB Bikes
Early years of Mountain Biking in Marin County
The Declaration of Interdependence on the back page of the Marin Independent Journal
The North South Greenway in Marin County
Being an anchor member of the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship for 20 years
Gary’s first trip to Downieville and meeting Greg Williams
Famous Failures / Learning Moments for Gary at WTB Components
Industry Standards…
Products that Gary is Proud of at WTB Components
What Gary looks for in a Mountain Bike or Trail Community
Closing Comments, Words of Wisdom and Thank You’s by Gary
Anthill Films: The Engine Inside
Links:
WTB Components: https://www.wtb.com/
People for Bikes: https://www.peopleforbikes.org/
The Downieville Classic: https://downievilleclassic.com/
Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship: http://www.sierratrails.org/
Anthill Films - The Engine Inside: https://anthillfilms.com/blog/announcing-the-engine-inside
Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Discount Code (20%) for both KETL Mtn Apparel and Trail One Components: TrailPod
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh
Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/
Worldwide Cyclery Affiliate Link: https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/?aff=559
Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Tuesday May 02, 2023
Tuesday May 02, 2023
Glen Jacobs – World Trail – Building the future of Mountain Bike Trail Towns #125
Topics:
How Glen got into Mountain Biking
And how he nearly quit and sold his mountain bike
Doing what they were doing in Australia
The Importance of Trails to Glen
How Glen got connected with the UCI
Bringing World Cup Mountain Biking Cairns Australia
The importance of 1996 for Downhill Mountain Bike Racing
How Shaun Palmer nearly won World Championships and changed how people stopped racing Downhill in Lycra
How Glen saw tracks changing in 1997 and beyond
2001 and how sponsorship funding was drying up and the sport was changing
Pivoting from Building Tracks for Racing to Building Trails for the masses
Ego Trails…
The Rating System for Mountain Bike Trails and how it was started in the 90’s
Green Trails according to Glen and the two types of beginner riders
Starting Word Trail with Dylan Jeffries
The importance of the Rating System Standards matching worldwide
Air Flow Trails and what these trails are
Blended Earth Trail
Three Points / Pillars for a Trail
Safety
Drainage
Predictability
Blue Derby Tasmania
The Six Boxes that need to be checked to be a Trail Center/ Trail Town
Connectivity – to an Airport / City (1.5 hours)
Connectivity – Compared to the accommodations (Lodging, Food)
Natural Features / Beauty (Lakes, Escarpments, Waterfalls, ect)
Quality Trails – for repeat visitation and something for every level of rider and diversity of trail types from gravity to cross country and variations of these types – and at least 85k of trails
Start with a Coffee & Finish with a Smile – Something for everyone
Room for Growth / Progressive Expansion (Trails, Businesses, overall Community)
The Ability to host a world class event (drop a circus on top)
Why Mountain Biking has taken off for Australia
Building a Trail Town in Høgevarde in Hallingdal, Norway
Trails and Summer Ops come first, then Winter Ops are built around the Summer Ops
The Trajectory of Alpine Ski Resorts and Mountain Biking
How Bikes are helping the Trajectory of Mountain Biking
Glen and Ebikes
Changes in bike technology – 29er’s…
Designing Trails for 1,000 riders a week
Directional Trails…
Words of Wisdom and Closing Comments by Glen
Links:
World Trail: https://world-trail.com/
Gypsy Tails Podcast Episode: https://youtu.be/THCQpKnKzMM
Blue Derby: https://www.ridebluederby.com.au/
Building a Dream Destination at Høgevarde in Hallingdal, Norway: https://youtu.be/btQdhNliPfM
Soil Searching Featuring Glen: https://youtu.be/juxlm5dorLU
Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Discount Code (20%) for both KETL Mtn Apparel and Trail One Components: TrailPod
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh
Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/
Worldwide Cyclery Affiliate Link: https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/?aff=559
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Thomas Larsen Schmidt, President of IMBA Europe – Mountain Biking in Europe
Topics:
Changes that Thomas has seen over the years
How Thomas got into Mountain Biking and Advocacy
The Difference between IMBA (US) vs IMBA Europe
National Organization Membership Based
IMBA Europe Summit (June 1st – 3rd 2023)
Riding in Europe
Challenges that IMBA EU faces for access and advocacy
Comparing Cycling in Europe with the U.S.
Working bikes into transportation in Europe
More Trails Close to Home – EU
The importance of access to nature for kids
Thomas’ first time / experience in the U.S. in terms of Bike / Ped accommodations (or lack of)
Thomas’ experience at the 2022 PTBA Conference in Bentonville, AR
IMBA DIRTT Project – Knowledge / Learning about Trails
The Trail Building scene in Europe / Denmark
Norway / World Trails – Glen Jacobs
The quality of a trail that is repetitive
The impact that IMBA EU is making today and Take Care of Your Trails
Taken from Scotland – DMBnS
The things that Thomas looks for in a Trail Community
Connected Trails from the Town Center (Idea’s from Bentonville)
Night Riding
If you want to protect something you need to know it
Closing Comments
Thank You’s and Staff Shout Outs
SRAM Support
Specialized Support
Bonus talk about SRAM Innovations
Links:
IMBA Europe: https://www.imba-europe.org/
DIRTT Project: https://www.imba-europe.org/knowledge-hub/dirtt-project/
Take Care of Your Trails: https://www.imba-europe.org/events/take-care-of-your-trails/
Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh
Worldwide Cyclery Affiliate Link: https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/?aff=559
Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/
Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Jed Talbot of OBP Trailworks #123
Topics:
Growing up in Maine and How Jed got into Trail Building
Landing in the Upper Midwest for College – Carlton College
Getting involved with the Student Conservation Association (SCA)
Becoming an instructor for the SCA
Facilitators of the Experience!
Know It all vs Learn it all
Transitioning into the world of Professional Trail Building from the SCA
Starting with Peter Jensen and Associates
Knowledge Sharing within the Trail Building Industry
Trail Building Education through Universities and Trade Schools
USFS Manual Principals of Back Country Rigging
OBP Trailworks and the type of work that OBP Trail Works does
Adaptive Trails and Accessibility into the Outdoors through trails
Trail Building in Patagonia Argentina
Volunteer Patagonia
The importance of the PTBA as a Trade Association for Trail Building
What Jed looks for in a Trail Community
More Accessible Trails.
More Inclusion
Closing Comments Jed
Links:
OBP Trailworks: https://www.obptrailworks.com/
Freyja Volunteer Patagonia: https://www.volunteerpatagonia.org/
Student Conservation Association: https://www.thesca.org/
Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh
Worldwide Cyclery Affiliate Link: https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/?aff=559
Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/
Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Thursday Apr 13, 2023
Thursday Apr 13, 2023
Throwback Thursday with Kyle Horvath of Ely, NV / White Pine County #TBT
This episode first aired on June 26th, 2021 - as Episode #31
Topics Covered in this show:
Kyle Horvath Back Story
Kyle’s start in Tourism in Carson City, NV
Kyle’s Transition from Carson City, NV to White Pine Co / Ely, NV
Ely and the IMBA Trail Accelerator Grant
Future Trail Expansion plans for the region
Local Trail Club Great Basin Trails Alliance
What to expect for a trail experience in the region
Fears Tears and Beers – The first Enduro Race ever started in Ely
Other Events in Ely
Community Support of Trails and Mountain Biking in Ely
About Ely / White Pine Co as a Community (outside of Mountain Biking)
Other aspects of Outdoor Recreation in the region
Highway 50 – the Loneliest Highway in America (Most Mountain Biking Highway in America?)
Trail Names…
Nevada Northern Railway
BETA MTB Magazine and the birth of a new mountain bike publication
Closing Comments
Links:
Visit White Pine County: http://elynevada.net/
Ely NV Mountain Biking: https://elynevada.net/project/mountainbiking/
Within Range Freehub Magazine: https://freehubmag.com/features/within-range
BETA MTB YouTube Video on Ely / White Pine Co: https://youtu.be/5i7oZsuI-wk
Trailforks Mapping for Ely: https://www.trailforks.com/region/ely/
Great Basin Trails Alliance: https://www.facebook.com/GreatBasinTrailsAlliance/
Loneliest Road in America: https://loneliestroad.us/loneliest-road/
Nevada Northern Railway: https://nnry.com/
Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh
Worldwide Cyclery Affiliate Link: https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/?aff=559
Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/
Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com
Support Trail EAffect through donations at: https://www.patreon.com/traileaffect
You can also reach out and donate via PayPal or other means if you feel so inclined to do so.
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Adam Buck of Pathfinder Trail Building #122
Topics:
Adam Buck Backstory on how he found trails and mountain biking
Mountain Biking in the 90’s
Building the Greenman Downhill Trail at Spirit Mtn in Duluth, MN
The idea of urban mountain bike racing in St Paul, MN with Red Bull
Starting the Midwest Freeride Community / Jolly Roger Downhill Series
Moving over to Red Bull for work and working for Red Bull Media House in Event Production
Red Bull Crashed Ice
Transitioning back to dirt via the Cottage Grove Bike Park in 2013
Starting Pathfinder Trail Building
Building out the Iron Range Projects in Northern MN
How the Pathfinder Playground came to be
Trail Maintenance and User Experience
Building Companies partnering with the local club to help teach long term maintenance for trails
Having a yearly maintenance contract with the trail building company for annual larger maintenance needs
Trail Adoption Program
Building maintainable trails
Partnering with other orgs or youth corps
Bike Parks / Lift Access & Gravity
The pay to play concept
Pedal bike parks (Pedal uphill to go downhill)
The Pathfinder Playground Concept
Tioga Recreation Area
Monarch Carver Park Preserve – Building a progressive riding experience in the Metro Area of MN (Opening in Spring of 2023)
Emergency Plans / Emergency Access into Trail Systems
Adams thoughts on the trail industry today
Quality vs Quantity of trails and trail experiences
Building the Farside Bike Park at Chestnut Resort in Galina, IL
3 to 4-year plan for trail building and expansion
This region has more to offer through trails in Dubuque, IA
What’s getting built right now for the 2023 season at Chestnut Resort
Closing Comments by Adam
Links:
Pathfinder Trail Building: https://www.pathfindertrailbuilding.com/services
Tioga Recreation Area MN: https://www.tiogarecreation.com/
One Track Mind – Monarch Caver Park Preserve: https://onetrackmind.org/2022/12/07/tracy-paradise-from-otm-wants-you-to-ride-monarch/
Chestnut Resort Farside Bike Park: https://www.chestnutmtn.com/farside-bike-park-draft-2/
One Track Mind Foundation: https://onetrackmind.org/
Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh
Worldwide Cyclery Affiliate Link: https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/?aff=559
Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/
Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com
Support Trail EAffect through donations at: https://www.patreon.com/traileaffect
You can also reach out and donate via PayPal or other means if you feel so inclined to do so.
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
Nick Bennette – Executive Director for the Vermont Mountain Bike Association #121
Nick is a dad, environmentalist, recovering consultant, and passionate mountain biker. He’s most happy out in the woods, popping off roots and rocks and searching for fun lines. Outside of work, Nick is either keeping up with his 9-year old or out on the trail, typically combining those things as much as possible. Once the weather turns,Nick tries to get in as much skiing and fat biking as he can, and his family has (mostly) converted him into a cozy-weather board gamer. Nick’s favorite thing about working for VMBA is the people. “Every single person in our organization is passionate about strengthening access and sustainable stewardship. It’s awesome to work so closely with Chapter leadership, partners, and volunteers rooted in that same passion.” Most importantly, favorite trail snack. There’s no one answer for Nick, regardless, he strongly prefers ‘real’ food and the default is to whip together a ‘mega sandwich’ – peanut butter, banana, honey, and chia seeds.
(Bio via the VMBA Website)
Topics:
Nick Bennette Intro and backstory
Working professionally for a consulting firm that worked with mission driven organizations and non-profits
Coming from the Pacific Northwest to Vermont & seeing how successful mountain biking and access works
Filming the 25th Anniversary Video about VMBA, and how getting protection for private land owners who allow mountain biking on their property
Working with the State of Vermont and the U.S. Forest Service for trails and access
VMBA and the birth of the Chapter Model for mountain bike clubs around the state
The importance of riding to ride (not having to drive for trail access) in Vermont
The VMBA 5 Year Strategic Plan
Trails
Advocacy
Community
Organization
The importance of Partners with the 5 Year Plan
Access in Vermont on Private land for public trail use
Use Value Appraisal Program
You get what you plan for and the VMBA
Nick on Bike Parks – Gravity Based Bike Parks
How local bike parks partner with and support VMBA
Nick’s favorite places to ride around North America
Hopping the border to ride in Canada
Closing Comments and how to become a VMBA Member
Annual Meeting Information (recording available below)
Links:
VMBA: https://vmba.org/
VMBA 2022 / 2023 Annual Meeting Recording: https://youtu.be/zSvcW6WTy-c
VMBA 25th Anniversary Movie: https://youtu.be/cIhbYZkdSFU
VMBA 5 Year Strategic Plan: https://vmba.org/vmbas-new-strategic-plan/
Vermont Trails and Greenways Council: https://vermonttgc.org/
Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh
Worldwide Cyclery Affiliate Link: https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/?aff=559
Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/
Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com
Support Trail EAffect through donations at: https://www.patreon.com/traileaffect
You can also reach out and donate via PayPal or other means if you feel so inclined to do so.
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Marty Scheel The Downieville Classic and Dirt Magic the Podcast #Bonus
Partner & Adopt-A-Trail Coordinator
Marty has been getting dirty in Downieville since hard-tails still ruled the trails. He was an early Lifetime Member of the SBTS and with his gift of gab, has been “The Voice” of the Downieville Classic and the SBTS since 2003. From emceeing world-class SBTS events to getting dirty on sa-weet Lost Sierra single-track, Marty’s enthusiasm and positive energy helps achieve the SBTS goal of creating Dirt Magic. Lastly, “please move all unattended bikes to our secure bike check area!”
Topics:
How Marty became the voice of the Downieville Classic
The backstory behind Dirt Magic the Podcast
Telling the Downieville Classic Stories
The Downieville Sessions
Guests
Katerina Nash
Going Deeper on the All-Mountain Category at the Downieville Classic
Unofficial product testing that has happened at the Downieville Classic
The Seriousness and Not So Seriousness that happens during the Downieville Classic
Ron’s House of Big Air
Cosmo’s Wild Island
Dirt Magic the Movie – Patagonia Film
How Trails are helping communities
Memorable Stories by Marty about the Downieville Classic
Closing Comments
Links:
Dirt Magic the Podcast: http://www.dirtmagicpodcast.com/
Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship: https://sierratrails.org/
The Downieville Classic: https://downievilleclassic.com/
Dirt Magic Movie: https://youtu.be/lFAuFH9V5mc
Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh
Worldwide Cyclery Affiliate Link: https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/?aff=559
Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/
Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com
Support Trail EAffect through donations at: https://www.patreon.com/traileaffect
You can also reach out and donate via PayPal or other means if you feel so inclined to do so.
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Mariah Keagy – Sinuosity Flowing Trails – “You Get What You Plan For” #120
Topics:
Mariah Keagy Intro and backstory
Vermont Trails and Greenway Council
The Green Mountain Club
The backstory of Sinuosity Flowing Trails
Lead Trail Planner / Designer
Trail Planning and Trail Design according to Mariah
Defining Trail Planning and Trail Design and what the differences are with Planning and a trail design
Tools that Mariah uses for Planning and Design
Data Gathering – especially social data
A story about a positive trail design that started a lot differently than how it ended
Directional Trails
High Quality Trail Experiences
Different Trail Experiences (Hike Only and Bike Only) on the same tract / piece of property to offer a higher quality experience for both user groups
Trail Maintenance
Maintainable
Bike Parks
The idea of having pedal powered bike parks
Ride to Ride communities
Famous Failure / Learning Experience
Crew Leading at the age of 19
Trends / Future of the Trail Industry
Trail Building is a trade – and something that takes experience and passing knowledge down from other builders
What Mariah looks for in Trail Communities when traveling
Words of Wisdom – “You Get What You Plan For”
Closing Comments
Sinuosity Flowing Trail is Hiring Employees!
Links:
Sinuosity Flowing Trails: https://www.sinuosity.net/
Green Mountain Club: https://www.greenmountainclub.org/about/board-of-directors/mariah-keagy/
Vermont Trails and Greenways Council: https://vermonttgc.org/
Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
KETL Mtn Apparel Affiliate Link: https://ketlmtn.com/josh
Worldwide Cyclery Affiliate Link: https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/?aff=559
Trail One Components: https://trailone.bike/
Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com
Support Trail EAffect through donations at: https://www.patreon.com/traileaffect
You can also reach out and donate via PayPal or other means if you feel so inclined to do so.
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
