Trail EAffect

Laura Blythe of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Fire Mountain Trail System #109

Trail EAffect with Laura Blythe of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Fire Mountain Trail System #109
Laura’s backstory / how Laura got into Mountain Biking
How the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians acquired and kept their land that now makes up the Qualla Boundary
Laura getting her father in to riding a bike
Riding the “Remember the Removal” ride with Laura
What Fire Mountain has done for the Tribal Citizens
Weaving the Heritage and culture of the EBCI into the Fire Mountain Trail System
The meanings behind some of the trail names
Translating Fire Mountain into Cherokee Syllabary
Laura’s take on her region and the mountain biking that is offered throughout the region
Traveling and going to Roam Fest in Sedona, AZ
Laura’s good Friend Mel and what she means to Laura
How Mel has gotten Laura out of her comfort zone while mountain biking
Some things that Laura would like to bring back / incorporate into Fire Mountain
How Mountain Biking and the Bike in general is a life activity
What Laura’s go to loop is at Fire Mountain
Advice that Laura has for bringing trails into another community
Meeting Alexandria Houchin
Closing Comments and Thank You’s
Links:
Fire Mountain Trails: https://visitcherokeenc.com/play/outdoor-adventure/fire-mountain-trails/
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians: https://visitcherokeenc.com/
Roam Fest: https://www.roamfest.com/
Trail Champions Fire Mountain IMBA: https://www.imba.com/blog/mountain-biking-cherokee-nc
Get Connected Fire Mountain Trails: https://youtu.be/Ch5lq5tSfLQ
 
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
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.

Jeremy Hyatt of Fire Mountain Trail System, Cherokee NC #108

Trail EAffect with Jeremy Hyatt of Fire Mountain Trail System #108
Jeremy’s Backstory / how Jeremy got into Mountain Biking
Jeremy’s role as the Secretary of Operations for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Details on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian Properties / Qualla Boundary
The backstory on how the Fire Mountain Trail System came to be
Geographic location of Fire Mountain Trails
Trails contributing to increasing numbers of visitors to the EBCI
How the reception of the Fire Mountain Trail System has been since opening in 2017
The how the trails have been received by the Tribal Citizens
The Operations side of things for trails
How Trail Maintenance is handled at Fire Mtn Trails
Maintenance Agreement with Trail Dynamics (original builder of the trail system)
Potential Positions for Trail Maintenance and outreach coordinator
Advice for other communities who may be considering building a trail system
2023 What the future may hold for Fire Mountain Trail System
Future Bike Park, Paved Pumptrack and Skills Area
Jeremy’s go to ride at Fire Mountain Trail System
Jeremy’s take on Ebikes – Yes Ebikes are allowed at Fire Mountain
Closing Comments and Thank You’s
Links:
Fire Mountain Trails: https://visitcherokeenc.com/play/outdoor-adventure/fire-mountain-trails/
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians: https://visitcherokeenc.com/
Trail Dynamics: http://www.traildynamics.com/
Trail Champions Fire Mountain IMBA: https://www.imba.com/blog/mountain-biking-cherokee-nc
Get Connected Fire Mountain Trails: https://youtu.be/Ch5lq5tSfLQ
 
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
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.

Tara Alcantara of Tucson, AZ – Home Grown MTB and Tucson Off-Road Cyclists and Activists #107

Trail EAffect with Tara Alcantara of Tucson, AZ – Home Grown MTB / TORCA #107
Tara Alcantara Backstory
The Creation of Tucson Off-Road Cyclists and Activists
Leaning into Gravity and Mt Lemmon
The Bighorn Fire and damage it caused in Summer of 2020
Building a Relationship with the US Forest Service and creating a new trails plan for Coronado National Forest and Mt. Lemmon
Creating Home Grown MTB
MTB Rentals
Ride / Tour Guides in the region
Weekly Shuttles
Coaching
New for 2023 at Home Grown MTB
Coaching Staff at Home Grown MTB
PMBIA Certified Coaches
Coaching – PMBIA Certification Clinics
Ladies All Ride Clinics
Going to Retallack Lodge for Ladies All Ride
Women and Coaching for Mountain Biking
Where Tara would choose to ride away from Tucson ** Hint: Retallack
Tara and her thoughts on Bike Parks
What Tara looks for in a Trail Experience
The Progression of Mountain Bikes since we began riding
TORCA Pachonga – Party
Moving to Writing Grants for funding
The Power of Planning and Design
Convention and Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce Discussion
Progress and Collaboration
Talent Attraction and Retention
Tucson Talk
Closing Comments and Thank You’s
Links:
Home Grown MTB: https://homegrownmtb.com/
Tucson Off Road Cyclists and Activists: https://torca.org/
Ladies All Ride: https://ladiesallride.com/
 
Online Media for the Tucson Region:
Brice Shirbach Maxxis Intersections Tucson, AZ: https://youtu.be/sl5wcKf1V4M
Brice Shirbach Local Flavors Tucson, AZ: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/local-flavors-the-complete-guide-to-riding-in-tucson-az.html
Pinkbike Destination Showcase Tucson (2020): https://www.pinkbike.com/news/destination-showcase-tucson-arizona.html#cid2483292
Tuscon, AZ Local Loam with Jeff Kendall-Weed: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/video-exploring-tucson-arizona-with-jeff-kendall-weed-in-local-loam.html
           
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
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.

Fat Biking with Aaron Hautala of Cuyuna Adventure Town USA #Bonus Show

Trail EAffect Bonus Show Fat Biking with Aaron Hautala of Cuyuna Adventure Town USA
The Broad Overview of Winter Single Track for Fat Biking at Cuyuna
Winter Guide Lines for use
The Orange Cone
Grooming Details
Tire Pressure Explained
How Fat Biking began in Cuyuna
Convincing the MN DNR to allow Single Track grooming for fat biking
Snow Zombies – Snowshoe Groomers – 3 Bold Women
Mechanical Single-Track Grooming
Historical recount of how mechanical grooming began at Cuyuna
Track Sled Grooming and getting custom machines built
The difficulty behind grooming for Fat Biking
Studded Tires for Fat Biking
How to dress / what to wear for Fat Biking
Cuyuna Amenities
Saunas
Full Downtown Area
Early days of Fat Biking and Surly / Salsa coming out with Fat Bikes
The evolution of Fat Biking over the past decade
Closing Comments
Links:
Cuyuna Adventure Town USA: https://www.cuyuna.com/
Cuyuna Lakes MTB: https://www.cuyunalakesmtb.com/
 
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
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.

Aaron Ruff of the Central Wisconsin Off-Road Cycling Coalition #106

Trail EAffect Episode 106 with Aaron Ruff of the Central Wisconsin Off-Road Cycling Coalition
The path to finding mountain biking and becoming President of CWOCC for Aaron
Mountain Biking at Nine Mile County Park
List of Trail Systems that CWOCC manages
Big Eau Pleine County Park
Prairie Dell / Underdown County Park
Ringle Trails
Sylvan Hill County Park
Nine Mile County Park
The Sylvan Hill Bike Park Backstory
Partnerships
Ringle Trails and the Partnership with Marathon Solid Waste Dept.
Matt Block – Creator of this Trail System
Trail Lease Agreement
The backstory behind the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership and the Wausau Chamber of Commerce
CWOCC Working Hard in Silence and letting their work speak for itself
Support the Rib Mountain State Park Master Plan
Fat Biking in the Wausau Region
Opening Nine Mile County Park to Fat Biking for the first time (12/26/22)
Shared Use in the winter months
Using other regional trail systems as positive examples for winter fat biking
How Fat Biking complements XC Skiing and how the users are the same person a lot of times
CWOCC Sponsors and community partnerships
Gary Barden Design
Closing Comments
Links:
CWOCC: https://cwocc.org/
WDNR Rib Mountain Master Plan Press Release (12/21/22): https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/65341
Granite Peak Ski Area: https://www.skigranitepeak.com/
Wausau Chamber: https://www.wausauchamber.com/
Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership: https://www.wausauchamber.com/greater-wausau-prosperity-partnership/
Gary Barden Design: https://garybardendesign.com/
 
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
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.

Mike Repyak Director of Planning and Design for IMBA Trail Solutions #105

Trail EAffect Episode 105 with Mike Repyak Director of Planning and Design for IMBA Trail Solutions 
The Rib Mountain State Park Master Plan Story
The Approval and Process for this Master Plan
The Importance of Partnerships with other community-based organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce leaning into actual infrastructure, Trail Planning and Trail Building
Testimony during the WDNR Public Hearing
Business Partnerships
Granite Peak Ski Area Partnership
Positive Comments from the WDNR Natural Resources Board
The overall landscape of Mountain Biking in Wisconsin State Parks
Other Wisconsin Based Projects in 2022
Blue Mound State Park
Building in the City of Madison, WI via 2019 Trail Accelerator Grant
Marinette County – Carving out ARPA Funds for Trails
One year – 50+ Miles Planned, 30+ Miles Designed, and 10+ Miles Built…
IMBA Trail Labs in Cedar City Utah
2022 Year in Review Planning and Design Highlights
How Planning helps feed the trail building industry
How the Trail Accelerator Grant Program has unlocked more than 12.7 million dollars for trail construction, from $900,000 of planning and design deliverables
How all of this planning helps to feed the trail industry
Full Community engagement when working with IMBA Trail Solutions
2022 Year in Review Construction Highlights
Cacapon State Park, WV
Chattanooga, TN Build at Walden’s Ridge – Bike Park Style Trail System
Favorite 2022 Projects for Mike
2023 Trail Projects on tap
Trail Accelerator Grant Funding
Other 2023 Projects
Turner State Park in Davis, OK
Sand Point, ID
Cuchara, Co – Old Ski Area reopening…
And many more
Closing Comments
Links:
IMBA: https://www.imba.com/
CWOCC: https://cwocc.org/
Marinette Area Mountain Bike Association: https://mambatrails.com/
WDNR Rib Mountain Master Plan Press Release (12/21/22): https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/65341
Granite Peak Ski Area: https://www.skigranitepeak.com/
IMBA 2022 Trail Accelerator Grant Recipients: https://www.imba.com/press-release/2022-trail-accelerator-grant-recipients
Professionally Built Trails Wicked Fast in Wisconsin's Northwoods: https://www.imba.com/blog/professionally-built-trails-wicked-fast-wisconsins-northwoods
Big Ash Trail Build at Snowshoe, WV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2X3EjU4Ijw
Making of Walden’s Ridge Chattanooga, TN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VnxQYfy_V8
 
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Trail Effect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com
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.

Michael Anzalone of the California Mountain Biking Coalition - CAMTB #104

Trail EAffect Episode 104 with Michael Anzalone of the California Mountain Biking Coalition
Michael Anzalone Backstory
What the California Mountain Biking Coalition is
Supporting 30 Mountain Biking Organizations in California
503(c)(4) and why this is different
Can advocate in the political arena
Land Manager Engagement
How CAMTB has been received by elected officials
How CAMTB has been received by Agency Staff
How the fall 2022 Election Cycle Played out for CAMTB
CAMTB Partner organizations and how the CAMTB supports these organizations
How weekly meetings by the founding members really helped kickstart the CAMTB
Industry Partners with the CAMTB
Helping to create opportunities for the industry partners
CAMTB Year End Funding and Donation Drive
Support your local trail club first
What Michael looks for in a Trail Community
Closing Comments
Links:
California Mountain Biking Coalition: https://camtb.org/
 
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Evolution Trail Services: www.evotrails.com
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.

Dr. Danny Twilley Part 4 Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University Series #103

Trail EAffect Episode 103 with Dr. Danny Twilley Part 4 Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University Series
This is Part 4 of a 4 Part Series featuring the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative
Intro
100 Mile Vision
Active Transportation
15 Minute Communities
Statewide Opportunities for Planning and Construction in terms of funding
Meeting Communities where they are
The ARC – Appalachian Regional Commission
The Goal of Uplifting the Region
The Ride Center Designation
The Livability of Trail Community Designation
What Dr. Danny looks for in Trail Communities
Closing Comments
Links:
Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative:  https://oedc.wvu.edu/
Dr Danny Twilley Bio:  https://oedc.wvu.edu/about-us/meet-the-team/danny-twilley
Brad D. Smith: https://braddsmith.com/
ARC Power Initiative: https://www.arc.gov/arcs-power-initiative/
Ascend West Virginia: https://ascendwv.com/
 
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Evolution Trail Services: www.evotrails.com
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.

Rich Edwards of the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University #102

Trail EAffect Episode 102 with Rich Edwards of the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University Series
This is Part 3 of a 4 Part Series featuring the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative
Intro to Rich Edwards
Rich Edwards Backstory
Why Rich chose the move to West Virginia University
The opportunity for trail building in terms of iconic topography in West Virginia
What Rich’s Roll is at the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative – Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Coordinator
The ways that the OEDC helps West Virginia with Trails and Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure
Direct Operational Support
Technical Support
Education
Being Collaborative across all trail user groups and even within user groups
Trail Building Companies in West Virginia
The east coast and access for trails / South East surge in trail development
First Phase of the West Run Woods Trail System in Morgantown, WV
Developing Shared Use Trails in Morgantown, WV
The 100 Mile Vision
Identifying that the Bike Ped infrastructure could use improvement, and adding these improvements via natural surface trails
Current Shovel Ready Trail Projects in West Virginia
Funded Projects
Environmental / NEPA Process
Finding of No Significant Impact
Environmental Assessment
Environmental Impact Statement
Categorical Exclusion
Multiple Funding Streams applied to trail projects
Cacapon State Park, WV
Thunderstruck Trail
Mountain Biking in State Parks in West Virginia
Mylan Park Morgantown BMX Track, UCI Pumptrack and Bike Park Plans
More Shovel Ready Projects
Marlinton, WV Trail Projects
100 Miles / 10 million Dollars approved in less than one year
Elkins West Virginia and an ARC Power Planning Grant
Rich going deeper on Planning and Design, and the differences between the two
Planning ahead, and getting trail designs ready to shelve until funding becomes available for last minute funding opportunities
Having Project Designs / Plans almost shovel ready
Rich Life Wisdom and Advice
The Darkside of Mountain Biking in general
Assume that someone is always listening…
 People to Thank and Closing Comments
Links:
Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative:  https://oedc.wvu.edu/
Rich Edwards Bio:  https://oedc.wvu.edu/about-us/meet-the-team/rich-edwards
Morgantown Area Mountain Bike Association: https://mambawv.org/
Thunderstruck Trail Build Video Series
            Making of Thunderstruck: https://youtu.be/OixNm7nuEbo
            Partnering with Appalachian Conservation Corps: https://youtu.be/BvkLH5ZOwuE
West Run Woods Trail Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: https://youtu.be/xYNDCqlQOrU
Brad D. Smith: https://braddsmith.com/
Ascend West Virginia: https://ascendwv.com/
 
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Evolution Trail Services: www.evotrails.com
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.

Andy Williamson of the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University #101

Trail EAffect Episode 101 with Andy Williamson of the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University
This is Part 2 of a 4 Part Series featuring the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative
Andy Williamson Backstory
Choosing a community for the lifestyle that the community provides
Ascend West Virginia and partnering with Tourism
Andy’s Role at the West Virginia University
Bringing the state of West Virginia to the population it once was
Leveraging Outdoor Recreation that West Virginia has
Talent Attraction and Retention especially through the University
What has caught Andy’s attention for activities in West Virginia
The power of the Outdoor Economy
The Return on investment for Outdoor Recreation
Rebranding around the community assets
The Rack Factor
The professionalization of building the outdoor recreation infrastructure
The Power of a Plan
How West Virginia is just getting started with their Trail Projects
Ascend West Virginia and remote work
Closing Comments
Links:
Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative:  https://oedc.wvu.edu/
Andy Williamson Bio: https://oedc.wvu.edu/about-us/meet-the-team/andy-williamson
Brad D. Smith: https://braddsmith.com/
Ascend West Virginia: https://ascendwv.com/
 
This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services
Trail EAffect Show Links:
Evolution Trail Services: www.evotrails.com
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.