Trail EAffect

Inside a Statewide Mountain Bike Organization with Nick Bennette | 214 For Episode 214, we’re joined by Nick Bennette, Executive Director of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, better known as VMBA. We talk about what it takes to support mountain biking at a statewide level, and the role an organization like VMBA could plan in your state. Nick takes us through VMBA’s five-year strategic plan, trail grants, permitting, public access to private lands, and best management practices. We also get into adaptive mountain biking, the Velomont Trail, and working with other trail user groups across Vermont. But wait, there’s more. We talk trail maintenance, e-bikes, politics, and what Nick looks for in a great trail community. Set List: Statewide Trail Organizations VMBA 5-Year Strategic Plan Best Management Practices Incentivize Public Access to Private Lands for the Land Owners Land Disturbance Permitting relative to Trail Development VMBA Chapter Trail Grant Program Adaptive Mountain Bike Trails in Vermont The Velomont Trail Politics and Trails – Statewide (working with other trail user groups) Used Stuff – Trail Maintenance E-Bikes – Warning This may trigger people… lol What Nick looks for a trail community Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Vermont Mountain Bike Association: https://vmba.org/ Show Support By: 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 213, we have Noelle Battle, the Executive Director of Bikepacking Roots. We discuss the origins of Bikepacking Roots, its mission, and the organization's work to expand bikepacking through advocacy, partnerships, long-distance route development, and connecting people with the landscape. The conversation also explores the role of natural-surface trails and singletrack within bikepacking, the BOLT initiative, and partnerships with organizations such as IMBA. Together, these efforts show how mountain bike trails and long-distance routes can connect communities, landscapes, and riders through meaningful outdoor experiences. Topics Include: Backstory on Noelle & how she got into Bikepacking Becoming the Executive Director of Bikepacking Roots The origin story and what Bikepacking Roots is about Alternative forms of transportation that aid in Bikepacking Partnerships that Bikepacking Roots has with other organizations What is the BOLT Act – Biking on Long distance Trails The Department of the Interior and USDA open 30-day window to nominate trails for BOLT recognition Existing and Potential BOLT Trails What trails within the BOLT Report that captures Noelle's interest Expanding on Bikepacking Roots and IMBA Working with more local partnerships The expansion of Bikepacking Routes in West Virginia Looking ahead with Bikepacking Roots What Noelle looks for a trail community Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Bikepacking Roots: https://bikepackingroots.org/ Public Comment Period (until 8/3/2026) for U.S. Department of the Interior Bikepacking Routes: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-seeks-nominations-long-distance-biking-trails-public-lands Long Live Trails – BOLT Coalition Report: https://bikepackingroots.org/2026/06/bolt-act-long-live-long-trails/ Show Support By: 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 212, we've got Udo Blenkhorn and Pat Pero out of Quebec Canada. Both Pat and Udo are heavily involved with volunteer trail building, so much so that they decided to create a nonprofit organization called Dig !t for the purpose of helping other volunteer trail-building organizations. Dig !t serves many purposes for both individuals and trail organizations, with the central theme of organizing volunteer trail-building efforts. The latest addition to the Dig !t platform is a mobile app, which made its debut a couple of weeks ago on International Trail Day. Ultimately, Dig !t was created with the goal of streamlining community trail building so you can spend more time digging and less time doing admin work. Topics Include: The Pat backstory and mountain biking The Udo backstory and mountain biking How Pat and Udo got involved with volunteer trail building The Contagious Rock Creating Dig !t How mistakes led to efficiencies and getting it right The Trail Fairies How to find digs that are going on virtually everywhere Professionals and volunteers working together to create trails Different tiers of teammates, leaders, and chapter operators that are part of Dig !t How all of this consolidates and streamlines tracking of actions across the platform Operational efficiencies so you can spend more time working on trails and making the invisible visible The sense of belonging that Dig !t provides How people are assigned roles and levels of training to become a leader within Dig !t Dig !t customization at the chapter level (waivers, for example) Dig 24 – a 24-hour volunteer trail-building event What Udo looks for in a trail community What Pat looks for in a trail community Closing comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Dig !t: https://digittrailbuilders.org/ Show Support By: 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 211, we've got Willie Bittner, founder of Great Lakes Trail Builders, and current President of the Professional Trail Builders Association. Willie has been trail building nearly his entire life, starting out with Boy Scout projects, then working for various Conservation Corps organizations on, and alongside various trail builders before Founding WisCorps, and Great Lakes Trail Builders. Willie brings some insight and stories not commonly found with other guests here on Trail EAffect. Topics Include: How Willie got into Trail Building Leaving Wisconsin to work for the California Backcountry Program Getting into hand build stonework in the California Wilderness Hand built trail vs Machine Built trail Heading to the East Coast to work for the Vermont Conservation Corps Transitioning from working with Conservation Corps to working with Peter S Jenson & Associates. Accessible Trails Starting Great Lakes Trail Builders and Co-Founding WisCORPS in La Crosse, WI Meeting Willie for the first time WisCORPS is and what it was like rebooting a Conservation Corps in WI. The transition back to running Great Lakes Trail Builders Going to South Argentina / Patagonia Region to build trails The challenges of building in this region Moving his family to Argentina for trail building Being covered by National Geographic for Trail Building Trail Building as a legit trade Reflecting on the past 50 years of the Professional Trail Builders Association The 2026 PTBA Conference in Boise Becoming a PTBA member company Willie becoming president of the PTBA Training people in traditional stone work Building in Superior National Forest in Northern MN Rebuilding stairs out of stone (from wood) The 2027 International Trail Summit in North Carolina What Willie looks for in a trail community Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Great Lakes Trail Builders: https://www.greatlakestrailbuilders.com National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/trail-builders-perfect-hike Professional Trail Builders Association: https://www.trailbuilders.org Show Support By: 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 210, we've got Berne Broudy and Greg Durso back on for a follow-up conversation about their film, Best Day Ever. Berne and Greg were first on in episode 201 back in October of 2025, and since then they've been rallying hard on the film tour circuit, racking up an impressive 22 awards and showcasing the film in multiple countries. Best Day Ever has been making a real impact on how everyday people in the trail community think about adaptive trails and trails for all. This is a special episode and one worth sharing. If you haven't had the chance to check this film out, it's impressive and will take you through the full rollercoaster of emotions. Topics Include: Recap – Banff Film Festival World Tour Awards National and International Screenings Experiences that have come from the film tour in various communities and theaters What it takes to implement adaptive trails Guidelines around aMTB Trails VMBA 3 Park YouTube Series Drive Range aMTB Trail System Future Screenings of Best Day Ever 5 Point Film Festival (4/23/2026) How you can screen the movie in your community for all the community leaders Best Day Ever and SORBA aMTB Trails – Not Dumbed Down or made easier aMTB’s and Bowhead at Sea Otter Reflecting on all the Traction this film has gotten since it’s gone live The reception this film has gotten across theaters Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Best Day Ever Film: https://www.bestdayever.mov/ Best Day Ever on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestdayevermovie VMBA Adaptive YouTube Series: Episode One: https://youtu.be/VLmq9z7hBNc?si=fNUZ5zVlW82Zv7Fj Episode Two: https://youtu.be/2n9roXXo3-I?si=WA0790_Xs2jvw0Hz Episode Three: https://youtu.be/pWpS2WM9C4Y?si=Pxh03QcnehKkBqMQ Driving Range Trail System: https://www.richmondmountaintrails.org/the-driving-range Show Support By: 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

Evan Walterman & Doc Savage | Black Hills Bike Hub – Rapid City, SD | 209 For episode 209, We have Evan Walterman and Doc Savage representing the Black Hills Bike Hub based in Rapid City, SD. Doc is the current President, and Evan is the Director of Trails. We discuss all things mountain biking and trails in Rapid City which has some very unique trail systems. Rapid City was also just named an IMBA Trail Town, and we discussed that process as well. Topics Include: How Evan got into Mountain Biking and Trails How Doc got into Mountain Biking and Trails The Dakota 5-0 and the impact on the region Project Echelon The Black Hills Region Remembering Kevin Forrester – K4 Trails Rapid City and the backstory of trail systems in Rapid City Proper Hansen-Larsen Memorial Park Skyline Wilderness Area Creating / Rebooting the Black Hills Bike Hub The All-American Trail Community Support of Trails and Mountain Biking Becoming an IMBA Trail Town IMBA Trail Care Workshop What Doc looks for in a Trail Community What Evan looks for in a Trail Community Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Black Hills Bike Hub: https://www.blackhillsbikehub.org/ K4 Trails: https://k4trails.com/ Hansen-Larsen Memorial Park: https://www.hlmprc.com/ IMBA Trail Towns: https://www.imba.com/trail-towns Show Support By: 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 208, we have Ethan Edman, the Director of Trail Construction and Maintenance at the OZ Trails Bike Park. If you want a real understanding of how one of the most anticipated bike parks in the country is coming together, this conversation delivers. Topics Include: Ethan on Gravity Based Bike Parks Ethan on his role as the Director of Trail Construction and Maintenance Bike parks he’d visited, and the experiences Ethan has learned about them Angel Fire Bike Park Spirit Mountain Bike Park Highland Bike Park The value gained from riding and experiencing many different places The Chairlift at the OZ Trails Bike Park, and the experience it will provide Discussing different uplift experiences Details on the 30 trails that the OZ Trails Bike Park will be opening with Maximizing the 280’ of elevation at the Bike Park The importance of Diverse Trail Experiences that will be offered Anticipated Opening of the OZ Trails Bike Park Dialing in operations ahead of opening and training staff. Unique characteristics of having a truly blank canvas to create this bike park Gravity Logic as the main contractor for the bike park, both for building trails and dialing in operations of the bike park as a business Hours of Operation Other amenities at the OZ Trails Bike Park Rental Bikes Skills Coaching / Lessons How this bike park will cater to new riders from a skills perspective Mena, AR Bike Park What Ethan knows about the bike park in Mena, AR How the OZ Trails Bike Park will complement a much larger bike park in Mena The scale of the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas Closing Comments and Thank You’s Trail EAffect Show Links: OZ Trails Bike Park: https://www.oztrails.com/oz-trails-bike-park/ 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 207, Phil Waidner is our guest – Now if you read the title, it says West Virginia Mountain Biking and the Arrowhead Bike Farm – This is where Phil Lives and what Phil does, but how he got here is a whole lot of different stories. Phil took us from Indiana to Ashville, to China to Bolivia, to Vail Colorado and finally to Fayetteville, WV. He’s had a lot of different roles in the mountain bike community that span from Tour Guide / Instructor to Leading Teen Trail Corps for NICA and a ton more. There’s so much to unpack about this conversation that an intro just won’t do it justice. Topics Include: Phil Waidner Back Story Heading to China to guide for climbing and mountain biking Getting a job as a mountain bike guide in Bolivia Transitioning back to the U.S. as a ski instructor in Vail, CO. Moving to West Virginia to take a role as the Wheels Program Manager at the Summit Bechtel Reserve Boy Scout Camp Getting the keys to a brand new 35-mile trail system at the Summit Bechtel Reserve The importance of Trail Maintenance Hired by NICA to run the Teen Trail Corps – Nationwide The success of NICA Teen Trail Corps Coming onboard at the Arrowhead Bike Farm in Fayetteville, WV Arrowhead Bike Farm Backstory What the Arrowhead Bike Farm is and what they do there (lots!) Mountain Biking in the New River Gorge Region The uniqueness of West Virginia Events and Festivals in the region What Phil looks for in trail communities Closing Comments Bonus Bolivia Content Trail EAffect Show Links: Arrowhead Bike Farm: https://arrowheadbikefarm.com/ West Virginia Mountain Bike Association: https://wvmba.com/ Summit Bechtel Reserve: https://www.summitbsa.org/ Gravity Bolivia: https://www.gravitybolivia.com/ 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 206, I’m joined by Mark Eller from Leave No Trace. This might sound like a straightforward conversation. It isn’t. Mark is a veteran of the outdoor industry, with more than a decade at IMBA during a period of major program expansion, and he continues his work today at Leave No Trace. His background includes climbing, mountain biking, and decades of time spent outdoors. This episode sits at the intersection of marketing, mountain biking, trails, and how we show up outdoors in ways that are practical and low impact. Topics Include: How Mark landed in the Outdoor Marketing space more than 2 decades ago Landing at IMBA doing Communications and Marketing Mark working at IMBA during the time of the Trail Solutions Book, The Ride Center, Regional Directors, and more The Impact of the Trail Solutions Book on Land Managers and Modern Trail Design and Construction taking a real science backed approach What are some things that trails / mountain biking has gotten right and wrong from a marketing perspective The Leave No Trace Backstory The Seven Principals of Leave No Trace Common Misconceptions about Leave No Trace Best method for learning Mark has found during his career Surprises for Mark while at IMBA and Leave No Trace What bad habit would Mark get trail users to change What Mark Looks for in Trail Communities Outdoor Marketing Boot Camp Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Leave No Trace: https://lnt.org/ 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 205 we have Charlie Riou and Cullen McMorrow – the President and Vice President of the Austin Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Club. While Austin may not be on everyone’s radar as a ride destination Austin certainly has a very deep history around mountain biking, mountain bike advocacy and trails. Both Cullen and Charlie provide some excellent stories about the history of mountain biking in the Austin Area along with what they are doing for the future of mountain biking in this region. Topics Include: The Austin Ridge Riders Backstory as a Mountain Bike Club Barton Creek Greenbelt How Cullen got involved with the Austin Ridge Riders How Charlie got involved with the Austin Ridge Riders Trail Work by the Austin Ridge Riders Walnut Creek Metro Park work day Benefits of cleaning up parks and trails American Trails Webinar – Using Natural Surface Trails as Transportation Alternatives. Working with other user groups to create Win – Win scenarios Reimers Ranch Park The Quality-of-Life aspect of trails in Austin and how that’s a tougher sell in large metro areas like Austin (where lots of people are moving there regardless of outdoor recreation) Where Charlie likes to ride in the Austin Area What Cullen looks for in a Riding Community What Charlie looks for in a Riding Community Closing Comments Trail EAffect Show Links: Austin Ridge Riders: https://www.austinridgeriders.com/ 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

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