Recent Episodes
226
Aug. 26, 2026
Inside a Statewide Mountain Bike Organization with Nick Bennette | 214
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
225
July 21, 2026
Bikepacking Roots with Executive Director Noelle Battle | 213
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 sho
224
June 17, 2026
Udo Blenkhorn and Pat Pero of Dig !t | Mountain Biking in Quebec | 212
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
223
May 19, 2026
Willie Bittner – Great Lakes Trail Builders | President of the PTBA | 211
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.
222
April 21, 2026
Best Day Ever Film – Follow Up with Greg Durso & Berne Broudy | 210
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
221
April 14, 2026
Evan Walterman & Doc Savage | Black Hills Bike Hub – Rapid City, SD | 209
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 B
220
Feb. 4, 2026
Ethan Edman | OZ Trails Bike Park | 208
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 Bi
219
Jan. 13, 2026
Phil Waidner | West Virginia Mountain Biking / Arrowhead Bike Farm | 207
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 t
218
Dec. 23, 2025
Leave No Trace with Mark Eller | 206
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 tha
217
Dec. 16, 2025
Austin Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Club| 205
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. To
About the Host
Josh Blum
Creator and Host
Josh Blum is a father and doer of stuff – paired with Advocate, Builder of Trails and Community. Originally from La Crosse WI, Josh has been enjoying the outdoors, trails, and mountain bikes since a young age. Always curious and learning about better ways to improve trail users’ experiences.
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