A podcast for the people that truly make Mountain Biking happen.
This episode we sit down with IMBA’s brand new Executive Directer: David Weins. We discuss Dave’s work with the Gunnison Trails in Colorado, his new position as E.D., IMBA’s role in Washington, D.C., the chapter program and the future of the organization. There’s been much change at IMBA of late and we’ll hear David Weins himself about what that means for IMBA going forwards.
Continue reading “Ep 14 – IMBA’s New Executive Director: An Interview with David Weins”
The main guest is the Executive Director of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Yvonne Kraus. We discuss what their chapter program is all about and we learn what Lobby Day is. We also sit down with the President of their Cold Creek Mountain Bikers chapter, Eric Albers, and get their perspective.
Taking a quick break from our 3 part series on Umbrellas and Consortiums, we look into two types of Non-profits in the U.S. Vernon Huffman of Access4Bikes in Marin County, California explains what a 501(c)(3) is and why A4B chose to be a 527 instead. We also learn about their upcoming event on May 20th, Ales and Trails.
Kicking off a new 3 part series about Consortiums and Umbrellas, we ask: What happens when clubs and trail associations work together? It’s not always sunshine and rainbows; why is that? This episode we explore the many successes of the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium and chat with the president and executive director, Thomas Schoen.
Next episode we’ll look closer at the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance and what they’re doing in Washington State. The final episode of the trilogy will be a discussion with David Weins, the new Chair for International Mountain Bike Association, and we’ll discuss what’s new and what IMBA does in Washington, DC.
The future of mountain biking relies on the youth of today. This episode we explore two very different programs that provide community service to get kids on bikes. The benefits are huge, and my guests, Rocky Blondin of the Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association and Bruce Martens of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association are pivotal in diversifying the sport and introducing mountain biking to youth, who may not have had a chance to ride without their respective programs.
Continue reading “Ep 10 – For the Kids: Youth Programs Changing the Future of Mountain Biking”
After a bit of a hiatus here’s a quick episode discussing the role that Bike Shops might have to helping new riders entering the sport of mountain biking. What’s it like to walk into a bike shop with zero knowledge? While shopping for a stroller recently, I take a walk in someone else’s shoes and discover what it like to be a beginner again.
Looking at ways to increase diversity in Mountain Biking we explore the details of Urban Trails. This episode’s guest is Joshua Rebennack, the “Dirt Boss” for the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew and the author and presenter of “Knobbies in the Neighborhood”. Joshua shares his expertise on how Trail Association can develop and create trails closer to Urban centres.
Continue reading “Ep 8 – Bringing Trails to the People: Joshua Rebennack, Urban Trails Expert”
Continuing the discussion on diversity, we explore why inclusivity is so important and step outside the Mountain Bike world to learn lessons from the broader Outdoor community. My guest is Ambreen Tariq, founder of @brownpeoplecamping. Her project is sharing and promoting camping and hiking from the perspective of a proud South Asian Muslim American.
Following up with last episode and the discussion about diversity and inclusivity in the Mountain Bike community, I speak with Eric McKeegan. Eric is the Tech Editor at Dirt Rag and Bicycle Time and we discuss his article: A Presidential Speech for the Bike Industry.
When it come to mountain bike trail names, which ones are just a joke and which ones are just plain offensive? And what does a trail name like “Squaw Hollow” say about our path to reconciliation? Are we preventing the sport of mountain biking from becoming more diverse and inclusive? Carrie Karsgaard is trail runner in Kelowna, BC and her Blog post, Trail Names Against Humanity, has seen a huge amount of attention and has highlighted a discussion that has needed to happen for a long time.
Continue reading “Ep 5 – What’s in a Name?: Offensive Trail Names And Why Change Is Important”