A Podcast for the people that truly make mountain biking happen. Not the riders, racers, or product designers but the builders, advocates and the often forgotten Board Members of your local Mountain Bike Trail Association.
The Front Lines MTB podcast is without a doubt one of the best podcasts I have come across, regardless of subject matter. It covers topics and features guests that are not only spot-on and interesting, but also incredibly informative. The host, Brent H, does an excellent job of conducting interviews with his prepared and probing questions, which the guests are more than ready to answer. Each episode leaves me with valuable knowledge that I can actually use in my own life.
One of the standout qualities of this podcast is how it focuses on the subject matter rather than making it about the host himself. Unlike some podcasts where hosts ramble on before finally getting to the point, Brent H keeps his questions direct and concise. This approach allows for a more efficient and engaging listening experience. Additionally, the audio quality is consistently excellent, making it a pleasure to listen to.
As someone who has become a podcast junkie over the past few years, I have listened to a wide range of topics. The enthusiasm instilled by Brent H and his guests in each episode is commendable. The insights provided by Front Lines MTB sheds light on places where mountain bike enthusiasts can spend their time exploring trails. Kudos to Brent H for his dedication and hard work in bringing such amazing content to listeners every week.
If there was one minor flaw with this podcast, it would be that it may not cater to everyone's interests. As it focuses specifically on trail advocacy and building mountain bike trails, individuals who are not involved in these activities may not find the podcast as appealing or relevant. However, for those who are trail builders or part of nonprofit trail groups, Front Lines MTB is an invaluable resource filled with great interviews from experienced trail builders and in-depth analysis of mountain bike trail issues.
In conclusion, the Front Lines MTB podcast deserves high praise for its fantastic production quality and captivating content. It provides listeners with valuable insights into trail advocacy while sidestepping bro and gear cultures, instead focusing on community involvement and building. Whether you are a trail builder or simply interested in the topic, this podcast is a must-listen that truly delivers on its promise of engaging and informative discussions.
Tyler Greenwood is a Technologies Teacher at his local high school: Howe Sound Secondary in Squamish, BC. This year he’s offering a new program for students that’s focused on bike maintenance. Tyler shares how the program began and how others could start something similar at their school. https://podcasts-2.feedpress.com/16677/Ep%2096%20-%20FINAL%20MIX.mp3 Show Notes & Links https://hivepass.app/ https://www.instagram.com/hss_bikes/ … Continue reading "Ep 96 – High School Bike Maintenance Program with Teacher: Tyler Greenwood"
Patrick Lucas and Thomas Schoen come back to the podcast to update us on what they’ve been working on. If you’ve been listening to the show since the beginning you’ll already be familiar with the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program. If you’re not familiar with the program, you’re in for a real treat, enjoy! … Continue reading "Ep 95 – Patrick Lucas and Thomas Schoen of the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program"
A second episode with a New Zealand organization takes us to Queenstown where we’ll hear from Fraser Gordon, President of the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club. Fraser shares how he got involved with advocacy and tells us what makes Queenstown unique, including public trails serviced by a private gondola service. Don’t forget to check out this … Continue reading "Ep 94 – Fraser Gordon of the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club in Queenstown, NZ"
Matt Ball is the Chairperson of the Nelson Mountain Bike Club in Nelson, NZ. He originally got his start in advocacy in Canada with the North Okanagan Cycling Society in Vernon, BC. Matt brings a unique perspective of seeing advocacy in different communities and in different countries. We discuss trail building vs. trail maintenance, and … Continue reading "Ep 93 – Matt Ball of the Nelson Mountain Bike Club in Nelson, NZ"
Dr. Kelsey Johansen, Chair of The Trail Research Hub share what the her organization does: including research, education, and outreach initiatives. They are currently work on an economic impact study with the Hydrocut Trails and Brent Ellis, Chair of the Waterloo Cycling Club Trail Committee shares what that means to them, as well as the … Continue reading "Ep 92 – The Trail Research Hub & The Hydrocut Trails"
Michael Anzalone, Executive Director of the California Mountain Biking Coalition (CAMTB) shares the story of how the organization began and where they are now. We discuss Michael’s time with CAMTB, why the organization is a 501c4, what trail organizations are members, how they engage youth in their advocacy work and how they’re getting the Month … Continue reading "Ep 91 – Michael Anzalone of the California Mountain Biking Coalition"
We hear from Amanda Carey, the President of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). Amanda joins us from Victor, Idaho. NICA is a youth cycling program that has teams and leagues all over the United States. We hear about how they are not only getting youth outside on bikes but also giving back to the … Continue reading "Ep 90 – Amanda Carey, President of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA)"
Is our obsession with gear contributing the destruction of the places we love to use that gear in? How can a circular economy address this? And which companies are out there, in the outdoor sector and beyond, already tapping into it? Miguel Santos is a Sustainability Professional and the Founder and CEO of Wonderflux, a … Continue reading "Ep 89 – Circular Economy with Miguel Santos of Wonderflux"
Dave Ternier shares details of his new project Single Track Communications. We also discuss the future of the podcast and realistic landscape of relying on volunteers as a trail association. Remember that the podcast is supported by listeners like you. Donate HERE! https://podcasts-2.feedpress.com/16677/Ep%2088%20-%20FINAL%20MIX.mp3 Show Notes & Links https://singletrackcomms.com/subscribe/ https://www.facebook.com/singletrackcomms https://www.instagram.com/singletrackcomms Traditional Territory https://native-land.ca/maps/territories/tsleil-waututh-s%c9%99l%cc%93ilw%c9%99ta%c9%82%c9%ac/ https://native-land.ca/maps/territories/skwxwu7mesh-uxwumixw/ … Continue reading "Ep 88 – Update with Dave Ternier of Single Track Communications"
Paul Perrault tells us the story of Bike Cochrane and how this Alberta organization is building community through mountain bike trail and active transportation advocacy. Paul tells us how Bike Cochrane figured out there town’s ‘bikeability’ and how the organization got started and came to be. https://podcasts-2.feedpress.com/16677/Ep%2087%20-%20FINAL%20MIX.mp3 Show Notes & Links https://www.bikecochrane.com/ https://www.facebook.com/bikecochrane https://www.instagram.com/bikecochrane/ Traditional … Continue reading "Ep 87 – Active Transportation and Mountain Biking with Paul Perrault of Bike Cochrane"
Justin Martin, Executive Director of the Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) in Duluth, MN shares how they renamed their Mission Creek trail network. The trails were renamed using traditional indigenous language of Ojibwe. Justin takes us through the entire project from consolation to activation. Next episode we’ll hear from Paul Perrault: Director of Operations … Continue reading "Ep 86 – Justin Martin of COGGS Discusses Their Indigenous Re-Naming of Trails"
We hear from Dave Ternier about how he got into advocacy and what is on his mind regarding the future of trails. Dave shares his experience in telling stories and lets us know about Valley Life Recreation, a group in Minnedosa, Manitoba. Join the conversation and take part in a future episode by contacting the … Continue reading "Ep 85 – Dave Ternier and Valley Life Recreation"
We’re back for Part 2 of our conversation with Richard Edwards of IMBA Trail Solutions. In the second part we discuss future and what Trail Solutions can do. We also continue our conversation on what increases in trail usage has meant and what we, as trail advocates and builders, can do to make our trail … Continue reading "Ep 84 – Richard Edwards of IMBA Trail Solutions Part 2"
We hear from Richard Edwards of IMBA Trail Solutions in what is Part 1 of our two part conversation. In this first part we discuss Richard’s history in advocacy, and how Trail Solutions began. We also begin the conversation on what increases in trail usage has meant and what we, as trail advocates and builders, … Continue reading "Ep 83 – Richard Edwards of IMBA Trail Solutions Part 1"
This episode we check in with the Blue Ridge Off-Road Cyclists in Roanoke, Virginia. We hear from Trails Coordinator: Ian Bongard and President: Stuart Lamanna. We discuss politics and trails as well as the changing landscape of how people are working and what that means for where they choose to live. As the last episode … Continue reading "Ep 82 – Checking in with the Blue Ridge Off-Road Cyclists"
We check in with the Kickapoo Mountain Bike Club located near Champaign and Danville, Illinois. We hear from Vice-President: Troy Savalick and Executive Director: Anthony Maro. We discuss the recent trail expansion at the Kickapoo State Recreation Area, and how COVID-19 effected the roll-out. We also discuss personal life as we live and advocate during … Continue reading "Ep 81 – Checking in with the Kickapoo Mountain Bike Club"
Starting off a new season of the podcast and coming off of what was the 4th Anniversary of the show this week, we look to the future. And not that fairy-dream world in which we all get a vaccine, but the real world, the uncertain one we’re all being forced to get used to. Are … Continue reading "Ep 80 – New Season Update: Where Do We Go from Here?"
To answer the question of what Trail Days could look like this summer, I’m joined by three guests. First, Bill Hoyne, Safety Lead with the Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association in Alberta, Canada. Second, Tony Ferlisi, Executive Director of Mountain Bike the Tetons in Driggs, Idaho. And finally, Will Taygan, President of the Chugach Mountain … Continue reading "Ep 79 – How Can We Safely Run Trail Days in a COVID-19 World?"
We’re joined by three guests, all of them experts in Youth in the Outdoors. Returning to the show is Melissa Werkman, she’s now the Executive Director of the Children’s Advocacy ‘Center’ of Kent County in West Michigan. Mike Greer joins us again as the Executive Director of Elevation Outdoors which works with underprivileged youth in … Continue reading "Ep 78 – The Value of the Outdoors for Youth and the Impacts of Isolation"
Looking at what lies ahead, after COVID-19 for Trail Associations, Advocacy and Trails and Outdoor spaces in general. We’re joined by: Susie Murphy, Executive Director of the San Diego Mountain Biking Association, Patrick Lucas of the BC Aboriginal Youth Mountain Biking Project and Jay Darby, Fields Program Coordinator with IMBA Canada. Despite all the challenges … Continue reading "Ep 77 – A Panel Discussion for Looking at What Comes Next"
Ian Jones, President of the Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association returns to the podcast to help us navigate the plethora of tech resources available online to help increase your organization’s productivity. We go through a list of a dozen or so tools, with the intention that you can pick and choose a few to look … Continue reading "Ep 76 – Taking Advantage of All the Internet’s Tools w/ Ian Jones of SWMMBA"
We hear from the crew at the Lowelifes Respectable Citizens’ Club: Treasurer and previous guest Erik Hillard, President Matt Baffert and Secretary Rob Pettersen. We discuss starting a new organization, their ongoing project of restoring the Condor Peak Trail, the surrounding Wilderness and how they’re creating an Elite Group of Volunteers while trying to not … Continue reading "Ep 75 – Starting Something New with the Lowelifes Respectable Citizens’ Club"
We dive back into the old topic of eMTBs with a fresh perspective: Joe Vadeboncoeur, President of the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association discusses his article: “eMTB Thoughts”. Prior to being Board President, Joe worked in the Bike Industry at Trek, and he shares what it was like going from there into the world of … Continue reading "Ep 74 – eMTB 5: A New Perspective on an Old Topic w/ Joe Vadeboncoeur"
With recent global events regarding COVID-19, the podcast is returning two weeks early. We’ll be hearing from a few different trail associations on what they’re doing to address the Pandemic. We’ll also hear from Eleanor Blick, Senior Communications & Advocacy Manager at the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Stay safe! Another episode will be out on … Continue reading "Ep 73 – How Trail Associations are Addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic"
We hear from three Professional Trail Builders. First, Shane Wilson joins us from Hood River, OR, and is the Project Manager with the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s Trail Solutions. Pat Podolski is the Owner/Operator of Golden Dirt Trails in BC, Canada. And finally, Greg Mazu is in Fort Collins, CO and is the Chief Encouragement … Continue reading "Ep 72 – A Professional Trail Builders Panel Discussion"
Continuing with our theme of Climate Change, we hear from the founder of Minneapolis Bike Parks: Devin Olson and Program Director: Kim Holm. They’re a fantastic example of a successful grassroots organization. They focus on building Bicycle Playgrounds that increase the Bicycle competency in kids, so that future generations are capable and comfortable with using … Continue reading "Ep 71 – Increasing Bicycle Competency in Future Generations through Bicycle Playgrounds w/ Minneapolis Bike Parks"
Jay Darby of IMBA Canada, returns to continue our discussion on Climate Change and what role Mountain Bike Trail Associations can play in addressing it. In addition we’re joined by past guest and Executive Director of the Aboriginal Youth Mountain Bike Program, Patrick Lucas. Both Jay and Patrick share their experience of working in remote … Continue reading "Ep 70 – What Mountain Biking has done for First Nations Communities in BC to address Climate Change"
As a follow-up from last episode, we check in with IMBA Canada to hear about their Provincial Council Programs. We’re joined by Executive Director on IMBA Canada: AJ Strawson, Jay Darby: Field Program Coordinator for IMBA Canada and the Chair of BC Council and Dean Campbell: Board Member of IMBA Canada and founding Board Member … Continue reading "Ep 69 – IMBA Canada’s Provincial Councils and the Beginning of Our Climate Change Conversation"
Executive Director of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA), Tom Stuessy, returns to the podcast. Tom shares how the Vermont Outdoor Innovation Coalition (VOICe) has evolved in earning the organization and it’s Chapters consistent funding. And a key part of the success of VOICe has been preventing donor fatigue from sponsors and adopters, insuring funding … Continue reading "Ep 68 – Keeping Sponsors Engaged w/ Tom Stuessy of VMBA & VOICe in Vermont"
Our first episode back after our Summer hiatus we hear from two guests. The first, Morgan Lommele of People For Bikes, fills us in on what the order signed by the Secretary of the Interior allowing e-MTBs on Federal Land actually means. And second, we hear from Martin Littlejohn, Executive Director of the Western Canada … Continue reading "Ep 67 – Morgan Lommele of People For Bikes & Martin Littlejohn of the BC MTB Tourism Symposium"
This episode we hear from the Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz out in California, they share their Mountain Biking Impact Review and the findings made by their Science Committee. We’re joined by Matt De Young, Executive Director and Emma Kelsey, Science Committee Chair. This also marks the final episode of the Season with the podcast … Continue reading "Ep 66 – Mountain Biking Impact Review by the Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz"
We hear from four Mountain Bike Dads: Anthony Duncan, of the International Mountain Bicycling Association and father of 7yo son, Miles. Blake Rowsell, Capilano University Instructor, Board Member of the BC Mountain Bike Tourism Association and dad of Clark, who’s almost 3 and Roy, who is 16 months old. Ben Hall, AKA MTBBen, host of … Continue reading "Ep 65 – Father’s Day Panel Discussion"
As a follow up to last episode where all three guests were staff of their local organizations, we’re going to dive into the topic of Paid Employees. Sara Gress, Executive Director with the Wood River Trails Coalition and Ernest Saeger, Executive Director for the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance join us for another episode. In … Continue reading "Ep 64 – Panel Discussion on Trail Association Paid Staff"
We hear from three Executive Directors from three different trail organizations: Christine Reid of the North Shore Mountain Bike Association in North Vancouver, BC, Ernest Saeger of the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance is Colorado and Sara Gress of the Wood River Trails Coalition in Sun Valley Idaho. The later two groups have recently rebranded … Continue reading "Ep 63 – Panel Discussion on Rebranding into a Trail Organization"
In celebration of the 2nd Annual Women’s Mountain Bike Day on May 4th and Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12th we hear from three mountain bike moms. Skii Fleeton of the San Diego Bike Coalition, Jules Gujer: NICA Coach in the Minnesota League and Kim Bradley: President of the Southeastern Connecticut Chapter of the New … Continue reading "Ep 62 – Mother’s Day Panel Discussion"
This episode we hear from a panel of guests about the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, better known as SORBA. Guests include the SORBA Executive Director from Greenville, South Carolina: Tom Sauret, SORBA Executive Committee President and former President of the Northwest NC MTB Alliance Chapter, from Boone, South Carolina: Paul Stahlschmidt and finally, SORBA Associate … Continue reading "Ep 61 – Panel Discussion with the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA)"
Brennan Morrow is a Board Member of the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) and Madras Chapter Rep. Brennan is sharing COTA’s User Profiles; essentially characters they’ve created to help predict community engagement for programs, events or initiatives they roll out. Commonly used by Website and App Developers to ensure optimal User Interface (UI) experiences. https://podcasts-1.feedpress.co/16677/Ep%2060%20-%20FINAL%20MIX.mp3 … Continue reading "Ep 60 – Understanding Your Community Members: User Profiles with Brennan Morrow of COTA"
Wrapping up our 5-Part series on Conservation, we hear from Phil Waidner, Program Manager of Camps and the Teen Trail Corps at the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, otherwise known as NICA. Phil shares the past, present and future of the Teen Trail Corps and offers some great inspiration for those looking to start a similar … Continue reading "Ep 59 – NICA’S Teen Trail Corps: Interview w/ Phil Waidner"
At the beginning of January 2019, the “Outside/In” Podcast released an episode called “Rake And Ride”. It tells the story of the impact of illegal or unsanctioned trails, and the interaction between the mountain bikers who created them, the officials who manage them and the users who find themselves on it by plan or misfortune. … Continue reading "Ep 58 – Rogue Trails w/ Outside In Podcast Host: Sam Evans-Brown"
We explore a community with both a multi-use Trail Association and a Mountain Bike Club. My guest is Daniel Cammiade of the Nature Trails Society in Victoria, British Columbia, located in the Southern end of Vancouver Island. We discuss whether an organization should identify as a Bike Club or a Trail Association, and how best to … Continue reading "Ep 57 – Serving Your Community: Interview with Daniel Cammiade of the Nature Trails Society"
We hear from Laura Puckett Daniels, Deputy Director at the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association in Crested Butte, CO. Laura shares with us how her Bike Club added conservation to their mandate and created the Crested Butte Conservation Corps. In addition, Laura tells us about their Women’s Work Force (WWF), a female focused trail day program and the … Continue reading "Ep 56 – Adding Conservation to the Mandate: Interview w/ Laura Puckett Daniels"
Greig Gjerdalen is faculty with the school of Outdoor Recreation Management at Capilano University in North Vancouver, BC, Canada. Greig is currently studying how mountain bikers interact with nature and he’s asking: “Is nature merely scenery and therefore more of a backdrop for outdoor recreation pursuits than the center of our relational immersion?” Grieg shares his … Continue reading "Ep 55 – Are Mountain Bikers Really Conservationists?: Interview with Greig Gjerdalen"
The original question for this episode was asked a year ago by Jennifer Deeks, Communications Officer of the Guelph Off Road Bicycling Association. We’ll hear some previously unheard audio from a number of past guests’ including, Mark Schmidt of Parks Canada, Drew Engelmann of Yamaha Bicycles and the Trail Stewards of San Diego, Tom Stuessy, Executive Director of … Continue reading "Ep 54 – Sharing The Trails: How Trail Associations Can Create Harmonious Multi-Use Trails"
The final episode of 2018 is hosted by Rocky Blondin, past guest and President of the Fraser Valley Mountain Bikers Association. Rocky has adapted his two part blog post called: “So You Want To Be a Trail Builder?”. He not only goes through his process of getting involved but also the many steps that someone … Continue reading "Ep 53 – So You Want To Be a Trail Builder? w/ Guest Host Rocky Blondin of the FVMBA"
Membership is a crucial function of most trail associations, and there’s no shortage of services available on the internet. Dana Wacker is the Communications and Promotions Director at the Naniamo Mountain Bike Club and she breaks down a number of options out there, including the choice that her club has made, with TidyHQ. In addition … Continue reading "Ep 52 – Finding The Right Membership System: Interview with Dana Wacker"
We hear from four different guests who each represented their Trail Association at a different event this fall. My guests are Laura Puckett Daniels of the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association, Steve Sheldon of the Tri-Cities Off Road Cycling Association, Andy Cox of the HydroCut Trail Committee and Gunnar Carlson with the Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists. Each of my guests attended one of the … Continue reading "Ep 51 – Events Roundup: 4 Guests, 4 Trail Associations & 4 Events"
The 50th Episode of Front Lines MTB is here to celebrate all the conversations from the first 49 Episodes. Guests include: Jay Darby, Christine Reid, Tara Llanes, Patrick Lucas, Carrie Karsgaard, Eric McKeegan, Ambreen Tareq, Joshua Rebennack, Bruce Martens, Thomas Schoen, Steve Sheldon, Hansi Johnson, Mike Greer, Calvin Jones, Hank Grey and Len Necefer. Stay … Continue reading "Ep 50 – The Greatest Hits and a Look Back on Where We’ve Been"
October 20th in British Columbia was a municipal election for City Councillor and Mayoral positions. This election cycle saw a number of Trail Advocates on ballots from all over the province. We hear from three of them: Janis Neufeld from Nakusp, Stewart Spooner from Rossland and Jeff Cooke from Squamish. We also here from Cooper Quinn of the North … Continue reading "Ep 49 – Advocates Turned Candidates: Panel Discussion of Municipal Election Candidates"
The world is waking up to the benefits of Mountain Biking, and now communities are asking how they can become the next Mountain Bike town or destination. Caliente, Nevada is doing just that. With the local mine no longer operating, they’re looking to Mountain Biking as the reason to draw visitors into town. We’ll hear … Continue reading "Ep 48 – Creating New Mountain Bike Communities: Interview with Patrick Kell of IMBA"
After our summer hiatus we’re back with some follow up on some past topics and joined by a few guests. First we’ll hear about the Vermont Outdoor Innovation Coalition from Tom Stuessy, Executive Director of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association. Following that, we’ll get an update from Lance Pysher of the Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists on their … Continue reading "Ep 47 – We’re Back! Check In On Some Past Topics & Guests"
This episode we explore two upcoming events. The first is the 2018 MTB State Summit in Grand Rapids, Michigan; hosted by the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Michigan Mountain Bike Association and the Jersey Off Road Bicycle Association. Tom Stuessy of VMBA and Melissa Werkman of MMBA join me. And second, Jay Darby of IMBA Canada and Christine Reid … Continue reading "Ep 46 – Details About Two Upcoming Events You’ll Want To Check Out"
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