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 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:
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