James Flatten The Original Flow Farmer on the Trail Rating System and more (#77)

Trail EAffect Episode 77 with James Flatten on Trail Rating Standards

• Why we are talking Trail Rating Standards or Lack of…
• Looking at Trail Ratings from a Regional Perspective
• General thoughts on the existing symbols adopted from the Ski Industry
• James Opinion of a Black Rated Trail vs a Green Rated Trail
• Getting More Remote with Trails
• The Palisade Plunge
• Loop Trail Systems and Ratings
• More Palisade Plunge and how it got its trail rating designation
• Another hypothetical example of trail rating discussion
• Ego
• El Duderino – Salida back story
• Back to Palisade Plunge and the ratings again
• How much time and what should someone pack to be prepared for the Palisade Plunge
• Back to General Trail Rating
  • Building in Iowa
• Conversations with Trail Clients about trail rating / projects before building
• Horse Thief Bench and how the entrance of that trail relates to Trail Ratings
• Building Green Level Trails
• Trails Telling a story and providing an experience
• Trail Planning
• Bentonville and how they use recreation for the health of the community
• How James’ trail build in Bentonville finished up
• More Open Discussions on Trail Ratings – Round table type?...
• Round Table, and the importance of these discussions in person
• Standards and contract language in trail contracts
• Teeing up the Pay to Play Model for trails to promote future discussions
• Closing Comments

Links discussed in the show:

The Palisade Plunge: https://www.copmoba.org/palisade-plunge/

El-Duderino: https://www.trailforks.com/trails/el-duderino/

Salida Mountain Trails: https://salidamountaintrails.org/

This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services

Trail EAffect Show Links:

Giants Ridge: https://www.giantsridge.com/

Ride the Range: https://www.ridetherange.com/

Evolution Trail Services: www.evotrails.com

Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com

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