Regional Mountain Bike Facility Tour

Half-Day Post-Conference Tour
Thursday, 3/31
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Cost: $50 (includes shuttle)

Note: You do not need a bike for this tour.

Over the past two decades, the NWA Trailblazers have developed hundreds of miles of trails, including the OZ Trails network. The regional investment in trails and specifically MTB facilities is unrivaled - and we are pleased that the NWA Trailblazers team is offering an educational tour of some of the region’s best and unique MTB Facilities including:

1. Runway Bike Park is a 2.75 acre state-of-the-art outdoor bicycle skills training area located in Springdale. It’s comprised of 3 separate areas: Pump Track (one of the largest asphalt tracks in North America), Skills Course, and Bicycle Playground.

2. The Railyard is a bike park located in Rogers, Arkansas. There are 8 total jump lines, from beginner to expert skill levels.

3. The Slaughter Pen trails in Bentonville includes progressive trails ranging in difficulty from beginners to expert, with flow trails, jump lines, and pump tracks.

Runway Bike Park, Springdale

The Railyard, Rogers

Crafting Rock Trail Features With Machinery

Two-Day Post-Conference Workshop
Friday 4/1 + Saturday, 4/2
Cost: $680

SCHEDULE

Friday, April 1
8 am - 12 pm
Field review of ongoing Rock Solid projects to see different styles of rock work. Expect to see sections of rock armoring, retaining walls, rock features and natural rock tech (travel by bike and/or shuttle if needed)
12 - 1 pm: Lunch (included)
1pm-4pm: Field Construction. Working with machines and tools to create different styles of rock work.

Saturday, April 2
8am-4pm- Field Construction. Lunch Provided. Working with machines and tools to create different styles of Rock Work continuation.

This is a hands-on workshop. Participants must bring eye protection, ear protection, hard hats and gloves....and bikes! This session will have a 3 to 1 instructor ratio so class is limited to 15 participants. We'll have multiple machines and all sorts of tools for people to demo.

Instructors: Aaron Rogers, Kyle McGurk, Blu Tenbrink, Joe Dykstra and one more senior Rock Solid Contracting team member.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

Learn techniques for building durable and engaging rock features and armored trail using mechanized tools. This hands-on workshop has a very low student to instructor ratio to facilitate adequate equipment time and provide focused skills development.

The course will have students using excavators, crawlers, and hand tools to craft rock features. Instructors from Rock Solid Trail Contracting with decades of experience crafting great rocky riding trails will lead the course. The workshop will occur on active job sites so participants can see extensive examples of constructed rock features and educators can use actual features to explain the logistical challenges behind importing and managing rock materials on a trail project.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Improved understanding of how to place and manipulate rock material.
2. Demonstration of rock transport and management.
3. Functional understanding of how to install rock features for riding.

Universal Trail Assessment Process & High Efficiency Trail Assessment Process Coordination (UTAP/HETAP)

1-Day workshop
Date: Monday March 28
Time: 8 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: $150
Level: All Levels

Instructor:
Todd Ackerman, ADA/Assessment Coordinator with Beneficial Designs, Inc.

DESCRIPTION

The Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) and the High Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP) collect objective information about trail conditions such as grade, cross slope, typical and minimum clearance width, surface type, firmness and obstructions. Through classroom and practical, hands-on trail assessment experience, participants will learn how to objectively measure trails using UTAP and HETAP. Participants will also learn the details of UTAP measurements, semi-automated wheeled information sensor package measurements, and HETAP 3.0 Software. This workshop will discuss the benefits of objective information, the application of UTAP and HETAP in diverse environments, how to disseminate Trail Access Information (TAI), and how that dissemination meets the requirements of the new federal accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas. Optional certification through American Trails will be available at check-in for $35.

Educational Objectives: Through classroom and practical, hands-on trail assessment experience, participants will learn:

· How to objectively measure trails using UTAP and HETAP,

· The details of UTAP measurements,

· The details of the semi-automated wheeled information sensor package measurements and HETAP 3.0 Software,

· The benefits of objective information,

 · UTAP and HETAP application in diverse environments, and

 · How to disseminate Trail Access Information (TAI)

Target Audience: UTAP and HETAP are beneficial processes for all levels of participants, but are especially informative for trail planners, managers, workers, and volunteers. This is both an indoor and outdoor workshop. Wear shoes and clothing comfortable for walking. Weather can be quite changeable. Be prepared for warm, cold, wet or anything in between. Wear layers, good walking shoes, and sunscreen. If you have special mobility needs or other accessibility concerns, please notify us no later than Tuesday, March 20, so we can make arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Schedule

8 am - 12 pm Classroom Session
12 - 1 pm Break for lunch (there are lots of options downtown)
1 - 4 pm Field Session

INSTRUCTOR

Todd Ackerman is a retired teacher in the public school system of Nevada. Todd has been with Beneficial Designs for 6 years and is currently the ADA/Assessment Coordinator with Beneficial Designs, Inc., a company that develops assistive and adaptive technology, serves as a rehabilitation information resource, and performs rehabilitation research, third-party product testing, design reviews, legal consultation, and standards development. Todd has instructed many workshops all over the U.S. and Canada.  todd@beneficialdesigns.com

Stonework for Trails

2.5 Day Pre-Conference Workshop
Classroom and Field-based learning

Dates/Times:
Thursday 3/31 - 1 - 5pm - Classroom
Friday, 4/1 - 8 am - 4:30 pm - Field session (lunch provided)
Saturday, 4/2 - 8 am - 4:30 pm - Field session (lunch provided)
Cost: $525
Level: Appropriate for all levels

Instructors: 
Erin Amadon, Town 4 Trail Services, LLC
Willie Bittner, Great Lakes Trail Builders, LLC

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Description

Stonework is not for everyone. However, for those with patience, attention to detail, a hard work ethic, and a general love for puzzles, stonework can be one of the most rewarding forms of trail work because of its longevity and aesthetic. This two and half-day workshop will explore the ideal rock size and shapes for structures, safe transportation methods, and construction techniques for stone structures. Day one (1/2 day) of the workshop will highlight different examples of stonework through a photographic representation of completed projects. Day two will focus on the planning, design, and layout of your stone project while beginning a field-based project. Day three of the workshop will focus on finishing the field-based project. Emphasis will be placed on proper moving techniques, stone shaping, and stone setting.

Participants will demonstrate the trail skills by applying knowledge learned through hands-on demonstration throughout the workshops. Participants will receive direct feedback from the instructor on how to improve techniques. Participants should plan on bringing hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, work gloves, sturdy boots, lunch, and water for the workshop. This workshop is suitable for recreation planners, land managers, trail advocates, policymakers, designers, architects, trail stewards, volunteers, trail builders, trail contractors, and trail enthusiasts.

Workshop Objectives

1. Identify and describe what type of stone structure is needed and why.
2. Demonstrate appropriate body mechanics and safe stone moving techniques.
3. Demonstrate proper stone stetting practices.

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Instructors

Erin Amadon’s passion for trail work began over two decades ago when she first served as a member of a youth conservation corps, and she has been doing trail work ever since.  She currently is the owner of Town 4 Trail Services based out of Troy, ME.

As a former Training Coordinator for the Maine Conservation Corps, Erin developed and implemented an eleven-week environmental training curriculum for the Trail Training Academy.  Erin is committed to youth conservation work and supporting the next generation of trail builders through her work as a Conservation Work Skills Instructor for the Student Conservation Association and in her role on the Maine Conservation Corps Advisory Board. Erin holds a United States Forest Service Sawyer certification, Wilderness First Responder, CPR, OSHA 10 Hour Construction Safety & Health, Leave No Trace Trainer, and American Canoe Association quick start certifications.  Erin is an active member of the PTBA Board of Directors.

Willie Bittner started working on trails 20 years ago with the Wisconsin DNR and over the years he has worked from coast to coast building trails and teaching the different methods and styles to volunteer groups, conservation corps and state and federal agencies. He founded Great Lakes Trailbuilders, LLC  in 2008 to bring a low impact and environmentally friendly approach to trailbuilding and design to the Midwest. 

As owner and lead designer, Willie is dedicated to sharing his experiences, engaging users and developing leading edge trails.  His projects have taken him from designing new National Parks trails in Patagonia to co-founding WisCorps, Inc. a Wisconsin based Conservation Corps to leading trainings on everything from sustainable trail construction to trail psychology and rigging. Willie is an active member of the PTBA Board of Directors.

Stone Splitting and Shaping

1/2 Day Workshop- Field-based learning
Date: Monday March 28
Time: 8 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $110
Level: Expert

Instructors: 
Erin Amadon, Town 4 Trail Services, LLC
Willie Bittner, Great Lakes Trail Builders, LLC

Description

This 1/2 day workshop will teach students how to transform native rock into useable building stones for steps and walls. Subjects to be covered include how to read and analyze a stones structure so that it will yield the most material; how to split stone into the desired dimensions using rotary hammer drills, feathers, and wedges; how to shape stones using various shaping hammers and chisels including stone busters, points, sets, and more. Participants can expect to leave the workshop, knowing the basics of how to shape stone into usable blocks for stone structures.

This fee includes nationally recognized instructors, stone splitting and shaping related equipment, and limited PPE. Participants should plan on bringing hard hats, safety glasses, work gloves, sturdy boots, and water.

Participants will show how stone splitting and shaping tools work by applying knowledge learned through hands-on demonstration throughout the workshop. Participants will receive direct feedback from the instructors on how to improve stone splitting and shaping techniques. By the end of the workshop, participants will make professional connections with PTBA member companies, fellow trail builders, supporters, and volunteers alike.

Workshop Objectives

1. Participants will analyze and identify the proper location on a stone to split.
2. Participants will demonstrate correct tool use for different types of stone shaping techniques.
3. Participants will demonstrate proper body mechanics and safe splitting procedures.

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Instructors

Erin Amadon’s passion for trail work began over two decades ago when she first served as a member of a youth conservation corps, and she has been doing trail work ever since.  She currently is the owner of Town 4 Trail Services based out of Troy, ME.

As a former Training Coordinator for the Maine Conservation Corps, Erin developed and implemented an eleven-week environmental training curriculum for the Trail Training Academy.  Erin is committed to youth conservation work and supporting the next generation of trail builders through her work as a Conservation Work Skills Instructor for the Student Conservation Association and in her role on the Maine Conservation Corps Advisory Board. Erin holds a United States Forest Service Sawyer certification, Wilderness First Responder, CPR, OSHA 10 Hour Construction Safety & Health, Leave No Trace Trainer, and American Canoe Association quick start certifications. 

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Willie Bittner started working on trails 20 years ago with the Wisconsin DNR and over the years he has worked from coast to coast building trails and teaching the different methods and styles to volunteer groups, conservation corps and state and federal agencies. He founded Great Lakes Trailbuilders, LLC  in 2008 to bring a low impact and environmentally friendly approach to trailbuilding and design to the Midwest. 

As owner and lead designer, Willie is dedicated to sharing his experiences, engaging users and developing leading edge trails.  His projects have taken him from designing new National Parks trails in Patagonia to co-founding WisCorps, Inc. a Wisconsin based Conservation Corps to leading trainings on everything from sustainable trail construction to trail psychology and rigging.

SOLD OUT - Terrain Dynamics for Trail Folks

2 Day Workshop
Sunday, March 27 - 8:30 am - 5 pm
Monday March 28 - 8:30 am - 5 pm

Cost: $300

Location: Arvest Bank Conference Room, 201 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712 

Instructors: 
Michael Shields, Michael D. Shields Consulting, PTBA Member
Alex Man, PhD, PEng, Scatliff+Miller+Murray

COURSE SUMMARY

An in-depth look at the variable nature and mechanics of the ground we build trails across. Treats that ground as a dynamic "structure" and covers slope stability factors (including on flat ground); soil mechanics (deposition, granulation, density and porosity, internal friction, rock/gravel content, organics, soil chemistry, soil moisture); terrain hydrology (water entry, surface and subsurface water movement, drainage area, flat ground drainage, sheet vs channeled flow, the effects of freeze/thaw, "toe of slope" accumulation, "drainable edges" in topography); the roles of bedrock and vegetation; surface indicators of subsurface phenomena; and using this knowledge in the selection of trail routes, grades, structures, and drainage systems.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Awareness of the complexity of the ground we build trails on, and the variety of forces influencing slope stability and trail "sustainability".

2. Awareness of surface and subsurface water accumulation and flow mechanics.

3. Ability to sample and roughly analyze soils in the field, and at least generally predict their performance under traffic loads over time.

4. Ability to recognize surface indicators of subsurface conditions and trends.

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Instructors

Michael Shields
Michael Shields Consulting

Mike Shields has designed, built and maintained trails throughout the western U.S. and Alaska since 1960, and managed trail systems from 1970 to 1996. Mike used his experiences as the Trail Crew Leader in Olympic National Park; Park Ranger at Big Bend and Canyonlands National Park; Roads and Trails Foreman at Big Bend; Trails Foreman for the then newly created North Cascades National Park; Facilities Manager at Kings Canyon and Asst. Chief of Maintenance in Rocky Mountain NP to build a truly exceptional professional trails career.

He retired as Chief of Maintenance for Denali National Park in 1996 and currently works as a consultant and educator.

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Alex Man, PhD, PEng
Scatliff+Miller+Murray

Geological Engineer, Trail Designer

Alex has combined his passion for the outdoors and his background in engineering into a career of designing and building sustainable trails for mountain biking and hiking.  He holds a PhD in soil mechanics and an MSc in environmental engineering.  This unique combination of skills brings significant insight to current trail building issues and their solutions.  Alex has been a competitive mountain bike racer at the expert level for the past 30 years.  His cycling experience also includes international adventure races, coaching youth mountain biking, and assistant coaching for the Manitoba Provincial Cycling Team.  He is an avid winter cyclist and participates in winter fat bike races.