Description

For Episode 198, we’re catching up with Mike Repyak, who’s back on the show for the fourth time, this time with a brand-new role as Director of Development and Outdoor Recreation for the Kocourek Trailhead Foundation in Wausau, Wisconsin. We dive into Wausau’s ambitious trail plans, Mike’s continued work with IMBA, and highlights from the International Trails Summit that was held this past April in Madison, WI – Basically in Mikes backyard.

Topics Include:

• Mike’s new roll: Director of Development and outdoor Recreation for the Kocourek Trailhead Foundation in Wausau, WI.
• Recap of what Mike Accomplished at IMBA as the Director of IMBA Trail Solutions.
• A recap of the International Trail Summit that was held in Madison, WI in April 2025.
  • Pre Conference Sessions
  • Concurrent Conference Sessions
  • The City of Madison, WI as a true multimodal community
  • A meeting about the possibility of starting a statewide mountain bike trail organization in Wisconsin
• Diving into the details behind Mike’s new role in Wausau, WI.
• What the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership is and why it exists.
• What the Private (with public access) trail development will look like adjacent to Rib Mountain State Park in Wisconsin.
  • Effectively expanding access from private lands into parts of Rib Mountain State Park in areas that were previously more difficult to access
  • The prospect of lift access for gravity trails adjacent to Rib Mountain State Park
• How Mike is still involved with IMBA in a part time capacity
  • 2025 IMBA Trail Labs Foundations in Winona, MN
  • Other Locations for Trail Labs Foundations
• Kafka Granite’s Wax Coated Pathway Mix (Trail Surface)
• What Mike looks for in a Trail Community
• Closing Comments

Trail EAffect Show Links:

Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership: https://greaterwausau.org/

Central Wisconsin Off Road Cycling Coalition: https://cwocc.org/

Visit Wausau Mountain Biking: https://www.visitwausau.com/outdoor-activities/biking-trails/

IMBA Foundations: https://www.imba.com/foundations

Kafka Granite’s Wax Coated Pathway Mix: https://www.kafkagranite.com/natural-crushed-stone/pathway-materials/wax-pathway-mix/

Episode Sponsor - Coulee Creative: www.dudejustsendit.com https://www.couleecreative.com/

Trail EAffect Podcast Website: www.traileaffectpodcast.com

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

Contact Josh at evolutiontrails@gmail.com

This Podcast has been edited and produced by Evolution Trail Services