We sit down with Rick Bean from the Top City Trail Alliance to map out Topeka’s natural surface trails and the volunteer work that keeps them open, safe, and fun. We talk everything from trail etiquette and erosion control to mountain biking gear, ultra-endurance “studs”, and a bigger vision for connecting the city through outdoor recreation. • what the Top City Trail Alliance does and how it’s funded through volunteers and donations • what “natural surface trails” are and how they differ from paved paths • the four main Topeka dirt trail systems: Kaw River State Park, Cedar Crest, Skyline (Burnett’s Mound), and Dornwood • how trail difficulty changes with elevation, terrain, and loop design • how renegade trail building led to formal partnerships and MOUs with land managers • why stormwater control and erosion prevention decide whether trails last • “earn your dirt” and what it means for trail users • where to start with mountain biking gear, local bike shops, and realistic entry costs • favorite rides outside Topeka including Switchgrass in Kansas and Bentonville, Arkansas • local social runs, hikes, and group rides plus how to find them on Facebook • a practical case for trail connectivity across Topeka for families and commuters man, come out and and you know, if you don't want to be a member, that's fine. Come out and enjoy the trail system with us on our social nights. Yeah. You know, let's go hike, let's go do some running or biking or whatever you want to do. Uh, bring your dogs. They got to be on a leash, but bring your dogs and uh yeah, let's go do it. ________________________________________ 0:00 - Cold Open And Sponsor Message 0:38 - Meet The Top City Trail Alliance 2:10 - What Counts As A Real Trail 6:09 - Topeka’s Key Trails And Difficulty 10:01 - How The Alliance Started 21:25 - Trail Building, Erosion, And Volunteers 25:57 - Best Rides Beyond Topeka 30:23 - Mountain Biking Starter Gear And Costs 37:29 - Ultra Races And Youth MTB Teams 44:30 - How To Join Runs, Rides, Hikes 45:55 - COVID, Health, And Outdoor Momentum 54:13 - Connectivity Vision For Topeka Trails 58:44 - Trail Safety And Final Invite ________________________________________ Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️ Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS Website -- https://topekainsider.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/ Follow Your Hosts: 📱 Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day. Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/ Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!
