Dirt Magic

Dirt Magic Trails Report - May 1st, 2026Spring has Sprung!Hero dirt and epic trail conditions all around.Packer Lake Road is open to the Saddle!Have a pint from Quintopia and serve up $5 for the trails. Yuba Shuttles are open for business!Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Dirt Magic Trails Report - April 24th, 2026Epic trail conditions and hero dirt await you!Yuba shuttles running up Mt. Hough, make your reservations now!Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Dirt Magic Trails Report - April 10th, 2026The Dirt Magic Trails Report is on vacation, check in with Yuba Expeditions for latest conditions.Hero Dirt on the trails.Possible precipitation over the weekend. High elevation snow is melting fast.Yuba shuttles up Mt. Hough start April 17th. Reservations are open!Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Dirt Magic Trails Report - April 3rd, 2026Hero Dirt!Early Shuttle Season.SBTS Pro Trail Crew At Full Force.Epic Trail Conditions!Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Sneaky Snow Squatch returns on Wednesday & Thursday! Check road conditions.The North Yuba & Divides in Downieville are open!Mt. Hough is open!Hero Dirt awaits you!Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Dirt Magic Trails Report - March 20th, 2026Snow is almost gone!The Divides in Downieville are open!Nearly all of Mt. Hough singletrack is open!Hero Dirt awaits you!Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Dirt Magic Trails Report - March 13th, 2026Snow continues to melt quickly with warming temperatures making for great trail conditions. Mt. Hough shuttles may be running earlier than expected.Visit yubaexpeditions.com for the lates trail conditions and shuttle reservations. Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Dirt Magic Trails Report - March 6th, 2026Spring Froward to some great trail conditions!Custom Tour, Adventure Tour and Private shuttle reservations are open. Regular shuttle reservations open mid-March.Visit https://www.yubaexpeditions.com/ for the latest trail info and shuttles.Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

The Vision of Connected CommunitiesOn this episode of Dirt Magic, we hitch a ride on the vision quest that is Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship's Connected Communities—a vision that was born seven years ago and has continued on a path to fruition for the last five. And along this quest to bring communities together using trails as the tool, the vision has gained new friends, new ideas and in fact, a new route toward where we are today: the peoples' plan. Joining us on this episode are two integral SBTS family members, SBTS executive director Greg Williams and director of grant management, Michelle Abramson. Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Dirt Magic Trails Report - Winter Season 2026Lower elevation trails are open and in good condition. Great deals on Yuba's remaining demo fleet and excellent time for service. Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Dirt Magic Trails Report - December 12th, 2025HERO DIRT continues, but Old Man Winter has snow on the menu. New World Class features on Tollgate!  Thank you Shimano Trail Born!Yuba Shuttles still running. Last chance for epic riding above 5,000ft.Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Dirt Magic Trails Report - December 5th, 2025Still tires instead of skis!  Mother Nature serving up great riding weather. Yuba Shuttles still running. SBTS Twist The Throttle For Trails PromotionLate season trail bliss!Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Dirt Magic - S3E4 - Stories of the SBTS - Dain ZaffkeOn this episode of Dirt Magic we explore the story of long time friend of the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, Dain Zaffke. In the two decades that Dain has been part of the SBTS family, we’ve seen him wear many hats from racer to bike industry executive to a founding father of Grinduro. Dain’s life and his identity have clearly been shaped by the inspiring landscape of the Lost Sierra. He met his future wife at an SBTS event, got hitched in Graeagle, and now share their love of the mountains with their eight-year-old daughter. So, it should be no surprise that Dain refuses to quit shredding our rugged backcountry, even though a critical life event tried to bump him off the trail…… permanently. 2025 proved to be a year of milestones for Dain, taking adversity by the handlebars and pedaling to a summit that in recent times would've been an impossible climb.  This….. is Dain’s story.Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

On this episode of Dirt Magic we join the Orogenesis Collective and their mission to boldly go where no mountain bike trail has gone before. We will explore the vision of “a new way on old ground,” born from Bike Packing Roots and dreamed about over pints in small mountain towns. A vibrant community of people growing their relationship with backcountry landscapes, each other, and themselves along an uninterrupted ribbon of singletrack trails that bridge borders throughout the western ranges of the North American continent. Our guests today have adventured through these landscapes on hands, feet and wheels and certainly aren’t afraid to raise a glass and say “cheers” to a moon shot idea. From completing the epic Oregon Timber Trail to spending 3% of his life on the face of El Capitan and living the dream of a 20 plus year trail stewardship and founder of the World Famous Downieville Classic, these gentlemen’s resume speaks for itself. Introducing Orogenesis Collective Executive Director Gabriel Tiller, Editor-In-Chief and co-founder of the Gear Lab websites Chris McNamara, and SBTS executive director, Greg Williams. Guest Bios:Gabriel Tiller is finding a new way on old ground as the executive director of the Orogenesis Collective. He is the founder and former executive director of the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance, as well as helping co-found the Oregon Mountain Biking Coalition and served as a board member for Bikepacking Roots. He’s passionate about backcountry trails and long-distance connectivity, and is a staunch believer that outdoor experiences have the power to transform people’s lives. Joyful experiences make us the best people we can be. Chris McNamara is the Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of the GearLab websites. Chris is the author of 10 books, a big-wall climbing expert, and a recovering ex-Wingsuit BASE jumper. Climbing Magazine once computed that three percent of Chris's life on earth had been spent on the face of El Capitan—an accomplishment that has left friends and family pondering Chris’ sanity. He’s climbed Yosemite's daunting 3,000+ foot El Capitan over 80 times and holds nine big wall speed climbing records. In 1998, Chris did the first Girdle Traverse of El Capitan, an epic 75-pitch route that begs the question, “Why?” Outside Magazine has called Chris one of “the world’s finest aid climbers.” He’s the winner of the American Alpine Club's prestigious Bates Award and the founder of the American Safe Climbing Association. This nonprofit group has replaced over 120,000 dangerous rock climbing anchor bolts. Chris is also the founder and lead author of the rock climbing guidebook publisher SuperTopo. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley. You can follow him on Instagram and ChrisMcNamara.com.Greg Williams leads the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship and is a descendant of the Deer Creek Band of Northern Sierra Miwok. Greg has spent his life in the Sierra Nevada Mountains living by the examples of his elders — developing a passion for community, clean streams, big mountains, and long trails. Greg is a trailblazer and pioneer of backcountry mountain biking in Downieville, establishing Yuba Expeditions guide service in 1991 and the Downieville Classic mountain bike festival in 1995. In 2003 Greg founded the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship in order to maintain and enhance the trail system, create local jobs, and grow the recreation economy in the Lost Sierra region.Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

On this episode of Dirt Magic we delve into the world of ladies in cycling. From recreational rolling to world class competition, we will explore the successes and challenges that young girls to seasoned pros must navigate from everyday riding to standing on the podium. Our guests today collectively are a multiple time Olympian, world cup cyclocross champions, gravel champions, mountain bike champions, barrier breakers, a former Bike Magazine editor-in-chief, a World Class events director, a journalist, a mentor, the winningest Downieville Classic All Mountain World Champion and even a former Division-I college baseball player. Definitely a resume for success and a good group of good people. Inrtroducing professional cyclists Katerina Nash and Anna Yamauchi, SBTS Marketing & Communications Director Nicole Formosa and SBTS Events Director Kyle Stone.Guest Bio's:Katerina NashAnna Yamauchi grew up in Truckee CA, and just returned to her hometown after wrapping up college at Cal Poly with a degree in architectural engineering and spending some time in Santa Cruz. With a background in competitive skiing, running, and surfing, Anna has newly found success in the professional off-road bike racing scene. Her racing career truly started in 2022, and with the mentorship of Katerina Nash, she jumped into Gravel and Marathon MTB racing, competing as part of the '23 and '24 Lifetime Grand Prix, and finding podium finishes at a handful of races including BWR AZ, Cactus Cup, BCBR, Downieville, and Lost and Found. This year she's excited to continue to explore new start lines and return to her favorite races with the support of Allied, Rapha, SRAM, Smith, and Vittoria.Nicole Formosa is the communications and marketing manager for Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. Previously, she spent many years as an editor in cycling media, primarily at Bike Magazine where she was on staff for eight years, including three as the first female editor-in-chief. Nicole has always tried to make highlighting the stories of female cyclists in a male-dominated industry central to her work, and in recent years, has written a piece questioning why female mountain bikers were not allowed to compete in Red Bull Rampage, a rule that was changed the following year, and profiled the female slopestyle riders shattering the glass ceiling of that discipline. She is excited to be involved with SBTS as it strives to make all its races more welcoming to all competitors. Kyle Stone is a former D1 college baseball player and JC coach, work experience in education, recreation, and program management. Got into mountain biking just before COVID and fell in love with it, which led to a close following of SBTS. Now Kyle directs SBTS race events and youth programming. Race experience: minimal. Like 5 races total. But I'm training to race Moab Rocks in a month. Well, not really race.... but finish!Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

On this episode of Dirt Magic we take a virtual stroll through a historic recreation area, the Lakes Basin, located in the Plumas National Forest of Northern California. With over 20 small lakes, impressive peaks, 30+ miles of trails, waterfalls, picturesque campgrounds and historic lodges, the Lakes Basin Recreation Area is a crown jewel in the Plumas National Forest. And now it is ever more important to talk about keeping these epic trails open for all of us to enjoy.Joining me on this episode of Dirt Magic are three historical figures themselves.  They are purveyors of fine singletrack and have decades of experience when it comes to building and maintaining trails. Please welcome SBTS Executive Director Greg WIlliams, SBTS Master of All Trades Marc Cosbey and SBTS Pro Trail Crew Boss, Henry O’Donnell.Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

On this episode of Dirt Magic,  we invite the SBTS pro trail crew in for a casual conversation about digging in the dirt, high flying river jumps and exploding trees, yep, exploding trees. The SBTS pro trail crew creates the most public interface of the stewardship and is literally where the dollars meet the dirt. Since the birth of the stewardship, the pro trail crew has built over 215 miles of brand new trail, maintained over 2,700 miles of trail and helped manage over 9,300 volunteers. Bottom line, the dirtier this crew gets, the more fun we all have on the trails. We begin with a stroll down the history lane of the trail crew with SBTS executive director, Greg Williams. After that it’s a potpourri of good times, great work and getting dirty with SBTS Trail Crew Boss, Henry O’Donnell and SBTS pro crew trail members Zach Poh, Andrew Burger, Josh Kluger, Evan Olsen and Dominique (Dom) Cavilia. And a forewarning: trying to wrangle this crew onto one live recording session was like wrangling cats in a bathtub. Some are in the studio and others are out in remote land and having to use old technology, basically a soup can and string line. Thanks for listening and enjoy the episode. - Martin ScheelDirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

On this episode of Dirt Magic we will be discussing forest stewardship and how looking to the past may help protect the future of our forested public lands.Our guests today have a combined dossier of experience that would rival any renowned institution of learning. Together they are a visionary that collected the right ingredients to create a 20 plus year trail stewardship organization, a self-funded professional mountain bike adventurer who for over 25 years has dabbled in forestry & fire to pay for his bikes and parts, and a registered professional forester with decades of experience in resource management, fire ecology, environmental policy and still had time to author more than 20 scientific papers.  You might call this group the “Dream Team” of our forested public lands. Introducing SBTS executive director Greg Williams, firefighter and registered professional forester Stew McMorrow and Co-director of the Natural Hazards Team and Operations Manager at Spatial Informatics Group Jason Moghaddas. Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Our show today features a panel discussion from the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force regional meeting in South Lake Tahoe. The meeting was attended by 800 in-person and virtual guests. SBTS’ Michelle Abramson was a featured speaker on the Focus on Recreation panel, discussing how SBTS is promoting recreation and rural economic stimulation through our Connected Communities project. She also addressed the challenges with the post-wildfire recovery process, from restoring the trails to restoring communities, and how trails can bring back an economic resource in small communities, as well as future protection and resilience through the SBTS Fire Hardened Trails Prescription Program. You will also hear from Stew McMorrow, with Cal Fire and SBTS executive board member, about Fire Hardened Trails. And stay tuned for an upcoming episode as Stew joins  SBTS Executive Director Greg Williams, taking a deeper dive into how the SBTS is working on our Fire Hardened Trail Prescription Program.Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

This Episode focuses on the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship's mission to produce world class events. A brief history of how it all began, where we’ve been and where we are going. We will also discuss an upcoming event in Quincy, CA and a grand purple homecoming in 2025. Our guests today consist of a seasoned event producer, manager, director and a rookie that has made his way to big leagues. Introducing SBTS executive director Greg Williams and SBTS events director Kyle Stone.Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Our guests today could be labeled as prospectors of Dirt Magic. From digging deep into virtual trails to digging dirt on the trails and exploring a bit deeper to search for that ever elusive vein of gold.  Maybe not gold in its traditional sense, but just as valuable nonetheless. They have a plan. It could even be called a master plan.  And after a long day of prospecting and planning, these two good people of the SBTS take the time to educate folks on how to survive an encounter with quick sand. Yep, quick sand. I would like to introduce SBTS Director of Grant  Management , Michelle Abramson & SBTS Charitable Giving Coordinator Gina Achilles. Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Today’s guests are what you may call OG’s of the SBTS. Collectively they have nearly 80 years of experience with the stewardship in one form or another. Over 100 years if you bring in guiding in the Lost Sierra, Yuba Expeditions and the Downievile Classic. From side gigs like working on and sailing America’s Cup boats, kicking butt in Downhill Junior National Championships, announcing & interviewing an LPGA winner live on ESPN(without knowing it), to running the day to day operations of what we call Dirt Magic, these 4 OG’s, (*asterisk for one), sit down for a nice casual conversation. And who are these SBTS OG’s I speak of? Mr. Greg Williams, Executive Director and purveror of fine wizardry, Mr. Marc Cosbey, AKA Cosbey, master of engineering and logistics, Mr. Henry O’Donnell, Trail Boss-Lord of the Flies and Mr. Martin Scheel, voice of the SBTS, AKA I talk too much.Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Garen Becker hails from a town where you used to be able to attend college naked, which brings a whole new meaning to Banana Slugs. He is making a name for himself as theTrail  Bear Whisperer, not to be confused with the cocaine bear. And while he prefers veterinarians and trail side medics for his many suture procedures, he still isn’t afraid to shred the Downieville Trail system on two wheels. Calling him a partner or sponsor would be a disservice, as his DNA bleeds Downieville and SBTS, both literally and figuratively. He attempted a side career in cart racing, but quickly found out that mixing it up with your host was not a good track decision. All kidding aside, Garen is a super rad dude and family member of the DVC and SBTS. This, is Garen’s Classic story.Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Paul Hart started rolling dirt back on a midwestern farm and quickly found a passion for building trails. His trail travels took him to the land of the alligator, the Florida everglades, the high desert mecca of Sedona AZ and finally to his destination, the Tahoe National Forest and Downieville CA. With his backyard, playground and office all located in the outdoor epicness of the Lost Sierra, never a day goes by where he isn’t building, maintaining or riding the trails. Paul also has a little side hustle of iron manning the Baja 1,000 on a motorized steed, that’s right, Iron Man…..cue Ozzy!  This, is Paul’s Classic Story. Episode Art Photo Credit:  Patrick CavendarDirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Carl Decker began his cycling career out climbing seasoned mountain bike racers on his modified 3 speed BMX bike. He wasn’t even a teenager yet. With a family instilled love of cycling, little did he know, an exceptional career was being born. From there, the list of accolades grew exponentially. He even has a world land driveway speed record. Eventually the lure of Downieville would infect his blood and kick off a viral need to be crowned the All Mountain World Champion. The cure for this prognosis? 5 straight championships and with a Giant genetic makeup for outdoor speed, he continues to leave his mark on podiums everywhere. So sit back, lower your tire pressure, grab a pork chop and tasty beverage for your pack and enjoy Carl’s Classic story.Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Nathan Lloyd  started his path to Downieville fame in the saddle of a BMX bike at the age of four. As both his skill and age increased, a local bike shop gave him a nudge to try out mountain bike racing and that nudge set in motion events that would land him at the top of the DVC podium. On his journey to a feat that only he has accomplished at the Downieville Classic, he took some time to become a bunny hop champion and even  challenged a world record. Today he continues to be a formidable shredder on the bike and has partnered with a guy named “George” for his next adventure.  This, is Nathan’s Classic story.Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

The Fishes hail from a land of steady habits, nutmeg and Mark Twain. And although punk rock may have fired their engines early on, it would soon give way to their steady habit of mountain biking.  That newfound love brought them out west searching for the epic land of trails and mountainous beauty aka, The Lost Sierra. As they settled into their new promised land, a new mission arose. A mission of resurrecting a steward of the trails and thus began their journey into a world of trail building, stewardship and enjoying the mecca of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  Their two soon became three and this trifecta never looked back, pushing ever forward to support our public lands and saweet Sierra singletrack. They are long time racers and volunteers for the Downieville Classic and all around good people. This, is Amy, Ben & Max’s Classic Story.Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Kelli Emmett began her rise to Downieville stardom smoking cigarettes, drinking self made cider,  spinning thousands of caramel apples and getting kicked out of gym class. With a short stint purveying exquisite mixologies in the land of Kokomo, you’re welcome for that song stuck in your head now, she returned for a December mountain bike ride in the warmth of a Michigan winter, and that propelled her toward her true calling, as Bike Mag once penned, "the accidental racer," to becoming a mountain bike champion, including 5 time winner of the Downieville Classic All MTN. This, is Kelli's "Classic" story. Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Steve Fong has been getting dirty in Downieville for more than a decade. Wherever and whenever there was trail work to be done or an event needing volunteers, you will find him. He hails from strange lands on the east coast and from where if you don’t like spicy food, you’re likely to starve. He loves a good conversation, and maybe a constructive argument, even more. His modus operandi for travel is his bicycle, he’s a detective novelist and the urban jungle is his daily playground. This, is Steve's Classic story. Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Paul Price started his pursuit of perfection in junior high. He made quality, handmade products for a fringe crowd. You know, skaters.  His skateboards were masterfully hand crafted from oak, right out of his parents’ garage. You know the type of kid I’m speaking of. The one spawned from an artist and engineer. The one always taking things apart.  Well, just a few decades later, his passion for art and engineering continues through his company, Paul Component Engineering.  He is a  purveyor of masterfully crafted cycling components, a bike packing and single speed guru and high level hot wings aficionado. He also has a really cool dune buggy.Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Katerina Nash began the road to her professional success from behind behind the Iron Curtain, emerging from those closed borders to become an olympian and one of those most successful and inspirational professional athletes to grace this blue planet. She is a multiple champion of the Downieville Classic, multiple World Cup Cyclocross winner, and even broke 7 ribs in one race.  This, is Katerina's "Classic" story. Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Jason Moeschler began his cycling career sweeping floors, taking out the trash and learning to wrench on bikes at his local bike shop. Following an inspirational trip to a little town called Downieville, he began his journey to All MTN fame, racing in the very first Coyote Classic, some 28 years ago. From there, it went downhill, literally, to launch him multiple times to the Downieville Classic All MTN top spot. Recruited to work for one of coolest little global companies, he forged his skills to later become a cycling CEO.  He’s an all time MTB shredder and one of the coolest people you will ever meet.  This, is Jason’s “Classic” story. Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Dirt Magic - The Downieville Sessions welcomes Gary Gleason, Wilderness Trail Bikes(WTB) VP of Sales, long time supporter of the Downieville Classic, Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, and all around cool dude.  This, is his Classic story.Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel