In Episode 178 of the Trail EAffect podcast, host Josh Blum had the pleasure of sitting down with Mischa Crumbach and Edoardo Melchiori, the innovative minds behind the International Trail Rating System (ITRS). The episode delved into the origins, development, and significance of this groundbreaking system, which is steadily becoming a cornerstone for mountain biking trails worldwide.
Here’s the key take aways from the podcast, enjoy!
The Vision Behind ITRS
Mischa and Edoardo designed the ITRS to bring harmony to the disparate trail rating systems that existed across the globe. Their goal was to create a universal language for trail ratings that could guide mountain bikers more effectively, regardless of where they were riding. This system categorizes trails based on four critical factors: technical difficulty, endurance, exposure, and wilderness. By breaking down these elements, the ITRS provides a clearer and more accurate assessment of what bikers can expect on the trails.
A System Designed for All Riders
One of the standout features of the ITRS is its user-centric approach. The system uses a combination of colors and symbols to indicate trail difficulty, ensuring it is accessible to colorblind users while maintaining a level of familiarity for experienced riders. This thoughtful design helps to reduce intimidation for beginners, offering them clear and understandable information that encourages participation in mountain biking.
To further enhance clarity, especially in poor visibility conditions, the ITRS introduces the ‘route pie’ graphic, which visually represents the endurance and wilderness levels of a trail. This ensures that riders can quickly grasp the trail’s challenges, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Collaboration and Implementation
The development of the ITRS was a collaborative effort, involving extensive feedback from trail builders, tourism officials, and other stakeholders. This input was crucial in creating a system that is not only comprehensive but also practical and effective in real-world applications. The ITRS training framework reflects this thoroughness, combining theoretical instruction with practical assessments to ensure consistent application across trails.
One of the innovative aspects of the ITRS is its approach to legacy trails, which often lack proper design and planning. By defining trails in segments rather than assigning a single rating to an entire trail, the ITRS provides a more accurate representation of the varying difficulty levels riders might encounter along a route. This segmentation helps prepare riders for unexpected combinations of technical difficulty and exposure, making their experiences safer and more predictable.
Global Adoption and Accessibility
The ITRS aims to establish a standardized global understanding of trail ratings, making it easier for riders to know what to expect, no matter where they are. This vision is gaining traction, with the system being officially adopted by Inba Europe as a recommended trail rating system. Although adoption levels vary across countries, the ITRS is gradually becoming a universal standard.
Importantly, the ITRS is free to use, though users are required to consult with the creators before making any modifications to ensure standardization is maintained. The system also includes considerations for adaptive biking, ensuring that trails are accessible to all riders, including those using adaptive bikes.
Looking Ahead
As Mischa and Edoardo discussed on the podcast, the ITRS is not about dictating what riders should do, but about informing them of the challenges they might face. This approach empowers riders to assess their own skills and make informed decisions based on the detailed information provided by the system.
The Trail EAffect podcast episode with Mischa and Edoardo offers valuable insights into the future of mountain biking and the role of standardized trail ratings. As the ITRS continues to grow in adoption and influence, it promises to make mountain biking safer and more enjoyable for riders of all levels around the world.