SRAM Early Bird Social & Film Screening: Dirt Relations

Friday January 17

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Join us for the screening of Dirt Relations, a powerful film that explores the impact of natural surface trails and cycling as tools for community building, economic development, and cultural connection—especially within Tribal Communities.

We’re honored to welcome Patrick Lucas, the film’s producer, who will be joining us in person to share his experiences and insights. This event is a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and spark meaningful conversations about the future of cycling and trail development in South Dakota.

Open to all attendees and the public. Don’t miss this impactful start to the 2025 South Dakota Bike Summit!

• Fort Pierre Mayor Gloria Hanson

• Jenn Dice CEO, People for Bikes

• Mike Mueller, President Oahe Wheelmen

Format: Panel Discussion

• Goal: This session explores the wide-reaching benefits of biking infrastructure, from community health and youth engagement to economic development and tourism.

• Panelists will share insights on building a supportive environment for cycling through events, industry partnerships, and local government involvement.

Moderator: Emily Brown (Field Guide for SRAM)

Panelists:

• Ryan McFarland (Founder, Strider Bikes. Rapid City, SD) – Driving economic & cultural growth through cycling.

• Kate Noelke (Communications & Advocacy Specialist for IMBA) – Importance of advocacy & collaboration in cycling development.

• Michael VanBeek (ThunderHawk Wide Open. Lemmon, SD) – Experiences with organizing biking events in rural areas and their impact.

• Kirk Hulsein (Industry Relations Development & Research Director for South Dakota Tourism) – Opportunites for cycling tourism in South Dakota.

Topics:

• Strategies & best practices for maximizing economic and community engagement

  through cycling infrastructure

• Working Lunch & Film Screening: Bike Vessel

  Hosted By

  South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB)

  Moderators:

  Bittany Neiles - Black Hills Bike Hub Board Member & Friends of SDPB Mike Muller - Oahe Wheelmen President & Friends of SDPB

  A working lunch featuring a screening of "Bike Vessel", a documentary by Eric Seals. The film follows a health journey through cycling, inspiring viewers to see cycling as a powerful tool for both health and community connection.

  Followed by a discussion led by SDPB on how the film highlights cycling and community engagement, offering insights to help bike groups identify barrier blind spots and encourage a more inclusive cycling community.

• Time to visit vendors, network, grab refreshments, and prepare for the afternoon sessions.

• Building World-Class Trails with Community Partnerships

  What Makes a World Class Trail – Building with  IMBA Community Partnerships” – Learn how a Trail Accelerator Grant led to a comprehensive conceptual trails plan for Great Bear Park in Sioux Falls.

  Presented by: Falls Area Singletrack (FAST) - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Strengthening community connections and boosting tourism with trails.

Engaging the Next Generation – Getting Kids on Bikes

This session will focus on engaging kids through initiatives like Strider’s All Kids Bike Program, grassroots MTB clubs, and youth racing leagues. Featuring insights from Ryan McFarland (Strider Bikes), Alex Johnson (Spearfish MTB Club), and Emily Berry (Black Hills Bike Hub), this discussion will cover how cycling programs can foster healthier lifestyles, build social connections, and create lifelong riders. Discover how South Dakota can develop a sustainable youth cycling league that welcomes kids of all skill levels and interests.

Speakers:

Ryan McFarland (Strider Bikes) – Strider’s All Kids Bike program and its role in youth cycling.
Alex Johnsen (Spearfish MTB Club) – Youth cycling programs and racing in South Dakota and beyond.
Emily Berry (Black Hills Bike Hub) – Encouraging youth participation and growing a cycling culture.

Topics:

• What Youth Cycling Model Could Work Best for Your Community?

  Discuss the best ways to engage youth and develop a sustainable cycling program.

• How Could an Organized State League Be Developed or Evolved?

  Brainstorm ideas for evolving an organized state league that aligns with local and statewide needs.

Forming a Statewide Cycling Advocacy Organization

Moderator: Mike Mueller Oahe Wheelmen Club President

Establishing the South Dakota Cycling Association.

• creating a list of contacts of individuals who will volunteer to serve on the inaugural board.

• establishing a meeting regime

2025 RASDAK Reveal:

Be the first to hear about the 2025 Ride Across South Dakota (RASDAK) route, celebrating statewide cycling and community connections.

5:00 PM - Evening Social and Cash Bar Opens

• The cash bar is open for networking and relaxation after the day’s sessions.

5:30 PM Open Networking and Optional Dinner

• Location: Restaurant area at Drifters Event Center.

• Continue the day’s discussions informally over dinner with fellow cyclists and summit attendees.