Spirit Mountain

Written By Matt Schroeder

Consultation that elevates

A mountain biker catches air off a jump on the Dreamland trail at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, MN. Photo credit: Trailforks.

Dirt Tek Trails was invited to Spirit Mountain to provide trail crew training and a comprehensive review of the existing trail system. Over five days on-site, we worked directly with the bike park crew to enhance trail maintenance practices, improve drainage solutions, and sharpen machine operation techniques—all with the goal of supporting a more sustainable, rideable, and progressive trail experience.

Our work focused on:

  • Addressing critical drainage issues, including reworking culvert alignment and identifying problem areas linked to uphill borrow pits

  • Rebuilding jumps and berms with improved ride lines and safer angles, particularly in the Knowlton and Candyland zones

  • Training the crew on trail flow optimization, jump shaping, and excavator operation using a tell-show-do methodology

  • Emphasizing improvements to green trail accessibility and beginner-friendly terrain to support lessons, rentals, and rider development

The consultation resulted in a clear road map to help Spirit Mountain position itself more competitively among regional bike parks. One of the trail concepts reviewed and suggested, Dreamland—a new blue jump line—was later constructed by a local builder and named Favorite Trail of the Year by Loam Pass in its Rider’s Choice Awards.

Spirit Mountain has a long history as a leader in Midwest gravity riding. With renewed investment, focused strategy, and a motivated crew, the park is well-positioned to raise its profile in the national bike park landscape.

Location: Duluth, Minnesota

Client: Spirit Mountain

Project type: Consulting & Training

Completion: July 2022

Matt Schroeder

Chief Creative Monkey Matt Schroeder is a self-described “full-stack marketer, educator, brand builder, strategist, change agent, and teller of dad jokes.” With nearly 30 years of experience, Matt brings warm charm and personal touch to his marketing accounts. Beyond delivering sage marketing guidance and interesting visual graphics, it’s his goal to build genuine relationships with his customers and create an open, honest forum to exchange ideas, explore opportunities, and candidly evaluate the progress of marketing campaigns.

Matt boasts degrees in Graphic Design (A.A.S.), Web Development (B.S.), owns a Master’s degree in Marketing & Public Relations from University of Denver, and a professional certificate in Digital Marketing from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University.

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