If you're a runner, mountain biker or skier, you've probably had the experience of taking a leap of faith and heading out to a trail you don't really know anything about. Sometimes, that's part of the fun. But sometimes--like maybe when you're traveling several hours to get there--you really, really, just want to know what it's going to be like ahead of time.
That's what
Trail Genius does. Whatever your sport, it offers up detailed GPS mapping for trails and systems across the Midwest and, increasingly, in other spots on the U.S. map, too. It doesn't stop there; it also shows you in real-time video what a trail looks like, including panoramic 360-degree views at pinned spots on the map, for an interactive, online trail experience.
The idea was first juggled around by co-founders Jason Manders and Chris Marr, both 2000
Michigan Technological University graduates. At the time, they were roommates and mountain biking fans, busy exploring the Copper Harbor trail systems, which are not only extensive and challenging, but also something of an underused, hidden gem.
One of the major obstacles to drawing mountain bikers to the world-class trails all over the Upper Peninsula is their remoteness; why travel so far for trails you might or might not love? And for Manders and Marr, a thorough mapping of the trails would allow better planning of rides for local enthusiasts, too.
"We just came up with the idea that wouldn't it be good if there was something online that gave you an idea of how far a trail system went before you got there?" says Manders.
So they put in the time to GPS and video map the trails, and then created Web-based virtual mapping software to interpret and track all that information in an easy-to-use way. It can create an online, real-time replay of the trail or course. They quickly saw the applications for trails in other areas, and for other sports. In 2008 and 2009, they built the business in earnest, working with local trails clubs, race organizers, local chambers of commerce, and anyone else who wanted a trail mapped with Trail Genius, and the business became an LLC in 2012.
Now, Trail Genius can boast of online trail maps from Minnesota to Florida. Many are in Wisconsin and northern Michigan, since Manders is now located in Green Bay and Marr lives in Houghton. But they've taken on trail mapping projects in Colorado, San Diego and Miami recently, and Manders was exploring New York City when we talked. They've built it this far with the help of friends and family, who contribute video and GPS mapping, but Manders says they hope to have more official employees in the future.
Most recently in the U.P., Trail Genius mapped biking trails in and around Marquette, working with the
Marquette Downtown Development Authority. Plus, it's race season, so they've been busy offering their services to triathlons, mountain biking races and the like.
"We're always looking to expand into other sports avenues, but our main focus right now is in the race industry," says Manders. Trail Genius is a good fit with competitive racing, since many racers like to get a sense of the race before they go, which they can do by seeing the trail video in real time. Professional racers also have a lot of tools available to analyze the course using Trail Genius.
But Manders and Marr haven't forgotten where they started, on local trails built by a local club. That's still the heart of Trail Genius.
"Our passion is helping smaller clubs and trail groups who are doing the hard work of getting out there and building trails," says Manders.
Kim Eggleston is a freelance writer and editor in Marquette, Michigan. You can find her on Twitter @magdalen13.
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