10 Years Of Beerfelden

8 Jun 2014

Who are you and what do you do at Bikepark-Beerfelden?

I am Werner the founder, owner and operator of Bikepark Beerfelden and I am Aicha the Webmaster of the bike park’s website.

How long ago was Bikepark-Beerfelden developed? Who or what was the driving force?

Bikepark Beerfelden was founded in 2004, so we are celebrating our 10th anniversary this year. In 2004 Werner, who once ran a bike shop and likes to mountain bike himself, visited a bike park. He was fascinated and decided, that the hills and woodlands surrounding Beerfelden would make a good place for a bike park. This area, which was much closer to his doorstep, was already equipped with an existing lift. With the help of two friends he started the project of developing a bike park at Beerfelden. Bikepark Beerfelden started very small with three single trails and 5 to 10 visitors per weekend. As the mountain biking became more and more popular the trail developers became more committed. The location of the bikepark is commutable from various major German towns. The location and commitment to trail development is what started to make a difference and nowadays Bikepark Beerfelden is a very popular bike park.

How many visitors do you get in a weekend/season at the bike park?

On a regular basis Bikepark Beerfelden has 300 to 500 visitors in a weekend.

What is the most popular trail at your bike park?

Actually, there is no most popular trail, they are all very popular. We think that is because we have a varied range of visitors and varied trails.

Will there be any new trails added this season or will you be re-developing any existing trails?

Yes, with the support of our new sponsor "Schwalbe", a well-known German tire manufacturer, we are planning on developing an 8th trail, the "Flow Trail", this season.

At the moment Bikepark Beerfelden features seven varied trails that are subject to constant re-developing and improvements.

Describe the predominant “style” of riding at your park?

The predominant "style" of riding in our park is Freeride followed by Enduro.

Typically, what kind of terrain do you have?

The Odenwald is basically a rolling countryside, covered with woodland, spotted with villages and small towns. Its bedrock is red sandstone. That's the terrain which you will find at Bikepark Beerfelden and which is not especially challenging by itself. Therefore Bikepark Beerfelden is very suitable for beginners and children as well. But except of one single trail which is left quite natural, all other trails are extensively shaped by man and feature lots of wooden structures like drops, walls and so on. These structures - which can always be passed by easily - can be quite difficult and challenging. Therefore Bikepark Beerfelden has to offer something for every skill level and is also a place where skilled mountain bikers like to come to.

What is the mountain bike scene/culture like at your bike park?

Our visitors vary widely in age (7 to 60), skill (beginner to champion) and nationality (about 10% come from foreign countries), but over all it's a quite cozy, friendly and familiar atmosphere at our park. There is also a small group of regulars, which you can meet almost every weekend.

Tell us a little bit about Beerfelden’s mountain town. Are there any restaurants or bars that mtb-ers like to spend their time?

Well, Beerfelden is a small town of about 7000 inhabitants. There are some amenities and there is a wide range of local shops and supermarkets, some small hotels, B&B's and restaurants but nothing especially fitting for bikers. Some kilometers down the street is good camping where many of the bikers, who stay the whole weekend, lodge. There is a bar affiliated to the camping, where you can enjoy a beer, have dinner or breakfast (even if you do not stay at the camp ground).

Tell us about any big events that are happening this summer at the bike park?

Our next big event is on June 27th to 29th, when we celebrate our 10th anniversary. There will be some smaller competition (just for fun), a rider party where you can test Propain bikes and so on. On Saturday we have extra long hours till midnight, with "night ride" (but you must have some sort of light if you want to ride in the dark).

When is your typical season? Do you have an opening date yet?

Our typical season is from April 1st to October 31th, when the park opens every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holiday. During peak season (July 31th to September 15th) Thursdays are open too. Because we live in a mild climate Bikepark Beerfelden opens occasionally during the winter too.

What does the future hold for Bikepark-Beerfelden?

Our park is very well established and has a good base of loyalists. We will do our best to maintain, develop and improve our trails and hope to keep the park on that good level.