Rupert Pichler, boss of the Fun & Pro Bike Academy, sees perhaps the biggest advantage of his home area in the fact that you can do laps around Flachau again and again. There are no stitch tours, those who ride over the mountain always have the chance to finish the tour on one of the extensive valley cycle paths. The touring area of Flachau knows hardly any limits. And a worthwhile destination is definitely the Hochgründeck, the summit that rises in the west above the Salzach valley between St. Johann im Pongau and Bischofshofen.
As an experienced bike guide, Rupert knows all the trails around his home town and leads groups that couldn't be more different. Beginners, with whom he undertakes pleasure tours near the valley, but also well-trained bikers, with whom he can perhaps aim for the Frauenalm, a steep Flachau touring classic, or even the Hochgründeck. In any case, you get something when you go on tour with him. The route to the Hochgründeck is scenically varied, the views are constantly changing until the whole mountain world of his homeland presents itself at the top. It is worth savouring their fascination for a long time on the panoramic terrace of the Heinrich-Kiener-Haus at the very top. You don't really want to leave.
But Rupert had promised a few more delicacies for the descent, which turn out to be a steep cart track from the summit and a fun root trail. After 40 kilometres, we finally roll casually home on the cycle path. Great images in our heads, our legs are pleasantly tired and the endorphins from the descent are still tingling in our blood. You could even add a little detour, says Rupert. Tomorrow again!
Interview with Rupert Pichler, head of the Fun & Pro Bike Academy
"You always come back on a different route."
BIKE Magazine: What makes Flachau so special for you?
Rupert Pichler: I like the fact that there are tours at all levels. You can cycle many laps from one place to the next over hill and dale and always come back on a different route. Families can go on beautiful tours along the Enns Cycle Path.
Where does your personal favourite tour take you?
The Hochgründeck tour presented here via the Aigenberg and back via the single trail to the Lackenkapelle is my absolute favourite tour, which I ride as often as possible.
What other exciting offers are there for bikers in Flachau?
A practice trail near the village with a suspension bridge and seesaw for technique training. There are three different single trails here, of varying difficulty, at an altitude of around 100 metres. Trails are constantly being signposted and improved. In summer there is a weekly regulars' bikers' table.
Top tip for mountain bikers
An overnight stay in the Heinrich-Kiener-Haus on the Hochgründeck is not only a great way to spread this tour, which is not easy in terms of fitness, over two days. A sunrise on the 1827 metre high summit is an uplifting experience. In the morning sun, 360-degree unrestricted mountain views of the Dachstein, Hochkönig and Hohe Tauern fulfil all the usual clichés of mountain romance. The Heinrich-Kiener-Haus is located on the route of the Watzmann-Hochkönig circuit and is perfectly equipped for bikers. There is fresh bed linen and, when the hustle and bustle on the panoramic terrace dies down, exciting stories from hut landlord Hermann Hinterhölzl.
Tour tip: Hochgründeck tour
49.43 km ● 4:30 h
1525 hm ● 1525 hm
The tour to the unique 360-degree panoramic mountain, the Hochgründeck, first leads along the cycle path to Reitdorf, where the first few metres to the Aigenberg begin on asphalt. With the first glimpses of the Dachstein, the route continues up and down until the steep final ascent of around 300 metres to the summit begins at the Ginauer Sattel. Here your legs are tired and a rest at the Heinrich-Kiener-Haus with panoramic views of the Hohe Tauern and the Hochkönig is in order. If you have time, continue the few metres to the summit and enjoy the undisturbed panoramic view. The way back to the Ginauer Sattel is a little different on bumpy cart tracks, before a beautiful root path adds the remaining flavour to this very rewarding tour. From the Lackenkapelle chapel, the route continues on forest paths, later on an asphalt road to Wagrain-Moos. From here you finally cycle back to Flachau on the cycle path. A section to savour, as the cycle path leads through some truly magical farm villages, such as Moadörfl.
MTB information about Flachau
The precinct "Best for bikers" is the motto with which Flachau describes its offer for mountain bikers. The good bike infrastructure is based on a varied network of routes into the neighbouring valleys in all directions. All information under: www.flachau.com
Tour information 45 tour descriptions with GPS data are available at www.flachau.com
Bike events Bike Night Flachau on 9th and 10th August 2014, the mountain bike marathon under floodlights with the infamous downhill passage along the Hermann Maier World Cup course. www.bike-night.at
Bike shops Rupert Pichler's Fun & Pro Bike Academy, right in the centre of Flachau, is the first address for bikers. Info: www.fun-pro.com
Bike guides Here too, Rupert Pichler is the number one contact person. There are tours in two levels every day. Info: www.fun-pro.com
Bike hotels On the Internet at www.flachau.com/bikeurlaub you will find a list of bike-friendly establishments. There is the option of booking special bike packages (e.g. 3 or 7 days).
Have you already got to know one of these spots? Then let us know about your experiences in the comments box below.
