Bischofsmais (GER)
The bike park in Bischofsmais in Lower Bavaria is the oldest bike park in Germany (1999) and therefore has many fans. And rightly so! Although the difference in altitude is just 260 metres, there is a wide range of trails on offer. Four main trails lead down into the valley: 1. a very challenging downhill trail with lots of tricky stunts. 2. a slopestyle descent ("Evil Eye") with well-built wooden elements. 3. a rather unspectacular light downhill course ("Freeride") and 4. a smooth, rather tame downhill course ("Flow Country"), which is primarily aimed at park beginners. The operator Diddie Schneider has long promised a jump trail for advanced riders, as the park currently lacks such a trail. There is also criticism of the trail maintenance. For example, the "Evil Eye" was closed for weeks despite being open. What a pity. Also annoying: the slow single chairlift. A fast surface lift is only activated when there is a lot of traffic. Exemplary: the jumpline near the valley station with its well-built table jumps and gimmicks. Also very good: the long season (often from May to November). For many park bikers, all this counts as a powerful argument in favour of Bischofsmais instead of Spicak.
Info: www.bikepark.net
Spicak (CZE)
The small village of Spicak is located directly behind the German-Czech border. The park offers slightly more vertical metres (340) than the Geißkopf and a four-seater chairlift that can whisk visitors up the mountain quickly - if they want to. In 2016, the operators ran the lift very slowly (why actually?). Nevertheless, long lift queues are rare. The park bikers are spread over the three main routes. Good: The routes are well defined and are categorised in blue, red and black to suit the designated ability level. Our favourite: "Black Friday", a jumpline with lots of fun features, plenty of airtime and lots of flow. The blue "Forest Virgin" trail for beginners is somewhat unimaginative with lots of berms leading down into the valley. The beginner trail "Flow Country" in Bischofsmais is more fun. The downhill "Struggle" is a rather old-school, twisty descent with rocks and steps - you have to like that. Advantage Spicak: All routes are less sensitive to moisture than on the Geißkopf. Pleasant: Spicak is easy on the wallet. Whether with the cheaper lift ticket or a visit to the restaurant afterwards. Although the season is shorter than in Bischofsmais, the lift runs until 6 pm in summer - great!
Info: www.sumava.spicak.cz
THE WINNER
Germany versus the Czech Republic - there can only be one winner. For us, that winner is Spicak. Both bike parks are a lot of fun, but in Spicak you get more runs, ride cheaper and are entertained with better stunts and jumps. But: pure downhillers or park newcomers might see it differently.
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
