The Bike park on the Geisskopf belongs to the largest bike parks in Germany. And one of the most attractive. The bike park in the Bavarian Forest also scores highly in terms of trail quality. No wonder, after all Flow expert Diddie Schneider behind the track design. Reason enough for us to take a few hours to get to grips with our high-end enduro bikes on the freeride trail with its beautiful mix of fast, flowing, technical and rough sections. Read on to find out which bike impressed us and pro tester Christian Textor the most. Test article.
New lift on the Geisskopf cost ten million
In 2021, the Geisskopf Bike Park wants to go one better and is therefore investing heavily in its infrastructure. The new lift cost around ten million euros and could now take bikers, hikers and skiers to the start of the slopes much faster - if it weren't for the lockdown. We spoke to Diddie Schneider about the project and the background.
Interview with bike park boss Diddie Schneider
BIKE: Diddie, the end of the year wasn't easy for many bike parks and even more difficult for the rest of the tourism industry. How did you get through 2020 at Geisskopf?
Diddie Schneider: Sure, the first lockdown was a big blow. At times, we didn't even know when we would be allowed to open. And of course that worried us. But when we were finally allowed to open for bikers, the crowds were huge. So I think it was a pretty good season in the end. We can't complain.
But the rush also led to quite long queues at the lift, didn't it?
That's right. Unfortunately, our old lift is not the fastest. But it was already clear before corona that we wanted to finally replace it in 2020. It was a mammoth project this autumn, because the new six-seater chair also needs a completely different infrastructure. But now the new lift is ready for operation. Not least because the Poschinger-Bray family, who are building the lift here, have put in an incredible amount of effort despite coronavirus and have been courageous and committed to the project. Anything but a matter of course in these times and a great benefit for us and the bike park.
How many bikers can you take with you per chair?
Three bike holders can be attached to each chair in summer. This alone should significantly reduce the queues next year. The new lift is also much faster. The journey to the mountain station now only takes four minutes instead of twelve. I no longer expect long waiting times next season.
A look into the crystal ball: When will you open the park to bikers again next year?
Nobody can say at the moment. We are planning to open in April, but we could spontaneously open earlier or just for a few days if the weather is good. Especially because we have made a conscious decision not to dismantle the old lift yet in order to remain flexible. But of course the coronavirus situation has to allow this and there is still a big question mark.
And in terms of tracks? Can we look forward to something new next year?
A lot is actually being planned. The flow line in particular has been extremely busy this year and we will respond to this. Two new routes will therefore be added next year. One will be another flow line. The other will be a jumpline, with which we want to offer the more experienced riders something extra. Then the situation on the flow line will hopefully ease up a bit and we'll have a little less wear and tear on the course. Two more routes are also still on my agenda. But we'll have to wait and see whether we can get to them in 2021.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
