The park’s name is a reference to the height of the Ochsenkopf: this striking peak in the Fichtelgebirge reaches 1,024 metres. According to the operators, the planned range of facilities is aimed at beginners as well as ambitious trail bikers and downhill riders. Once fully developed, the network of trails is set to cover around 20 kilometres. In addition to the existing downhill run, five flow trails, four singletrack trails and an additional uphill trail are to be created.
The new trails total around 16.5 kilometres. Together with the 1.72-kilometre downhill run, the trail network comes to just over 18.2 kilometres. However, the operator has not yet specified which of the new trails mentioned by name are included in the first phase of the opening.
Five flow trails form the basis
Five easy flow trails, totalling just over nine kilometres in length, make up the bulk of the expansion. With gentle banked turns and a playful, undulating route, they are designed to provide beginners in particular with an easily manageable introduction to the park. At the same time, the longer lines should also offer experienced riders plenty of space to practise their cornering technique, line choice and speed.
The longest flow trail is ‘r OX anne’, measuring 2,610 metres, with a vertical drop of 130 metres and an average gradient of five per cent. Close behind is ‘rel OX’: the route measures 2,510 metres, covers 135 metres of elevation gain and has an average gradient of 5.4 per cent.
The 1,970-metre-long “r OX star” has a vertical drop of 100 metres and an average gradient of 5.1 per cent. “fl OX i” complements the range with a length of 1,630 metres, a vertical drop of 75 metres and a moderate gradient of 4.6 per cent. The “b OX enstop” is considerably shorter but steeper: over 350 metres, the run loses 35 metres in altitude, which corresponds to an average gradient of ten per cent.
All five flow trails are classified as easy throughout. The longer routes, in particular, could therefore become the centrepiece of the family- and beginner-friendly offering. The operator expressly emphasises that an easy route for beginners and leisure cyclists is part of the plan.
Singletrails: Closer to nature and more technical
Those looking for a bit more technical challenge should find what they’re after on four medium-difficulty singletrack trails. Together, the trails cover just under 5.5 kilometres. Unlike the man-made flow trails, the park describes the singletrack trails as more natural and challenging. Technical sections are said to take centre stage here.
At 2,900 metres, ‘f OX trott’ is the longest singletrack route. It covers 235 metres of descent and has an average gradient of 8.1 per cent. This means it is likely to offer a long, relatively steady descent.
“r OX i balboa” is 1,820 metres long, climbs 200 metres in altitude and has an average gradient of 11 per cent. “mad OX” is considerably shorter, at 515 metres, with a climb of 50 metres and a gradient of 9.7 per cent.
The name ‘what the OX’ refers to the park’s shortest, yet steepest, singletrack: over just 250 metres, it descends 55 metres in altitude. This results in an average gradient of 22 per cent. Despite its official classification as intermediate, this line is likely to require focused riding.
“black OX down” remains the range for heavy-duty use
The black downhill run, ‘black OX down’, is the most challenging route on offer. It is 1,720 metres long, covers a vertical drop of 225 metres and has an average gradient of 13.1 per cent. The operator classifies it as difficult and specifically recommends it for advanced riders and professionals.
It is characterised by a natural route and technical features such as drops, steps, tight banked turns, steep sections and root-covered sections. As such, the downhill track stands in stark contrast to the easier, more sculpted flow trails.
It remains to be seen which of the new flow, single and uphill trails will actually be opened for phase one on 28 August. Visitors should therefore check the website for the latest updates before travelling there bikepark1024.de
“OX ygen” takes you back up without a gondola
With ‘OX ygen’, the bike park also gains a designated uphill route. The 1,970-metre-long climb covers 70 metres in altitude and has an average gradient of 3.6 per cent. The route leads back to the start of the other trails. It therefore offers e-mountain bikers and fit riders in particular an alternative to bike transport.
Südbahn takes bikes up to 1,024 metres
The main access point to the park is via the Ochsenkopf-Südbahn in Fleckl. The modern gondola lift is fitted with external bike racks. These are designed to allow mountain bikes to be transported safely to the summit without the hassle of loading them onto the lift. According to the park’s website, bikes can be transported during regular operating hours from 10 am to 5 pm.
Extended opening hours will apply on the opening day: on Friday 28 August, the cable car is scheduled to run from 10.00 to 20.00. This means that even visitors arriving in the afternoon will have plenty of time for several trips.
A standard day ticket for adults costs 36 euros. A four-hour pass costs 29 euros. Children aged between six and 15 pay 19 and 15 euros respectively. Multi-day tickets, a two-hour ‘after-work’ ticket valid from 3 pm, and season tickets are also available. The bike tickets are valid exclusively for the south side.
Opening day with a party and special offers
Bullhead House, situated right next to the bike park, is marking the opening with special offers in its hire and shop. From 5 pm, an ‘after-bike’ chill-out party is planned, featuring a lounge, snacks, drinks, music and a bonfire. Bullhead Bike has also announced a bike centre raffle with prizes for the opening weekend.
Even after the opening weekend, there is still a wide range of activities on offer: the bike centre features a CUBE hire and test centre, a workshop, a bike shop, as well as riding technique courses and guided bike tours for mountain bikers and e-mountain bikers.
Conclusion
The 1024 Bike Park isn’t just about more kilometres; it’s about offering a well-balanced range of trails: easy flow trails, more technical singletrack, a challenging downhill run and its own uphill section. It remains to be seen exactly which new features will be opened on 28 August. However, the project as a whole has the potential to transform the Ochsenkopf into a versatile bike park for families, trail enthusiasts and ambitious gravity riders.
Barbara Merz-Weigandt
Editor-in-Chief