1. do not destroy trails
According to the trail etiquette, anyone who wilfully breaks bends that others have painstakingly built will be at the bottom. In general, a skilful braking technique protects the trail. Blocked rear brakes have no place in trail centres or bike parks.
parks. Trail building is a back-breaking job, and trail builders invest a lot of time, sweat and nerves in creating the perfect route. In order to protect nature and the trail, the latter must not be left or shortened. This means: Do not cut corners and stick to the defined lines! Always report any damage to the trail. Active help with trail building is always welcome as long as it is agreed.
2. rules and regulations
Official rules apply on official trails. You should familiarise yourself with these before your first descent. Bikers should also familiarise themselves with the meaning of the signs and the rescue system. These instructions cannot be overlooked on information boards and flyers.
3. at your own risk
Something can always happen on the trail - a helmet, a map, a charged mobile phone and a repair kit are mandatory equipment on every trail. In bike parks and trail centres, additional protective equipment is often mandatory. In the event of an accident, it is best to have the emergency number saved in your phone. To prevent things from getting that far, your speed should always depend on your own riding ability, the condition of your bike, the trail and the weather conditions.
4. do not destroy relationships
Trail systems, such as in Pod Smrkem, are created in a delicate balance between experiencing nature and nature conservation. Their existence also depends on the acceptance of the trail residents. The rules of the local forest law apply. Exemplary behaviour and a friendly greeting to pedestrians should therefore be a matter of course. To ensure that trail systems remain in existence for a long time, at least ten euros should be spent in their vicinity. There are many opportunities to do this at the tourist attractions around trail centres and bike parks.
5. biking together
If you need a break on the trail, ride to the edge at a suitable point. Stopping in the centre is a no-go! The majority of trails in trail centres and bike parks are directional. These rules are usually voluntary agreements between all trail users. To avoid accidents and conflicts, it is essential to adhere to them. If you like the trail: spread the word! This is the best way to get as many people as possible interested in mountain biking.
The commentary by Jan Timmermann, BIKE volunteer
Pooh! For the fact that a trail is actually an adventure playground, there are quite a few rules. Bike parks and trail centres - these are the last reserves of biking fun! What is rightly forbidden in the forest on your doorstep happens there: waves, jumps and banked turns are dug into the mountain, and thousands of bikers fly over groomed slopes every day. When I'm trail-balling, shredding and camping, I don't want to constantly worry about whether my behaviour is right or wrong! Am I in the trail centre or taking my driving test?
I still remember my first visit to the trail centre: blasting until my arms glowed. But I remember just as well the first time I worked in the local bike park: shovelling until my hands were blistered. Anyone who has ever dug a hole in the garden can imagine that trail building is not for the lazy. Of course, professional trail building has nothing to do with granny's vegetable patch. Excavators and tipper lorries are used. There are vibrating plates humming and chainsaws screeching. But machines don't help with the essence of every good bike trail. The perfect curve radius is an art. Drawing the ideal line on a slope for maximum riding fun requires years of experience.
However, the ideal trail builder's CV also includes critical soft skills. Patience, dedication and a certain amount of resilience are required to overcome tough authorisation procedures and setbacks. I can only advise every lover of built bike trails to get involved in the nearest bike park or trail centre and grab a shovel together with the pros.
From this point onwards at the latest, respect for their performance always accompanies them. Maybe you should think about getting a trail driving licence after all?
Jan Timmermann
Editor
