Wow, I'd never experienced that before! I had been mountain biking for 15 years and had been working for BIKE magazine for a long time. So I already knew a lot of bike areas - but what happened to me on my first visit to Whistler in 2004 changed my world view as a mountain biker. It was triggered by the A-Line and Dirt Merchant park trails, a sequence of jumps, berms, step-ups and step-downs. These trails made my synapses glow so much that the jackpot in my happiness centre was released. I enjoyed riding like never before. What's more, I felt like I was suddenly riding much better. Magic? I felt like a rock star!
Today I know what I experienced so surprisingly back then: Flow. A phenomenon that European bikers could only experience in small bites in 2004 - and that they weren't even looking for. Back then, Lake Garda with its trail classics 601 and Sentiero della Pace, the rocky Kohlern descent in Bolzano or other winding stumbling trails in the Alps were very popular. Mountain bikers tended to define themselves by the type of terrain they could master technically and where their maximum drop height was. In short: a little more than 10 years ago, we Euro freeriders had little idea of the fascination of unbridled flow. No wonder, because professional trail building was still in its infancy and bike parks were just starting to emerge.
But what is flow anyway and why does it make mountain bikers so happy, even downright euphoric? My theory: Flow is created by cornering acceleration in a vertical and horizontal direction. More specifically: through jumps, drops, bumps (vertical) and bends, berms, wall rides (horizontal). It is this rollercoaster feeling that makes us so euphoric. The best proof of this is the mother of all flow sports: Surfing. Here the movements are particularly rhythmic. The surfer glides over the water and plays with the wave. Similar to deep snow skiers and snowboarders. However, water and snow have the advantage of being a smooth medium; you can make your turns wherever you want. Paths or tracks are superfluous. A mountain biker, on the other hand, needs a trail, and this must fulfil certain requirements in order to create flow. The IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) has analysed these and defines flowing trails as follows:
"Flow trails allow you to experience a rollercoaster feeling without having to brake or pedal hard. The trails have features such as berms, waves, different types of jumps and predictable, consistent surfaces. Undesirable: choppy bends and unpredictable obstacles. The biker turns from left to right, up to down, develops a rhythm - and flows through the trail."
The definition of a flow trail could not be more apt. However, there is another term for flow - and that causes confusion. It is the so-called psychological flow. In contrast to the flow of mountain bikers, psychological flow describes a kind of trance state that arises from complete concentration. It's a frenzy of activity that you can get into when you are absorbed in what you are doing, block out all other thoughts and are completely in the "now". This can happen, for example, when playing the guitar, painting, slacklining, in love - or even when mountain biking. Downhill world champion Danny Hart certainly found himself in such a mental flow state when he recently rode down the killer descent of Val di Sole: he literally merged with his bike, totally focussed and absorbed by what he was doing.
The nasty descent in Val di Sole was anything but flowy, if not the complete opposite: a single stumbling block. Nevertheless, there are certain overlaps between the two concepts of flow. For example, a flowing route helps the rider to enter a state of mental flow, block out all thoughts and experience the moment intensely. However, our euphoria when biking is largely determined by the bike flow, i.e. the flow of the trail. A flowing trail can be "natural" (hiking trails such as Saalbach's Hacklberg Trail or the famous Tschilli Trail in Latsch) or created by a trail builder especially for bikers. "Paradoxically, the natural trails in many bike areas such as Saalbach-Hinterglemm or Livigno are more flowy than the built trails," says freeride pro Bobby Root, who has ridden trails all over the world. "On the park trails in Europe, it often doesn't fit front and back. Sometimes you don't have the speed for a jump, sometimes you have to put your foot down to avoid ending up in the basement."
So hiking trails flow better than built flow trails? No, even professional trail builders can create true flow spectacles - provided they have the expertise and experience. The "Flow Country" in the Geißkopf bike park, built by Diddie Schneider, is a prime example of an artificial flow trail. Schneider's trail is varied (curve changes, jumps, bumps), yet safe and easy to ride. There are no sharp bends to slow you down, nor does the trail surprise you with dangerous or poorly constructed stunts. Professional trail builder Glen Jacobs from Australia (responsible for many UCI trails) knows: "If you have no idea what to expect on a trail, you can't experience any flow." I agree: bike parks should have ideal conditions (apart from natural downhill trails). After all, I don't want to have to reckon with a hidden steel girder in a bouncy castle.
And I want to clear up another misconception: flow trails don't have to be easy, nor should they be boring. Unfortunately, this is a common practice: many bike park operators call their lame beginner descents "flow trails". As if the meaning of flow is: anyone can ride it. That's nonsense, because flow trails have no skill limit. There are flow trails in all levels of difficulty. The competition trails of the pros often even have the most flow. Anyone who takes a look at the slopestyle courses in Whistler, the Nine Knights or the District Ride in Nuremberg will go into raptures. For the hobby freerider, of course, it's all five sizes too big. The best example is the jumplines of the Fest Series. "I'm impressed by these jump combinations," confirms Bobby Root, "perfect jumps, perfect landings, ideal berms - it's flow in its purest form, but at the highest riding level."
The best flow trails built for everyone can still be found in Whistler's flagship bike park. The names "Dirt Merchant" and "A-Line" are known to every freerider in the world for good reason - the reference for the highest level of trail building. "You rush through the trail with a lightness that inspires. These trails set the speed and rhythm so that you can fully indulge in the airtime," says freeride pioneer Richie Schley. But why do so few bike parks in Europe manage to achieve the magical flow formula? Bike icon Hans Rey knows the answer: "We run to specialists for everything - to the dentist, the car repair shop, the electrician. It's only when it comes to mountain bike trails that everyone thinks they can do it themselves." Professional trail builder Glen Jacobs takes it even more seriously: "Some bike park trails are built so carelessly that in my eyes it's a criminal offence!" His demand: "If we want the sport to grow, we have to offer people flowing trails instead of constantly frustrating them with rubbish tracks." A judgement that I can fully endorse after many FREERIDE bike park tests.
THE FLOW PHENOMENON
The psycho-flow:
Mihály Csikszentmihályi is considered the creator of the flow theory. The psychology professor from California described the flow experience in 1975. Flow here refers to the exhilarating feeling of a mental state of complete immersion (concentration). Psychological flow occurs when the goals are clearly defined, one acts in a self-determined manner, controls the activity almost effortlessly and is neither overwhelmed (anxiety) nor underchallenged (boredom). The result: action and consciousness merge, the sense of time changes (living in the here and now) and the activity rewards itself (enjoyment of the activity, euphoria of happiness). Flow often occurs in so-called fun sports: surfing, skiing, climbing, sailing, dancing. But also in computer games, sex, modelling, etc. For psychologist Siegbert Warwitz, the child at play is the prototype of a person in flow: they are in a blissful state of "being with themselves".
The bike flow:
In mountain biking, flow refers to the flow of the bike. It occurs when you roll through the trail without braking or pedalling much. The trail must swing out horizontally (bends) and vertically (jumps, rollers) on a surface that is not too rough. The resulting acceleration on bends creates euphoria and riding fun. This can happen on both natural and built trails. Flow inhibitors, on the other hand, are: terrain that is too steep (braking grooves), choppy bends, monotony, hazards on the trail, unrhythmic courses, rolling gravel, blocked terrain or incorrectly dimensioned jumps.
In our route check, we wanted to know: How much flow is there where it says flow? We tested twelve routes and measured them with our virtual flow-o-meter. This is still our subjective feeling of flow. But theoretically, it should be possible to measure and precisely analyse cornering acceleration, braking and smooth rolling with sensors - who knows, maybe a calibrated real flow meter like this will be used in our next tests.
Chur: Brambi Flow
Built trail in the bike park Chur / Switzerland
Info: www.alpenbikepark.ch
Difficulty2 out of 6 points
The Chur Bike Park is located directly above the town and was initiated by an MTB club. The main trails have a high stunt density and are challenging to ride if you don't want to avoid the chicken lines. This makes it particularly appealing to park experts. Brambi Flow now also wants to appeal to bikers with fewer skills. The trail is peppered with many berms. Jumps are rather rare. We felt it lacked a bit of variety to create a rollercoaster feeling. The Chur Flow following the Brambi Flow was too rough for us and was more like a hiking trail.
ConclusionBrambi-Flow is more of a blue beginner's track with lots of banked turns. It lacks the variety required for a real flow rollercoaster feeling.
FREERIDE RATING: 4 out of 10 flow points
Finale Ligure: H-Trail
Prepared natural trail in Finale Ligure / Italy
Info: www.finaleligure-bikeresort.com
Difficulty4 out of 6 points
The entire region near Genoa on the Mediterranean is a flow gold mine. The potential was recognised there early on and natural trails were prepared. New ones are constantly being added. The H-Trail is one of the classics. We like to spend 7 hours in the car for the final trails such as the H-Trail or Rollercoaster. Anyone who finds crushed sand motorways too artificial will get their money's worth here. On the other hand, it can get a little rougher in places, but it throws you from one turn into the next in such a way that the flow-o-meter swings wildly.
ConclusionThe entire region has dedicated itself to the flow of nature and is pimping trails for bikers. Definitely try it out if you like natural trails!
FREERIDE RATING: 6 out of 10 flow points
Freiburg: The Canadian
Built trail from the Kybfelsen in Freiburg
Info: www.mountainbike-freiburg.com
Difficulty: 3 out of 6 points
Freiburg bike designer Peter Denk invited Canadian trail builders to shape a singletrack descent through the forest. The result: amazing! The guys created a multiple of the flow that others can't even manage with EU funding and huge effort. The Canadian is a 3.6 kilometre, 450 metre rollercoaster with jumps, rollers and lots of exciting turns. You have to pedal your way up the 6-kilometre-long ascent yourself. The Canadian
is so popular that it suffers from frequent
frequent use - but still: lots of flow!
ConclusionThe Canadian is a prime example of what is possible with simple means and good routing. You wish every city had a trail like this.
FREERIDE RATING: 5.5 out of 10 flow points
Geißkopf: Flow Country
Built beginner trail in the Geißkopf bike park
Info: www.bikepark.net
Difficulty1 out of 6 points
Trail builder Diddie Schneider calls his idea of easy-to-ride curved trails "Flow Country". He wants to get everyone excited about bike park freeriding, even children, families and oldies. And he has achieved this brilliantly on the Geißkopf. Many visitors come to ride precisely this trail. It is a varied descent over a narrow, curved trail with bumps, berms and small jumps. It's fun even for experts, as they can skip the waves. The Flow Country is an ideal beginners' trail, as it belongs in every bike park.
ConclusionThe Flow Country on the Geißkopf creates rollercoaster feelings, lets beginners experience flow and gets you in the mood for bike park biking. Often copied, never equalled.
FREERIDE RATING: 9 out of 10 flow points
Hafjell: Rollercoaster
Jump trail in the Hafjell bike park / Norway
Info: www.bikepark-leogang.com
Difficulty: 5 out of 6 points
Many people travel to Norway especially for the rollercoaster. This trail is the most prominent descent in the park: a 2.5 metre wide jumptrail with 39 jumps. Super - provided you have courage and skill. The distances require determination. If you get it right, you'll make it over all the jumps and get the full flow. On the other hand, if you slow down, you won't get the speed you need. Instead of tables, there is a mix of table and double. This means that if you jump too short, you will hit the opposite slope, but can avoid falling.
Conclusion: Unique in Europe! We want a jumpline like that here too. The rollercoaster can be a real flow guarantor, provided you have the skills for it.
FREERIDE RATING: 9 out of 10 flow points
Lac Blanc: La Fat
Jump trail in the Lac Blanc bike park / France
Info: www.lacblanc-bikepark.com
Difficulty4 out of 6 points
The versatile park in the Alsatian Vosges mountains scored one of the highest scores in our park test. Why: A lot has been done right here! The centrepiece is the Jumptrail La Fat. It winds its way down into the valley on clay soil over 300 metres in altitude, enriched by many jumps (tables and doubles), drops, step-ups, curve combinations and wooden berms. You can hardly suppress a grin and want to go again! This is the best proof that the trail builders have managed to pack a lot of flow into the trail! The country needs more trails like this!
ConclusionThe La Fat jumptrail generates flow and riding fun, but requires some skills if you want to take advantage of all the features. La Fat is one of our favourites. More of it!
FREERIDE RATING: 7 out of 10 flow points
Leogang: Hot Shots
Built trail in the Bikepark Leogang / Austria
Info: www.bikepark-leogang.com
Difficulty2 out of 6 points
Hot Shots is the name of the new flow trail from the mountain station to the middle station. It was supposedly inspired by the Canadian jumptrails. Nice and wide, 3.5 kilometres long, with an ideal gradient - ideal conditions, you would think. But unfortunately, the trail is neither fish nor fowl. There is too little fun for a jumptrail and many of the jumps are simply poorly constructed. They generate little jump sensation. There is no creative track layout for a twisty rollercoaster feeling. The long straights over rough ground are boring and kill the flow.
Conclusion: Well thought out, badly done. Too bad, because the Hot Shot terrain would have been ideal for a really cool jumptrail. Leogang, please improve!
FREERIDE RATING: 3 out of 10 flow points
Tattletale: Flow Country
Kurventrail on the Petzen, Carinthia / Austria
Info: www.klopeinersee.at
Difficulty1 out of 6 points
After his first work on the Geißkopf, Diddie Schneider built the XXL version of his "Flow Country" here. His motto: never steep, extreme or dangerous, so that bikers can concentrate on the rollercoaster feeling. This has been successful and allows even beginners to experience G-forces in a risk-free manner. This huge marble run winds its way down into the valley over 10 kilometres and 1000 metres in altitude, rocking bikers from one incline to the next. The surface is fine crushed sand - in other words, it is as free of bumps as possible. You can also ride hardtails or even BMX bikes here.
ConclusionSuper flowy and super easy. This trail is the perfect introduction to park biking. Experts won't find the gliding curves exciting enough in the long run.
FREERIDE RATING: 9 out of 10 flow points
Saalbach: Hacklberg Trail
Nature trail in Saalbach-Hinterglemm / Austria
Info: freeride.bike-circus.at
Difficulty: 3 out of 6 points
This natural alpine trail in a dream panorama is one of the super descents in the Alps. The narrow trail cruises along the mountain flanks for 10 kilometres and 1000 metres in altitude and delights with its curved line, several off-road jumps and high-speed passages. The natural course creates most of the flow; there are only a few built features. Some metres in altitude are also lost on the forest road. Whether big bike or enduro, beginner or expert - the Hacklberg Trail is fun. Experts simply ride faster and it gets exciting!
ConclusionBingo! A trail that has more flow and is more fun than some artificial park descents. The Hacklberg belongs in every freerider's downhill book.
FREERIDE RATING: 5 out of 10 flow points
Sölden: Teäre-Line
Built curve trail in Sölden / Austria
Info: bikerepublic.soelden.com
Difficulty: 1 out of 6 points
The goal of the Teäre-Line was clearly defined: Sölden wanted a route with a lot of flow that even complete mountain bike beginners could ride safely. We say: mission accomplished! Josha Forstreuter gave the Teäre-Line 130 berms. The machine-built descent takes almost forever and winds its way down into the valley over 800 metres in altitude on tame soil. Nevertheless, the route has one drawback: the sequence of bends is too monotonous in the long run, as the radii are very similar. The result: boredom sets in - at least for advanced riders and experts.
ConclusionGreat for beginners! For advanced riders and experts, however, the route is too monotonous and quickly becomes a little boring.
FREERIDE RATING: 8 out of 10 flow points
Spicak: Black Friday
Jump trail in the bike park Spicak / Czech Republic
Info: www.spicak.cz
Difficulty: 3 out of 6 points
Tom Pro, Whistler's trail building boss, advised the Czechs when they were planning their bike park in Spicak - and this Whistler signature is clearly recognisable. The principle at Black Friday is the same: no tripping hazards, jumps with suitable landings, skilful routing, pleasant underfoot, lots of flow. Of course, there are still a few hiccups in places, some jumps don't quite fit, but this Black Friday with its many stunts is so much fun that it is one of our favourites - and the Spicak bike park ranks high in FREERIDE's favourites as a result.
ConclusionBlack Friday can be ridden with speed and airtime - it's all about flow! Some sections rumble, you have to pedal from time to time - but it's still great fun!
FREERIDE RATING: 6.5 out of 10 flow points
Whistler: Dirt Merchant
Jump trail in the Whistler Bike Park, B.C. / Canada
Info: bike.whistlerblackcomb.com
Lots of money, lots of land, ideal terrain - that's what Whistler is accused of. That's true, of course, but it doesn't excuse everything that goes wrong elsewhere. Above all, Whistler has recognised that trails need to be constantly improved. This includes the successful Dirt Merchant trail. This trail sets the pace and lifts the rider over the jumps as if by magic. Dirt Merchant is peppered with table jumps, step-ups and step-downs - in other words, maximum fun. All features have wide jumps and landings. This generates maximum flow.
ConclusionDirt Merchant is the ideal type of flowy jump trail. More flow and riding fun is hardly possible! The reward: a large worldwide fan community.
FREERIDE RATING: 10+ out of 10 flow points
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
