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"Business is booming" – that's what everyone who has waited in line with hundreds of other bike enthusiasts for the gondola ride in Schladming or Leogang, the bikepark hotspots in Austria, during peak season might think. Bikeparks and lift-assisted cycling are no longer just a side attraction but have become ONE of the main sources of income for many ski resorts during the summer months.
While many bike lovers have been exploring various trails for years, many beginners are also drawn to the mountains to try downhill or enduro biking. In this blog post, we'll share what beginners should keep in mind when downhill riding in a bikepark to stay safe and have a great day on the gondola.
1. Plan your trip
Before spending a day in a bikepark, you should find out which bikepark is suitable for beginners and where there are easy blue trails. Nowadays, almost every bikepark in Austria has at least one blue line that is manageable for everyone and perfect for getting a feel for the bike and the surroundings.
Nevertheless, some areas are particularly well-suited for beginners, as they offer a variety of easy to moderately difficult trails where you can gradually get comfortable. Examples include the Reiteralm Trails or the bikepark in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. In another blog post, we have summarized many bikeparks throughout Austria for you and briefly described their special features.
2. Good equipment and protective gear are mandatory
Besides the right area, the right equipment is also a decisive factor in whether your day at the bikepark will be a pleasure or a torment. If you don't own the right equipment yourself, it's worth renting it from a suitable bike rental shop. It's often best to reserve the equipment online a few days in advance. On the one hand, there are often special offers when you reserve online; on the other hand, your desired bike will then be definitely available, usually already set up, and you can start immediately.
You can also rent suitable protective gear at bike shops. This should not be neglected, as adequate protectors can protect against serious injuries and annoying abrasions in case of falls. Mandatory protective gear includes: helmet, goggles, gloves, good footwear, back protector, and knee and elbow pads.
You can also find out why bike goggles are better suited for bikeparks than normal sports glasses in the following article. If the equipment and the area are right, nothing stands in the way of a cool bike day.
3. Approach slowly and don't overestimate yourself
Once you're on the mountain and tackling the first trail, remember to: warm up, get used to the equipment, and start riding slowly. It's often worthwhile to complete your warm-up program in the Learn-to-Ride park down in the valley. Different features that may also appear on the trails are usually set up there, so you can practice them specifically in dry training. These include, for example, berms, jumps, drops, and rock gardens.
In general, when biking, it's always technique before speed. Only those who have found a good position and good balance on the bike can tackle more difficult sections safely and at high speed. Increase your speed slowly and don't start with the steepest lines and biggest jumps. Especially with drops and jumps, you can gradually approach them in the bikepark. Therefore, it's not worth taking the risk immediately and choosing the most difficult and highest option the first time.
4. Take breaks at the right spots
Also, don't forget to take regular breaks. Mistakes happen more frequently when you get tired and your concentration drops. Even if purely downhill riding is often less strenuous for the cardiovascular system, it demands a lot from you muscularly and mentally. Therefore, breaks during the descent are essential. However, pay special attention to where you stop and take a break, and be considerate of other riders. There are often special pull-offs on the trail where you can stop safely. It is a no-go to take a break after blind corners, on or behind jumps, or generally in the middle of the trail.
5. Consideration and solidarity
In general, on the trail and in the bikepark: be considerate of others and foster a good community. If you notice faster riders approaching from behind, don't stress, but if possible, try to clear the way briefly so they can overtake safely. Conversely, as a faster rider, you should not overtake senselessly and carelessly or try to stress beginners to avoid accidents and preventable falls.
Also, in case of falls, it is mandatory to help each other and at least briefly stop to ask if everything is okay and if help is needed. If you also briefly stop for defects of others and perhaps help out with missing tools or spare parts, it promotes solidarity and good relations within the bike community.
Besides fellow bikers, you should also be considerate of the environment. This means: stay on the designated paths, do not cut corners, and take your trash with you! If everyone shows a little consideration, everyone can have a great bike day on the mountain and fully enjoy themselves.
6. Have fun and enjoy it!
The last and most important point: Have fun and enjoy the day in nature. Feel the flow and delight in the feeling of having to think about nothing but the trail and your line. So that you are perfectly and stylishly equipped for your bike day, we at NAKED Optics have the right accessories for you: glasses, helmets, gloves and even socks.