Bikepark Oberammergau

Some dreams take their time. They have to mature and grow. And at some point – the time has come. That moment, when you´ll need to have the courage to turn the dream into reality. Markus Reiser and Lukas Gerum were courageous enough to open Bikepark Oberammergau in 2016.

The two friends always had the idea to build up something in their native area. For 15 years, they traveled the world, experienced one cool thing after another. However, this goal would never vanish from their minds.

It was evident that their dream was centered around biking. Markus Reiser is a pro biker for Team Focus Trail. Lukas Gerum toured all of Europe in his quest to find the perfect trail. At some point, it was time for a local bike park.

 

 

free use of the trails


“Our goal was to create a bike park with a laid-back atmosphere,” says Lukas Gerum. Besides the trails, it´s also about enjoying a beer at the campfire alongside some cool people. Or a chat between beginners and bike pros in the attached café, before catching the lift to the next trail. Tickets are available at the valley station. However, the use of the actual trails is free. If needed, bikes and other equipment can be rented on the spot. Real life passion, yet laid-back: a true fit for Sport Conrad and its athletes.

 

Perfectly integrated into the landscape


Bike park Oberammergau proved to be the perfect location for the bike shooting for our catalogue. The Flow Valley guys, constantly touring the world on their bikes, were mesmerized by the possibilities that the bike park has to offer. “I really like bike park Oberammergau. The operators managed, on a rather small space, to perfectly integrate the trails into the scenery. From the family-friendly Flow Murmelbahn to the challenging Jumpline: there is something for everybody,” says Robert Werner. To him, it is “yet another gem of Upper Bavaria´s bike park scene, alongside Samerberg and Lenggries.”

Bernd Hassmann, his Flow Valley colleague, is also excited. “A big plus of bike park Oberammergau is that everybody – no matter if beginner or downhill racer – is sure to have fun. The perfectly laid out and trim tracks and trails simply call for fun and the often-cited Flow-feeling. What more can you ask for?”

 

Bikepark Oberammergau

 

From ‘Wurzelsepp’ to ‘Kleiner Hobbit’


Eight different trails, featuring various levels of difficulty, won´t let you get bored in Oberammergau. “To us, it was crucial to have great diversity,” claims Markus Reiser. Natural trails are among them, such as the Wurzelsepp powered by Ziener, which leads through the woods and across roots and stones, as well as a huge Flow Trail, which also runs through the woods and is even suited for beginners. The Switchbacker is perfect for fans of riding with an alternated back wheel. There are two sides to this trail. It´s not gonna show its true character until you´ll ride through its narrow switchbacks.

There is also the Kleiner Hobbit powered by Zermatt trail – Mount Matterhorn has a big brother, which is located below the Matterhorn´s north wall. The same waves, jumps and turns that can be found in Switzerland, wait for the visitors to bike park Oberammergau. Yet of course, in a smaller version.

Air time, speed and action can meanwhile be found at the Jumpline. “Whoever is lacking some experience in jumping, may take some small approaches through roller landings, until he or she makes the actual landing zone,” says Lukas Gerum.

 

Bikepark Oberammergau

 

Trails for everyone


For absolute pros, the Fichtenschreck is the exact right thing to do. It runs across the steepest terrain within the bike park. Roots, stones and spruces serve as obstacles in this downhill adventure. The goal is to show the spruces what you´re made of. The Holzwurm trail is located in a pleasant altitude featuring rails, pumps and drops. The trail runs through the trees – just like a Holzwurm (woodworm). Whoever wants to get acquainted with his bike first, should choose the Rookie Parcour. Here, you can easily work on your basic biking techniques. Waves, rails, rockers, small drops and jumps provide the perfect opportunity to really let off some steam.

Technique and racing experience can also be gained in the attached bike school. By the way, this is not only for beginners. Also, guys with some biking experience can learn a lot from the pros and may thus be able to add to their abilities and challenge themselves.

 

Only courage!


On every single trail of bike park Oberammergau, there will come a moment of insecurity. A moment that requires courage. Where you might pause for a moment. If the airstream keeps you going, you´ll keep on smiling. This is the exact feeling when dreams come true.

Visit www.bikepark-oberammergau.de, for the latest info, hours of operation and pricing.

 

 

You love to go biking? Learn more about the topic:

GAP Pub Bike Ride: The mountainbike community

→ The buyer’s guide on mountain bikes: All you need to know

→ Mountain bike shoes and pedal systems: Everything at a glance

 

 

Photos: Anton Brey