This is about a style of trail that could become a new micro trend in the world of mountain biking and would appeal to a large number of riders, no matter of their background.
Flow Country Trail Bischofsmais/Geisskopf, GermanyFlow Country
Flow Country trails are flowy, purpose-built singletrails for mountain bikers of any skill level or for any kind of mountain bike, no matter whether beginner or expert or on a hardtail XC or downhill bike; and especially for the ever growing section of All Mountain/ Enduro riders. This mountain bike specific trail will provide a common playground for both worlds of riders, the endurance driven riders and the Freeriders. The tracks shall neither be extreme, nor too steep or dangerous, small berms and rollers shall provide the addicting rollercoaster feeling and sensation.
Flow Country trails go predominantly downhill with short uphill sections, if the terrain permits, to naturally reduce the speed and to enhance the rollercoaster character. Ideally, a good biker would not have to do too much braking or pedaling. Flow Country trails are narrow, natural singletrails (1–3 ft. wide), with diverse and appropriate elements such as; berms, rollers, rocks, roots, small jumps and drops which should also be roll-able or can be avoided. In certain areas the trail can be a bit more technical demanding, steeper, rougher, or more narrow, but will still be easy to navigate for all riders. Potentially with some pedal sections and short climbs.
First official Flow Country Trail in Livigno, Italy, which I built with legendary trail builder Diddie Schneider
Livigno’s extended Flow Country Trail 2010
A mix between a Bike Park, a Cross Country trail and a long pumptrack.
The phrase “Flow Country” was coined by Hans Rey and first realized by Diddie Schneider in Livigno (Italy). Although there are similar trails already in existence with these characteristics, there has never been a word to describe them. Flow Country not only combines most mountain biking disciplines, but it shall also become a standard for mountain bikers and biking destinations worldwide. Only officially recognized trails, which fulfill all criteria will get the official stamp of approval: “Officially recognized Flow Country Trail”, which will be granted in the future by an independent organization such as, for example, IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association).
The time has come when mountain bikers deserve their own trails, and should not always have to depend on sharing rights of usage on existing hiking trails and fire-roads; which are in many cases far from ideal for bikes nor do they provide the fun factor ones can enjoy on a bike. Flow Country will give a rider the ultimate ‘roller-coaster” sensation, which until now has been reserved and restricted to a very small market segment. Flow Country trails could be build in every city and resort worldwide and could become synonymous, for a quality and fun riding experience; as well as forenvironmentally and socially sustainable purpose-built trails; which would ultimately increase the popularity of mountain biking. Just like every town has its own public skatepark.
Flow Country riders shall be easy to recognize by the big smile on their face.
Below is a link to a Youtube clip of the first official Flow Country Trail in Livigno, Italy, which I built with legendary trail builder Diddie Schneider.
http://www.youtube.com/user/Hansnowayrey#play/all/uploads-all/0/1dvOXFS1ubs
Flow Country is a new term I have coined, for a purpose built mountain bike trail with lots of flow. Nothing steep nor dangerous, with small berms and rollers, predominantly downhill. This trail is designed to accommodate all skill levels and all styles of mountain bikes. In my opinion it bridges the gap between freeride and cross country. Every town or resort worldwide should offer Flow Country trails.
This first official Flow Country trail and the concept has generated a lot of interest and support by riders and the industry who have ridden it or seen the presentation at Eurobike.
Flow Country Trail MTB Zone – Bike Park Geisskopf, Bischofsmais, Germany. Designed/built by Diddie Schneider