New paths, old quarrels

Mountain bike start: “As one calls into the forest, …”

From trail parks to gravel routes: You can let off steam in different ways.

(Bild: Burgenland Tourismus/Motionmanager Hackl)

The spring-like weather heralded the start of the new mountain bike season in Styria last week. While the network of trails is slowly growing, the problems remain: Overconfidence and disputes with landowners. But that doesn't have to be the case.

The alpine clubs are generally happy with the ongoing boom. "Mountain biking is now one of our core topics," says Rene Stix, regional manager of the Styrian Friends of Nature. Sales of e-bikes in particular are going through the roof. However, the fact that the sport has become so widespread also harbors dangers: "People think they can cycle anyway, but with this heavy equipment you need special preparation," Stix points out (see below).