End of the bike tourism season: industry is satisfied
Saxony's low mountain regions have once again scored points with mountain bikers this year. The bike parks in the Ore Mountains, for example, have developed into an important tourist hotspot, said Claudia Brödner from the Ore Mountains Tourism Association. As the largest cycling destination in the Free State, the Ore Mountains offer four points of contact. "Cycling tourism is at the forefront of our outdoor activities." The association can look back on successful months.
The "Stoneman Miriquidi Mountain Bike" routes welcomed 2982 official starters in the tenth season - a slight increase on the previous year. Of these, 688 riders rode the gold distance, i.e. completed the entire 162 kilometers in one day. A new checkpoint and new tour options have improved the quality of the route, explained Brödner. "Over the years, we have established bike tourism and the visitor response proves us right." The Trailcenter Rabenberg with its five downhill trails has complemented the mountain bike offer for families and individual riders for ten years.
The 290-kilometre "Stoneman Miriquidi Road" circuit for racing cyclists also recorded an increase with 942 starters - compared to 815 the year before. According to the tourism association, riders of the "Stoneman Miriquidi" stayed an average of two and a half nights in the Ore Mountains. 9800 overnight stays were generated as a result. The official starters provided an overview of how interest in the routes is developing, explained Brödner. "But many locals also use the trails without registering."
The Blockline - a 140-kilometre route through the Eastern Ore Mountains - also reportedly had a good second season. With two counting points, the association estimates 1450 official riders. Now the tourism experts in the Ore Mountains are hoping for a good winter half-year. Under the motto "Stoneman Miriquidi Snow", the routes over the Ore Mountain ridge could also be used on skis, it was said.
Bikewelt Schöneck in Vogtland was also able to increase visitor numbers slightly this season, said Managing Director Jennifer Braun. After the end of the season at the end of October, she expects over 12,000 guests. "A punctual start in April and good weather in the summer months," Braun explains. For the first time this season, 20 so-called "monster scooters" were available for hire alongside bicycles. "Thanks to the wide tires, some people are more confident riding downhill on these scooters," said Braun about the bike world with its five downhill trails at different levels of difficulty.
In May, however, there was a rescue operation on the chairlift that the bikers use as a means of transportation. More than 30 people had to be roped down due to a defect. "The lift has been repaired and is running again," emphasized Braun. Now Schöneck is also switching to winter operation - which, according to the managing director, will start as soon as there is enough snow.
During their leisure time, many tourists choose to explore the bike trails in the Ore Mountains, making it a significant contributor to the region's tourism industry. The increase in starters for the "Stoneman Miriquidi Mountain Bike" routes and the "Stoneman Miriquidi Road" circuit shows a growing interest in bicycle tourism in the area.
Source: www.dpa.com
