August
2009
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.
 First
official Flow Country Trail in
Livigno, Italy, which I built with legendary
trail builder Diddie Schneider
Flow
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.
A
mix between a Bike Park, a Cross Country trail and a
long pumptrack.
Livigno's extended Flow Country Trail 2010
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 for environmentally
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.
   
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