EXCLUSIVE TEST OF THE NEW FLOATING TRAIL IN GEILO!

- We took the temperature of the new floating trail in Geilo and got an exclusive test of a small section of the 4 km long trail. Trail cyclists of all ages can only begin to look forward to it: This will be a feast of a cycling experience when the trail opens in June 2021. Welcome to the dosing Eldorado in Geilo...

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Geilo is no newcomer to the Norwegian mountain bike map. For years, the mountain village at the top of Hallingdal has had one of the country's best lift-based downhill offers. In the last couple of years, a number of new, family-friendly trail bike facilities have been built along the Ustedalsfjord, starting in Vestlia bike parkwhere kids of all ages can enjoy Hallingdal's largest paved pumptrack, and as many as 5 jump lines of varying difficulty. Next summer, the lift-based offer will also get a real overhaul, with the opening of a 4 km long blue-graded flow trail. We met with the trail builders to have a chat about the new project.

- "This trail has a blue level of difficulty, which makes it suitable for very many user levels. It has little pedaling, a lot of flow, cool turns - and a playful, nice way to get down the mountain. There are a number of elements in the trail. It's not just rollers and turns, but there are also jumps and some "side hits" as we say. This means that both experienced cyclists and new, fresh cyclists will have a great experience." says construction manager at Stiteknikk, Duane Butcher.

After taking part in the first run through the trail, we can confirm that the trail builders have succeeded in creating plenty of flow and enough challenges to enjoy round after round on the new trail.

Stiteknikk has several years' experience of developing trails in Norway and abroad, and is based in Geilo. It therefore came as no surprise that this project on "home turf" would be challenging.

- "The terrain up here is demanding. It's some of the most difficult conditions you can encounter when building a trail. The mountain makes it challenging, but it can also make for a very playful type of trail if you can adapt to it," Butcher explains.

Geilo Sti- og Løypelag has planned and financed the construction of the trail. General Manager, Maria Grevsgård, is clear that cycling is a focus area for Geilo as a destination.

- "Since 2016, a lot of cycling facilities have been built around Vestlia Resort and Ustedalsfjorden Rundt. Especially this summer, there has been a lot of activity down there. It's very gratifying. There are children and adults of all ages and all skill levels. So we hope to be able to develop more."

Butcher and Stiteknikk are also optimistic about future opportunities on their home turf in Hallingdal.

- "I feel lucky to have been involved in the development of cycling in Hallingdal. We think that this is just the beginning. The destinations want more year-round operation and summer tourists - and cycling is the way to go."

We completely agree with that conclusion, and look forward to the opening of another fantastic flow trail in Hallingdal in June 2021!

Stay tuned here at Rides.no and on @hallingdalrides, for the latest news about the project!

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Facts about the project:

• Initiator: Geilo Sti- og Løypelag

• Length: 4 km

• Grading: Blue / Medium

• Suitable for: From novice riders with some technical skills to experienced mountain bikers

• The project is part of Geilo's commitment to family-friendly trail cycling.

• Opening: June 2021