SNEAK TEST: HEMSEDØLENE GOT TO TRY NEW flow trail

- Construction of the new flow trail in Hemsedal has been going on all summer, and is so far on schedule for opening when the chairlift starts on July 1, 2021. With just under a week left of the construction season, trail owner Hemsedal Aktivitetsanlegg invited local contributors to a joint celebration of a successful construction season on Thursday. For the occasion, the trail builders had removed the barriers on the trail, giving those present a small taste of what awaits next summer. Measured in smiles and spontaneous cheers, the trail received an overwhelming reception from the people of Hemsö.

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New and experienced trail cyclists alike can only begin to make plans for next summer. After testing out about 2 km of the upcoming floating trail in Hemsedal, there's little doubt that this will be a mandatory stop on your cycling vacation. In the video above, you can join local Magnus Grönberg on a tour of the new trail.

Caption: Several local kids were on hand to test the new flow path. Luca Botten also tested the airspace at the same time. Photo: Magnus Grönberg

Anneli Vøllo, Project Manager at Hemsedal Aktivitetsanlegg, has been looking forward to letting the local community take part in this unique project:

"Building almost 12 km of trail is no small job, and for expectant contributors and cyclists it's a long wait until the trail opens next summer. That's why we took the initiative for this event, where we can also say thank you for the efforts of all the fantastic trail builders who have worked hard in all kinds of weather to give Hemsedal a great flow trail."

In addition to the 13 trail builders, around 85 participants attended the test event, and local sports shop MOH+ provided demo bikes from Specialized. Lots of laps were ridden on the 2-kilometer loop, which was open for the occasion, and the trail builders received a lot of praise from the attendees. Mark McClure has been involved in the development of cycling in Hallingdal for the past 5 years. In addition to designing the new flow trail, he is also the construction manager for the project.

"In time, Hemsedal will undoubtedly become a top cycling destination in Scandinavia."

Caption: Mark McClure is the chief designer and construction manager for the new floating trail in Hemsedal. Photo: Magnus Grönberg

"This is the best reward you can get as a trail builder - seeing all the smiles and hearing the feedback from people. I've built trails all over the world and seen how mountain biking can change places. I think that's exactly what we'll experience in Hemsedal from next summer. In time, Hemsedal will undoubtedly become a top cycling destination in Scandinavia."

See more photos from Hemsedal below. Follow along here on Rides.no and on @hallingdalrides, for the latest news about the project!

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Facts about the project:

• Initiator: Hemsedal Aktivitetsanlegg AS (non-profit company owned by Hemsedal Municipality, Hemsedal Idrettslag and Hemsedal Turisttrafikklag SA)

• Length: The flow path measures just over 8 km from top to bottom. In total, including access and return paths, approximately 12 km of trail will be built.

• Grading: Blue / Medium

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

• Planned opening: July 2021