New mountain bike trail in the southern Steinwald

Stoapfalz-Saubad-Trail in the area from Waldhaus to Pfaben

The new mountain bike trail in the Steinwald forest is complete. The route is a good 2.4 kilometers long and runs from the Waldhaus (forest house) to the hiking car park in Pfaben near Erbendorf, partly on existing and newly constructed trails, along logging roads, and forest paths.

Wolfgang Beer and Franz Kühn of the mountain bike club "DIMB - IG Stoapfalz" have been volunteering with their members over the past four weeks, clearing brushwood, broken trees, and debris from parts of the trail. Their motivation: a love of nature and a passion for mountain biking. "Because only with respect, mutual understanding, and constant dialogue can we ensure that all users can enjoy nature together without problems and on equal terms," says chairman Franz Kühn.

Provisional signage for the time being

As he explained, the final design of the signage is still pending. "To ensure bikers can get through easily, we've installed temporary signage in advance." According to Kühn, with the new path, everyone, both mountain bikers and hikers, can now live comfortably with the route. "The conflicting points have been resolved." Time will tell what still needs to be done, or rather, what needs to be addressed, due to the wear and tear on the trail. "That's why we have our trail sponsors," Kühn assured.

For athletes from the region and holidaymakers

"It was a lot of work, but it went quickly," emphasized district forester Carsten Klöble at the official opening of the mountain bike trail. He also pointed out that the illegal mountain bike trails will be closed. "What I hope for the new trail is that it will be a path for the local population as well as vacationers," said Klöble. "This isn't intended to become a supra-regional event sport for the masses."

Mayor Johannes Reger noted that this project stood out from others. "We didn't discuss it to death, but rather spoke with all the relevant parties and simply got it done." He thanked all the volunteers from the "DIMB - IG Stoapfalz" (District Association of German Forestry and Forestry - IG Stoapfalz), as well as the Bavarian State Forests and the Lower Nature Conservation Authority in Tirschenreuth.

Text: Jochen Neumann