August 2011
bikers heaven THE EXCLUSIVE CUBE BIKE MAG SUMMER ‘11
BIKERS HOMEBASE Biberwier-Lermoos (A) Savognin (CH)
NEWS CUBE Bike Mag Special Best bike sites & blogs Interview Autrenalin (Part 2) Blue Tomato team riders Prize contest
www.cube-bikersheaven.com
CONTENTS
Foreword 3
INTERVIEW – Ken Bloomer
Welcome to bikers heaven
Custom bikes by Crema Cycles
CUBE Bike Mag Special
5
Special offers for CUBE Bike Mag readers!
CUBE Bike Specials
22
Play and win!
6
CUBE Hotels introduces itself
Best bike sites & blogs
Prize contest
20
Merchandising
22
Stylish bike wear in the CUBE look
8
The best sites in the www
TUNE
23
Born in the Black Forest
CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS – Tyrol – AT 25 INTERVIEW – Autrenalin (Part 2)
10
Professionelle Video-Clips, Made in Austria
CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS tested 13 The YPD challenge candidates on their bikes
Interview – Blue Tomato team riders 15 Mathias Haas Petra Bernhard
15 18
The region Tour tips Biberwier has more... Bike packages
25 27 28 29
CUBE SAVOGNIN – Grisons – CH
31
The region Tour tips Savognin has more... Bike packages
31 33 34 35
Contact 36
Foreword
03
03
Welcome to Bikers Heaven. Welcome to CUBE. Dear mountain bike friends, The first half of this year’s mountain bike season is already over. Time to take a positive look back. The feedback on the first issue of our revamped Bike Mag was very positive and motivated us to make this second issue even more attractive. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those readers who sent us their suggestions for improvement. The digital version for the iPad and for issuu.com was also extremely well-received.
Explore the CUBE online:
Of course, we don’t want to rest on our laurels: we will be working hard to constantly improve and expand Bikers Heaven and the CUBE bike offer. Our team always looks forward to receiving your criticism, praise and feedback of any kind at bikersheaven@ cube-hotels.com.
blog.cube-hotels.com
We were especially pleased to meet some of our guests and partners at the Bike Expo in Munich. On the side, we also checked out all the latest trends and got some new inspirations for our offer. Our goal for this issue of our Bike Mag was to put together even more content for you in order to create a magazine that is informative and has a direct connection to the mountain bike scene. Highlights in this issue are the interviews with the Blue Tomato team riders Mathias Haas and Petra Bernhard and with Ken Bloomer of Crema Cycles. We also report on the cult brand Tune from the Black Forest. The whole thing is topped off by a prize contest and a special package offer exclusively for CUBE Bike Mag readers! If all this gets you in the mood, then come and check out the unique features of our hotels and wonderful biking grounds for yourself! We look forward to welcoming you soon and wish you already now a pleasant stay in bikers heaven! Rudolf Tucek CUBE Hotels
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twitter.com/cubehotels
flickr.com/cube_gallery
youtube.com/cubehotels
CUBE BIKE OFFERS
5
CUBE BIKE MAG SPECIAL for autumn! For all readers of our CUBE Bike Mag, here’s a very special offer! Planning a trip this fall? Then look out: when booking until 31 August 2011, CUBE Bike Mag readers will get 10% off on all bike packages. The only condition: your stay at the CUBE Hotel must be between 17 September 2011 and the end of the local season. For those of you who want to spend a holiday at CUBE without a bike this fall, we’ve put together a special autumn offer too. Also exclusively for Bike Mag readers!
Autumn Offer*
bike mag special
-10% on all bike packages
at www.cube-bikersheaven.com when booking by 31 August 2011 Valid for stays between 17 September 2011 and the end of the season Exclusively for CUBE Bike Mag readers Just mention the booking code “Bike Mag Special” when booking.
Autumn Offer*
CUBE SAVOGNIN
CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS
valid from 2 Sept. – 23 Oct. 2011
valid from 17 Sept. – 27 Oct. 2011
2 nights at CUBE SAVOGNIN 2 days half-board Lift ticket every day for Savognin lifts Admission to high ropes course with zip line CUBE Active (varied programme of sports, action &
2 nights at CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS 2 days half-board Admission to Bichlbach climbing park & high ropes
Free use of relaxation and fitness area All taxes and fees (incl. local tax)
Free use of relaxation area with biosauna/sanarium,
PRICES
art strength and fitness equipment plus panorama views of the Zugspitze All taxes and fees (incl. local tax)
entertainment)
Quad with shower/WC Triple with shower/WC Double with shower/WC
course with bathing lake
CUBE Active (varied programme of sports, action & entertainment)
Finnish sauna & quiet zone
Free use of fitness area on top floor with state-of-theCHF 173.00 CHF 185.00 CHF 198.00
* All prices are per person and stay, arrival daily, bookable subject to availability. Extra nights and single rooms bookable upon request. Please mention the booking code “Cube Bike Mag Special” when booking.
PRICES Quad with shower/WC Triple with shower/WC Double with shower/WC
€ 124.00 € 113.00 € 124.00
06
CUBE BIKE SPECIALS
Own showroom (anteroom) for theft-proof storage of bikes in room
Fitness & relax area (sauna, steam bath, Alpha Loungers, solarium)
Gateways (ramps) make it easy to transport bikes to and from the rooms
Bike washing station in front of the hotel
Bike rental & shop in direct proximity
Rescue service: we pick you up if your bike breaks down
Guided tours with local guides
Bike info corner with tour maps, magazines, etc.
Washing machines & dryers Special bike packages incl. drink bottle, bike maps, and lots more
You can find bikers heaven at: BiberwierLermoos
CH Savognin
AUT
CUBE SAVOGNIN, Grisons / CH CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS, Tyrol’s Zugspitz Arena / AT
CUBE BIKE SPECIALS
CUBE
07 7
Bike w ashing
station
bike specials
“bikers heaven” sets the bar very high for bike holidays. But CUBE still manages to set even more new standards. Besides the breathtaking mountain scenery all around the CUBE Hotels and the wonderful, spectacular trails, we’ve got a lot to offer mountain bikers to help them truly tear it up! Gateways instead of stairs Is your bike covered in mud and dirt after a ride? No problem: after a visit to our washing station, your bike will shine like new! You can take your bike from the lobby all the way to your room via our gateways (ramps). Bothersome stairs? Not at CUBE! At your room, you’ll find an exclusive showroom with special hooks to store your bike and sports gear in style, completely theft-proof! Gone are the times and the uneasy feeling of having to store your valuable bike together with others in a dusty old room somewhere!
l room front of hote Showroom in
8
Best Bike Sites and Blogs
Best bike sites and blogs http://www.bikeboard.at What started years ago as a forum today is probably Austria’s most popular bike medium. From industry news to product tests, from forum to market place – this is the main source for readers to quench their thirst for knowledge. The users are always friendly and ready to help. Bikeboard.at is simply legendary!
http://weightweenies.starbike.com/ A weenie is someone who is obsessed with a certain topic. Which makes a weight weenie someone who worries excessively about the weight of their bike. Among mountain bikers, of course, that’s considered good form. Weight Weenies is the most comprehensive database of weights and measures for bike components. If you can’t find it here, you’ll probably have to weigh it yourself.
http://stahlrahmen-bikes.de/ “Steel is real” is a phrase currently being bandied about by people in the know. What they mean is that steel is the only real material for bicycle frames. This blog has pretty much everything you should know about bikes made of steel – on both an objective as well as on a very emotional level. Beautiful bikes not made from carbon fibre or aluminium.
http://bikemagic.com/ What few of us know is how different the bike world can be from country to country and that the Brits follow quite some different trends than we do on the continent. Bikemagic.com features some first-rate news and reviews with plenty of information about national and international innovations – including bike brands which many of us here have hardly heard of. Highly recommended: the Bikemagic newsletter!
http://prollyisnotprobably.com/ Prolly Is Not Probably is a darned good bike blog from the US. From mountain bikes to BMXs to fixies, this site blogs everything on two wheels with no engine. Definitely worth a look!
http://bicycledesign.net/ The name says it all. It’s truly amazing how creative and innovative bicycle design can be. If you think you’ve seen it all, think again and click your way through this site.
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INTERVIEW AUTRENALIN erzog Mike H
Autrenalin You’ll remember Mike Herzog and Autrenalin from our last issue of the CUBE Bike Mag. The Austrian filmmakers and outdoor experts shared so many of their useful tips and tricks with us that we don’t want to keep them from you. This time, Mike and the gang talk about an important part of it all: the equipment. What do I need to be a filmmaker? Is it cheaper to rent the equipment? What are the most important settings? Find out more! Hello, Mike. As an average-Joe biker, is it even possible for me to film usable footage of my bike tour? Sure, these days even hobby filmmakers have access to truly exceptional, highquality equipment. Affordable HD camcorders are perfect for filming a normal tour. Even helmet cameras with HD quality no longer cost an arm and a leg – and they deliver usable results. Also, most of today’s personal computers are powerful enough to assist in editing short films.
What about the camera settings? Things like colour balance, sharpness or shutter speed require some knowledge, don’t they? We professionals almost exclusively use manual settings. That does require knowledge and experience. But this level of effort is only necessary if you want to
achieve truly first-class results. Hobby filmmakers can make do with less: today’s cameras have such a fast reaction time that even pictures taken in automatic mode can be very useable. Especially when taking sports shots, this can help avoid some nasty surprises when processing the pics.
What equipment should a hobby biker have when getting started? What makes sense, what is affordable and light enough for the average consumer to carry with them? If you’re not aiming for perfection, I’d recommend a mid-range HD camcorder. The big-name brands such as Canon, Sony and Samsung offer some good models starting from around 300 euros. These models are good enough to cover all aspects of a mountain bike tour in the hobby range: you can film hand-held and
INTERVIEW AUTRENALIN can use the built-in zoom. On the other hand, the cameras are small and light enough to tape them directly to your helmet or bicycle frame. The equipment will suffer with time, but all in all that’s the best solution.
Speaking of helmet cameras...? These days, some excellent, affordable helmet cameras can be had for around 300 euros. But they have a restricted range of application and you can’t use them for other shots such as hand-held. That means you would also need a hand-held camera, which would quickly bring the price up to 600 to 800 euros and would require you to carry even more equipment. Of course, the choice of camera depends on the type of film or footage you are shooting. When shooting in dirt, a helmet camera with fisheye lens would be enough. If you attach the camera to a stick, you’ve got a universal camera capable of fantastic images at the dirt park.
youtube.com/AUTrenalin
11 What would be an entry-level model for a higher, semi-professional league of filmmaking?
And if you don’t want to make an investment, but instead just want to experiment for starters?
Before switching to semi-professional equipment, you’ve got to understand that this can get very cost-intensive. Even a relatively early-model semi-professional camera with interchangeable lenses and manual settings like the Canon XL2 can cost around 5,000 euros. And you still can’t film in HD!
If you don’t want to buy, you can rent. We [at Autrenalin] regularly lend our cameras and onboard equipment to people who want to film their bike weekend themselves.
In the end, it’s a decision everyone has to make for themselves: do I only want to film a bike tour every now and then, or do I want to film regularly and aim for constantly better results?
So much on the subject of equipment. In the next CUBE Bike Mag, Mike will reveal some tips on how you can give your videos more atmosphere and a central theme. An overview of all previous articles in our video series can be found in our CUBE online blog.
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CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS TESTED
13
Gatorade – No. 1 sports drink in the world! Gatorade is scientifically formulated to optimise the replacement of body fluids and electrolytes lost during exercise, by ensuring rapid rehydration. The replenishment of the fluids and electrolytes lost throughout sweating helps prevent dehydration which can significantly impair sporting performance. In addition, Gatorade contains a carbohydrate solution to help fuel working muscles. Gatorade is the most researched sports drink in the world. Learn more on www.gatorade.at
CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS tested “Young, powerful and dynamic” – this sums up the candidates for the YPD Challenge. The contest gives participants an opportunity at landing a coveted work placement position by completing a number of online and offline tasks. Simon and Mia spent July 2011 as Outdoor Explorers at CUBE, researching all activities in and around the CUBE Hotels. Of course, they also tested the bike options around CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS. Here is their uncensored report! Pump the pedal hard, fast and furious – any time, in any weather! That’s the motto in Tyrol’s bike country. After all, a network of nearly 6,000 km of trails awaits, with exemplary and above all clearly marked trail signs for bikers of all levels of experience. In short: the enthusiasm for mountain biking can be felt by everyone in Tyrol – even by two flatland Tyroleans like Simon and me with absolutely no mountain bike experience. That is why we set ourselves the goal of actively participating
in the life of the bike community and to try out all the different possibilities of what one can experience by mountain bike in Tyrol’s Zugspitz Arena. Since we didn’t want to plan the tour ourselves, we set off early in the morning for the centre of the town of Lermoos to visit the headquarters of Bikeguiding Zugspitzarena, a company offering day tours. There we first had our experience assessed – after all, everyone should ride with the right one of three groups that corresponds best to their skill, trai-
ning and knowledge. A short time later, we started our tour – but before taking on our first mountain, we followed our guide to a large parking lot for some on-the-bike exercises. There we had to face a number of obstacles and challenges: roots were laid in our way, teeter-totters were set up and a track was drawn out on the ground. Completing all these challenges certainly wasn’t easy without the right technique!
14 But it didn’t take long for all of us to score our first successes: jumping over roots, taking tight curves without falling down, or balancing our bikes on the teeter-totters. In the end, everyone completed the last rounds on the training track and, full of motivation, we set off on our way. The first part of the route led through a relatively broad plain, giving us time to relax before taking on the first climb. It didn’t take long and soon we were huffing and puffing up the mountain. Thankfully, the route was planned with steep climbs immediately following flatter sections so that we soon arrived at the highest point of the tour. After an explanation of the right downhill technique (stand up slightly, keep your rear about 10 cm behind the saddle), we raced on down the trail over rough and smooth terrain. Even if it is tempting to take it easy, we learned how important it was not to go too slow as this makes the bike less stable and increases the risk of falls. As everyone knows, coming down the mountain is faster than going up and so we quickly reversed our hard-fought ascent for a less strenuous ride back into the valley and on to the CUBE, whose special gateways and showrooms make it the bike hotel par excellence.
CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS IM TEST In conclusion, Tyrol’s Zugspitz Arena, with its more than 100 signposted routes, special bike hotels such as CUBE Biberwier-Lermoos, and online trail guide, is a veritable mountain biker paradise. Over 100,000 m of elevation change are waiting to be conquered by mountain bikers of all skill from beginning riders to absolute pros. Even before you head off on your ride, plenty of useful and helpful
info for the bike community can be found at the user-friendly website “Mountainbiken in Tirol”. Of course, if you want to leave the planning to experienced, local mountain bikers, you can always take part in an exciting guided tour.
INTERVIEW MATHIAS HAAS
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Blue Tomato Team Rider Mathias Haas
Mathi
as Ha as
Mathias is 30 years old, Austrian, Blue Tomato team rider, and downhill world cup participant. Reason enough to invite him for an interview. Read for yourselves what a downhill pro has to say!
Hi, Mathias! For starters, why don’t you tell us a little bit about when and why you caught the mountain bike fever! About 12 years ago, me and “Petz” [Petra Bernhard] visited the downhill world cup in Kaprun. And both of us have had a bad case of downhill fever ever since. After first trying out cross country racing, it soon turned out that downhill is the right sport for me. What is so fascinating about downhill for you? What fascinates me most about downhill is that I am always out in the middle of nature, “tearing up” the woods with my bike, taking some superbly large jumps, and feeling the force pushing on me in a steep curve! You and Petra Bernhard have shared the trails for what seems like ages – are you guys something like “Bike Friends Forever”? Yeah, you could say that. A
The gnarliest trail you’ve ever ridden on…? That’s got to be Champery in western Switzerland! That’s where the Mountain Bike World Championships will take place this year. The trail itself is steep through and through, with wide ledges and step downs as well as large jumps just like in supercross. Last year, I tore two ligaments in my ankle. Definitely not for wimps! Downhill is not really without its dangers. How do you deal with falls? What goes through your head just before a fall, when you realize: “Uh-oh, I’m not gonna make it”? And what does your body do during the fall? Basically, I try to roll through a fall as much as possible, protect my head, and hope that there’s no rock or tree trunk lying around. But the more often you fall, the better you learn to control your crash!
There are two categories of falls. The first one includes falls in which you slide over the front wheel or you just do a somersault. Then you fall smack on your ribs or shoulders. Or you break your wrist, legs or arms or tear a ligament. The good news is: it all usually grows back together. But the truly dangerous falls are those in which you flip and turn in a completely uncontrolled manner and fall right on your head. These falls can result in some of the worst spinal injuries, with the worst-case-scenario of ending up in a wheelchair. That’s the only thing I’m really scared of. Has something truly serious ever happened to you – or have you so far always got away in one piece? Yeah, unfortunately I’ve suffered a number of serious injuries in the last three years, including torn ligaments in the shoulder and ankle. The worst thing that happened to me was a collapsed lung while dirt jumping in 2008.
16 Imagine you wake up one day and are afraid of your next downhill. How would you deal with that and how would you motivate yourself? If I was ever afraid of a downhill, I would just stay in bed and not even get up. If you’re scared, then you’re too slow to win the race! What are your goals for this season and what will your summer look like? I’d like to finish the rest of the Austria Cup in the top three and qualify for the upcoming European World Cup. And it’d be fantastic to end the season with a superb finish at the World Cup in Champery in September. Last question: What is your most important bike tip for the readers of the CUBE Bike Mag? Start easy, check out the trail beforehand, don’t rush into things, don’t tense up, always stay relaxed on the bike and, above all, have fun!!! Of course, we’ve just got to ask: Have you ever stayed at a CUBE Hotel? What do you like about the CUBE concept? Yeah, I’ve stayed at CUBE Nassfeld – and I loved it! It’s simple and comfortable, and the stepless ramps are just fantastic. You get the impression it was built for sports enthusiasts.
Well, then we hope to see you again soon at one of our CUBE Hotels! Thanks for the interview!
INTERVIEW MATHIAS HAAS
INTERVIEW PETRA BERNHARD
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Blue Tomato Team Rider Petra Bernhard
Petra
Bernh
ard
Petra Bernhard from Halbenrain near Bad Radkersburg is an enthusiastic downhill rider. But not just that: she also is a Blue Tomato team rider, rides in the downhill world cup and knows only one speed: full speed ahead! We’ve interviewed “Petz” just for you. Hello, Petra. There’s a rumour going around that love is what got you hooked on mountain biking. Is that true? How did you get started and how did you discover downhill?
You come from South-East Styria, an area that is not exactly known for high mountains. What’s the mountain bike scene like there? Where and how do you train for downhill?
Hi! Yeah, the “love story” is true. A I was trying to gain some attention by starting with cross-country biking.
We’ve got the Schöckel [mountain near Graz], and nearby Maribor in Slovenia is perfect for downhill training. In Tieschen, we built a fantastic four-cross track in a field in the middle of nowhere among sunflowers, pumpkins and maize. The field was provided by our friends, the Engel siblings, and their dad.
But after meeting and cheering on my idols Missy Giove, Shaun Palmer and Nicolas Vouilloz at the legendary bike fest and downhill in Kaprun, it was all over for me! After just a few cross-country races, it turned out that I had the right stuff for downhill. I even gave up my graduation trip in order to buy myself a special new suspension fork. If that’s not love?! (laughs)
Who is your downhill inspiration? Who were your idols when you got started? In downhill, Missy Giove, Shaun Palmer and Nicolas Vouilloz. And who do you share the trail with the most? With my boyfriend Michi and my three teammates Mathias, Boris and Mani.
What was your coolest experience on two wheels? The coolest experiences are always those when you’re standing on the top platform of the winners’ podium and you’re rewarded for all of your effort. Another extremely exciting experience was my helicopter film at Planai in Schladming for the documentary series “Universum”. The film team followed and filmed me from the top station all the way down into the valley by helicopter. That was an indescribable feeling when the helicopter came closer and closer from the distance – all just for me! (laughs) Downhill is one of the tougher varieties in the sport of cycling. “On the side”, you’re also a pretty successful motocross rider – also nothing for wimps! Are you never afraid? If yes, how do you deal with it? Actually, I’m quite a chicken in my dayto-day life. But on my bike, in my car or
18 on a motocross bike, I feel on top of the world. I’m even afraid of heights, but I’m working on overcoming my fear. And snakes – I can’t stand snakes. When I see a snake, I’m off screaming so fast you can’t see me run! You’re a many-time Austrian downhill national champion – what downhill tips can you give our readers? You’ve got to face the challenge with rock-hard conviction – “I want to do it and I can do it”! If you can do that, you’ve achieved your first milestone. Add fun and motivation and it’s even easier and you learn much faster. And don’t forget your protective gear! It’s also a good idea to talk to someone who’s already got some experience, who can give you an added safety factor. Then all you have to remember is: have fun! What does your summer look like this year? More MTB or more motocross? What’s your race schedule look like, what are your goals? Unfortunately, my downhill schedule is so tight this year that there’s no more room for motocross races! Nevertheless, I try to train for motocross as often as I can. I’ve already realized some of my goals and dreams this year, for example 6th place at the world cup in Leogang, national champion and the helicopter filming. What more could I want?
INTERVIEW PETRA BERNHARD To finish off: time to shout a few greetings and thanks to… Thanks to my boyfriend Michi and to my Mama – I can count on their support in everything I do! Thanks to Mathias for the right trail decisions! Thanks also to my team and teammates, bosses and mechanics and, of course, to the sponsors – without them, it wouldn’t be possible!
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INTERVIEW KEN BLOOMER r
oome Ken Bl
INTERVIEW Ken Bloomer Ken is from Colorado, lives in Füssen in southern Germany and provides us with unique handmade bikes. All bikes are made to measure and equipped according to the customer’s preferences. In addition Ken organises the CremaCross race series and makes sure he always brings along his trusted espresso machine. Hi Ken! Let’s start with the basics: How did you get into cycling? Where I grew up was a cycling hotbed, we had organized bmx races, road racing and later on mountain biking. As kids we would spend all day cruising around and riding trails on our bmx bikes, and that continued on with road racing later in my teens and eventually I found my way to mountainbiking. My dad was always really supportive of this, he drove me to bmx races and we would go watch some of the local pro races together. He actually took me to my first cyclocross race. So my upbringing and parents played a big role in cycling being such a big part of my life. It’s a long way from Colorado to Füssen. What brings you here? That‘s a little bit of a longer story... but the short version of it is I asked my longtime sponsor Independent Fabrication if they would be interested in having me
open up the German market for them by setting up distribution over here. IF and I had a great repoire and I had a knowledge of the German market from having lived over here back in the 1990‘s where I did some freelance work in action sports (snowboarding and mountain biking). We choose Füssen in Allgäu because of it‘s proximity to the Alps. Once you have lived in the mountains, you will always be drawn to the mountains. Füssen is also a great location for people to come and do test rides and get their fittings done due to the wide variety riding around the area. Custom bicycles look back on a long tradition in the US. What’s the situation in Austria and Germany? Custom bikes are still a niche over here, but we have seen solid growth since we have been over here. It is a matter of showing the consumer that there are alternatives to main stream offerings,
INTERVIEW KEN BLOOMER something more individual and unique. I am always surprised how much interest there is in our frames, people always stop to check out our bikes at events and are eager to engage in conversation with us about bikes. People sense we are passionate about what we do which I think makes us more approachable than say a big company with so many faces. Apart from owning something that is really unique – what are the main advantages of a custom bike? Custom bikes offer much more than a bike you can purchase off the shelf, not only in fitting but also in performance. Many people still have the false picture in mind when thinking about handmade bikes, the believe they are heavy, cumbersome bikes which isn‘t the case at all. Handmade bikes can be tuned to meet the desires and needs of the individual from light weight, stiff race machines to more comfortable touring bikes. You can have a bike made that will perfectly fit you and will meet all of your riding needs. We are trying to change people minds one bike at a time. You brought the STCX race series to Germany. What’s it all about and how does it differ from a Cross Country or Cyclocross race? Short Track Cross Country is a short format of racing that is very similar to cross country mountain bike and cyclocross racing. Typically the courses are very short, 500 to 1000 meters and made up of single track, forest road, grass and
21 can even run through bmx or pump tracks. Races are typically 10 to 20 mins, offer a lot of fun in a very loose race format. In the US this style of racing is booming with numerous local race series taking place during in the summer evenings after work. It is a great way to blow off some stress! We started our series over here this year with five events around Germany and it went off really well. We hope to see more events popping up next season and will be helping to seed this through offering support to other organizers as well as growing our own races. People can check out www. cremacross.com for info and photos from the 2011 STXC series. You always bring along your espresso machine to races and events and even offer your own blend. For many cycling enthusiasts bikes and coffee go hand in hand. What’s your stand? My affection for coffee goes a ways back and runs fairly deep. I mean our name CremaCycles comes out the combination of these two pursuits. Having worked in the coffee branch during my professional racing years, I learned a lot about the coffee culture, and really specialty coffee is not all that different than the handmade bicycle business. Like with handmade bicycles there is a handcrafted coffee sector, or specialty coffee as its know in the industry, in which local roasters use traditional methods of roasting coffee producing some of the best coffee‘s one can enjoy.
Final question: Which are the latest trends? What can we expect to see in 2012 or 2013? The trend I see is in the direction of 29ers, there is still so much potential this segment for mountain bikes. Consumers are slowly growing warm to this concept and the bigger guys are still trying to figure some things (geometry and full-suspension) out themselves. Cyclocross is another growth segment I see as these bikes are not only a lot of fun to ride and race, but really offer the ultimate light-weight commuter and touring bike and fit the profile of what most people like to ride, whether it is road or offroad. We will continue to push the development of steel and titanium bicycles and making a contribution to the growth of the handmade market, making it a viable alternative mass produced, cheap bikes from the east.
Many thanks for the interview!
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PRIZE CONTEST / MERCHANDISING
Play now and win! What’s the name of Germany’s tallest mountain, located not far from CUBE BIBERWIERLERMOOS? Do you know the answer? Then send us an e-mail at bikersheaven@cubehotels.com! We will raffle off fantastic prizes in a drawing from all entries received.
prize contest³ 1 Nintendo Wii
Last date for entries is 31 August 2011. Winners will be notified by e-mail. By participating in this contest, you grant The CUBE Hotels GmbH & Co KG permission to use and store your personal information and agree to receive newsletters from The CUBE Hotels GmbH & Co KG. The personal information will not be disclosed to third parties. Prizes may not be exchanged for cash equivalent. Employees of The CUBE Hotels GmbH & Co KG are not eligible to participate in this contest. One winner will be selected for each prize from among all fully completed valid entries. No legal recourse possible.
1 voucher
worth
€ 50
2x one subscription for Bike Magazine, the mountain bike magazine 10x TUNE bike bottle incl. microfiber cloth
merchandising –
get the cool stuff Cap € 22 / CHF 35
Jersey short-sleeved € 59 / CHF 94
Jersey long-sleeved € 78 / CHF 124 Bike jacket (same design) € 88 / CHF 140
TUNE
23
TUNE – Born in the Black Forest What exactly lies behind the slogan “Born in the Black Forest”? You can take that literally! And let’s not forget that before the birth, there’s the conception, which also takes place at TUNE! So let’s start with our developers: this actually includes all of our employees, since all of us have caught the bike bug: single speeders, trail riders, downhillers, endurance, all-mountain, crosscountry and marathon riders, road cyclists – the diversity is enormous and so is the creative potential. Two designers take the best ideas and put them on the screen. Massive computer processing power and even more brain power then takes us to the prototype construction in one of our CNC machines... ...and that’s where we can talk about “Born in the Black Forest”... What materials do you use? Whipped cream, cherries, biscuit crust and cherry liqueur – these are the ingredients for one of the most famous Black Forest specialities. Our delicacies are made from aluminium, steel, ceramic, carbon fibre and the finest titanium!
What all does TUNE produce? The question would be easier to answer if you asked what all we DON’T produce. At this point, we gladly admit that none of us can sew or knit T-shirts, wheel bags or socks... We use aluminium blanks to make all TUNE hubs and stems. Titanium axles as well as carbon fibre and aluminium parts are turned into quick release levers, wheels are spoked manually with all imaginable varieties of rims, spokes and hubs! What production techniques do you use? We process aluminium products using our CNC machines. We also have our own vibratory finishing machine, a sort of washing machine which uses small ceramic stones to burr and polish the milled aluminium parts. The labelling of the anodized parts is performed in a separate department using laser engraving. Carbon fibre components like our “Komm-Vor” saddle are laminated by hand and baked in our own carbon fibre oven! (To nip any rumours right in the bud, we want to point out that we DO NOT bake Black Forest Cakes – there are other specialists for that...)
CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS
CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS
25
CUBE BIBERWIERLERMOOS The region CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS is located in the beautiful mountain world of Tyrol’s Zugspitz Arena, chosen Austria’s best MTB region by the readers of Mountain Bike Magazine – and rightly so! It would be impossible to list all the highlights of Tyrol’s Zugspitz Arena here. But we’ve got just enough space to mention the idyllic natural surroundings and mountain scenery around CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS, with majestic peaks and lush green alpine meadows. Plus a collection of the most important bike highlights of the region just for you:
More than 100 different bike tours 4,330 km of bike trails with a total elevation climb of 100,000 m in the entire Zugspitz Arena
Trails for all levels of difficulty – from beginners to pros Freeride trail in Lermoos CUBE is located 200 m from the lift station Numerous lifts and cable cars in the region for a comfortable ascent Free transport of bikes on all lifts in the summer Direct access to various routes Guided tours with Bikeguiding Zugspitzarena (www.bikeguiding.at) Z-Ticket – activities card for 7 days of fun Plan your tours online and download GPS info at www.zugspitzarena.com
TYROL
From the Z ugspi freeri tz tra de tra il to t il on t with he he Gr over ubigs 4,000 t amid e k in: ilome stunn tres o ing m specia f trail ounta l bike s in sce hotels nery, porta a n d an o l the T nline yrol Z a mec tour ugspi ca for tz Are moun n a is tain b ikers.
The facts speak for themselves: over 100 signposted tours on a network of trails stretching over 4330 kilometres and an altitude of more than 100,000 metres make the Tyrol side of the Zugspitze one of the premier regions for mountain biking. The splendour of the Tyrol Zugspitz Bike Arena is experienced on two wheels – on spectacular single trails around the imposing backdrop of the Zugspitze, on downhill trails over ancient Roman roads or on pleasure routes around Lake Heiterwanger. The extensive trail network traverses a unique and diverse mountain setting while the infrastructure for riders is second to none. Hassle-free bike transport by cable car, technique training and tour guiding, an adrenaline-pumping free ride stretch on the Grubigstein in Lermoos, an online touring portal with GPS data that can be downloaded free of charge and numerous bike hotels with tailored offerings in the region attract thousands of bikers every year.
A-6632 Ehrwald, Phone +43 (0) 5673/20 000 info@zugspitzarena.com
Ehrwald · Lermoos · Berwang · Bichlbach · Biberwier · Heiter wang am See · Lähn-Wengle · Namlos
Photo: Tyrol Zugspitz Arena, G. Eisenschink
The arena for mountain bikers
TOUR TIPS ZUGSPITZ ARENA
Nassereither Alm
TYROL
27
Zur Grubig Alm
Level of difficulty: Condition Riding skill
Level of difficulty: Condition Riding skill
Total elevation climb: 900 m
Total elevation climb: 700 m
Distance:
26 km
Distance:
17 km
Time:
2.5 – 3.5 hrs.
Time:
2.0 – 3.0 hrs.
Start: Ehrwald (town centre)
Start: Lermoos (town centre)
Route: Ehrwald - Biberwier - turn-off to Nassereither Alm - Nassereither Alm - and back
Route: Lermoos - Biberwier - turn-off to Hotel Mohr - Gschwandkreuz - Brettlalm Grubigalm - and back
This medium-difficulty tour can start from Ehrwald or directly from Biberwier. The ascent to Nassereither Alm is rewarded with an idyllic mountain landscape and picturesque views. Our recommendation: treat yourself to some food and drink at the mountain inn! Highlight: Nassereither Alm beckons with grandiose views and traditional cuisine!
1800
1000
1400 1300 1200 1100
Biberwier Turn-off Hotel Mohr
1500
1000
900 800
1600
Lermoos
1100
Elevation (m)
1200
Ehrwald
1300
Ehrwald
1400
1700
Biberwier
1500
Panoramaweg
1600
Nassereither Alm
Turn-off Nassereither Alm
1900
1800
Grubigalm
Zur Grubig Alm
1900
1700
Elevation (m)
Highlight: Wonderful views of the valley!
Gschwandkreuz
Nassereither Alm
The tour can begin in Lermoos or in Biberwier. The medium-difficulty route is not too long and offers many views of the broad valley of the Ehrwald Basin. If you want more after reaching Grubig Alm, you can continue the ascent on foot to the Grubighütte (2,028 m).
900 0
5
10
15
Distance (km)
20
25
800
0
5
10
Distance (km)
15
28
BIBERWIER HAS MORE...
Biberwier
has more…
Sports & Nature Paragliding in Lermoos 90 hiking trails for all levels of difficulty 8 crystal-clear mountain lakes with bathing temperatures 9-hole golf facility in Biberwier Ropes course in Garmisch (approx. 20 min. from CUBE) Longest summer toboggan run (1,300 m) directly by CUBE Sailing, wind surfing and swimming at Heiterwanger See and Plansee lakes Climbing adventures at waterfall with the pros from Bergsport Total Canyoning in Ehrwald / rafting in Haiming Indoor pool in Ehrwald Outdoor pool in Lermoos Indoor climbing wall at CUBE Gaming zone (table football, table tennis, darts, etc.) at CUBE Culture, Cuisine, Children Traditional Tyrolean cuisine in many restaurants and mountain inns directly in Biberwier
Castles: Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Shopping and culture in Garmisch or Innsbruck Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens Riding, climbing and diving in the nearby surroundings
BIKE PACKAGES CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS
TYROL
29 029
BIKE PACKAGES / CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS Leisurely cruising or fast downhills – everyone has it´s own style. At CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS in Tyrol’s Zugspitz Arena, there’s something for every need! Bike Intro
from € 128
Are you an MTB newcomer? Then check out our introductory package. Complete beginners have the opportunity to take part in riding skills courses (more information at the hotel)!
MTB Package
from € 309
Are 3 days of biking not enough, 7 days too much? Then the 5-day MTB package is for you!
Bike Week
from € 481
One whole week, just you and your bike. You’re in good hands with our package for the ultimate bike enthusiast. What more could you ask for?
Downhill Package from € 205 Bike Days
from € 192
The right choice for the advanced biker: 3 days of biking incl. a guided tour.
Bike offers at CUBE BIBERWIERLERMOOS
Brand new @ CUBE: the downhill package incl. lift ticket. Together with the free ride bike park in Lermoos, this package gets to the point!
Bike Intro
Bike Days
MTB Package
Downhill Package
Bike Week
Nights
3
3
5
3/5
7
Half board
x
x
x
x
x
Energy package
x
x
x
x
x
Bike map
x
x
x
x
x
Lift ticket
x
Massage Guided tour
1
x
x
2
4
Bike jersey
x
Laundry service
x
Drink bottle
x
x
x
x
x
More information is available online at www.cube-bikersheaven.com or directly from CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS by calling +43 (0)5673 22 565-11
CUBE SAVOGNIN
31
CUBE SAVOGNIN The region Idyllic alpine meadows, small mountain villages and beautiful mountain pass roads – this is Savognin in the Swiss canton of Grisons! At 1,200 m above sea level, CUBE is the perfect home base for mountain bikers. The entire region simply beckons to be discovered by bike. The large, open valley framed by majestic peaks, alpine meadows and unspoilt highland moors offers a great variety of highlights and rural charm!
Over 240 km of signposted mountain bike routes in Savognin More than 15,000 km of networked and signposted trails in the Grisons region Trails for all performance classes from beginners to professionals Chair lift from Savognin to Somtgant (2,112 m above sea level) incl. free bike transport
Guided bike tours CUBE is located just 50 m from the lift station Lift ticket & free transport of bike already included in the room price Lai Barnagn bathing lake right by CUBE SAVOGNIN Signposted FUN SPORT routes Search tours online at www.savognin.ch/biken or www.graubuenden.ch/bike
SWITZERLAND
sport in railway tran ta n u o m e re f • ek ttle 4 days/we • free Bikeshu transport • free postbus
We lift, you ride.
240 kilometer of marked biking trails in the middle of Parc Ela, the largest natural park of Switzerland. CUBE bike hotel and swimming lake to relax at the alpine beachside. www.savognin.ch
TOUR TIPS SAVOGNIN
SWITZERLAND
33
TOUR 660, THE TRIX AND FLIX TOUR Level of difficulty: Condition Riding skill
Tour 657, Viva La Grischa Level of difficulty: Condition Riding skill Total elevation climb: 555 m
Total elevation climb: 1,260 m
Distance:
16 km
Distance:
35 km
Time:
1.0 – 1.5 hrs.
Time:
3.0 – 4.0 hrs.
Start: Savognin base station
Start: Savognin base station
A relatively simple tour, but with a darned nice ascent to the Alp Flix highland moor. Gorgeous sceneries, contemplative quiet and grandiose views await. After a lap on the high plateau with the picturesque villages of Tigias and Tgalucas, the ride goes back downhill to Sur and Mulegns.
Route: Savognin - Salouf - Parsonz - Tigignas Malmigiucr - Parnoz - Savognin This relatively easy tour begins by following the little river Gelgia to the foot of the Cunter. This is followed by a comfortable ascent to Malmigiucr via Salouf, Parsonz and Tigignas. The gravel road is quite well-maintained at its start and soon joins a wonderful downhill run that is perfectly bikeable with some experience. For a more easy-going ride, follow the gravel road back to Savognin.
Highlight: A break at the waterfall in Rona.
Highlight: The gorgeous panorama views of the valley and Piz Mitgel.
Route: Savognin - Tinizong - Rona - Alp Flix Sur - Mulegns - Rona - Plaz Beischen Rudnal - Savognin
1000 750
1250 1000 750
500
500
250
250
0
0
4
8
12
16
20
Distance (km)
24
28
32 35
Savognin lift station
1500
Malmigiucr
1750
Parsonz Tigignas
2000
Salouf
2250
Savognin lift station
Rudnal
2500
Elevation (m)
1250
Savognin lift station
1500
Viva La Grischa
Rona Plaz Beischen
Elevation (m)
1750
Sur Mulegns
2000
Alp Flix Tigias Alp Flix Tgalucas
2250
Rona
2500
Savognin lift station Tinizong
The Trix and Flix Tour
0
0
4
8
Distance (km)
12
16
34
SAVOGNIN HAS MORE...
Savognin
has more…
Sports & Nature CUBE FUN SPORTS with different wheeled sports gear 200 km of signposted hiking trails Ropes course with longest zip line in Switzerland at Tigignas base station 600 km² Parc Ela nature park Easy hikes around Motta Palousa peak Nordic walking Senda ferrada climbing trail for all levels of difficulty Bathing, mini-golf and beach volleyball at Lai Barnagn lake right by CUBE Indoor climbing wall at CUBE Gaming zone (table football, table tennis, darts, etc.) at CUBE Culture, Cuisine, Children Petting zoo and water park at the bathing lake Excursions with panorama trains of Rhaetian Railway (World Heritage) BBQ sites Classic Swiss cuisine at many restaurants directly in Savognin Shopping in Chur – Switzerland’s oldest city
BIKE PACKAGES CUBE SAVOGNIN
SWITZERLAND
35
PACKAGES CUBE SAVOGNIN The fantastic landscape around CUBE SAVOGNIN simply must be discovered by mountain bike. But how do I best choose my MTB holiday? Should I stay for 3, 5 or 7 days? We’ve put together some special packages for you to help make it easier to choose the right bike holiday. We’ve got the right thing for you – whether you’re a newcomer or full pro! Bike IntRo
from CHF 248
The introductory package is the right choice for you as a mountain bike newcomer. Discover the world on two wheels in a fantastic mountain setting – without compromise, and at a sensational price!
Bike Days
from CHF 332
Let us help you move your bike skill up a level. This package – 3 days of biking and a guided tour – is just the thing. Bike map and drink bottle are included!
Bike offers at CUBE SAVOGNIN
MTB Package
from CHF 452
Do 5 days with your mountain bike sound just right for you? Plus a guided tour and lift ticket included? Then it’s time to hit the trails with the MTB package!
Bike Week
from CHF 647
Hardcore bikers look out: we’ve got the right thing for you! One whole week of biking with no ifs or buts. Guided tour, lift ticket, drink bottle, laundry service and bike jersey. With this package, you’ll want for nothing!
Bike Intro
Bike Days
MTB Package
Bike Week
Nights
3
3
5
7
Half board
x
x
x
x
Lift ticket
x
x
x
x
Energy package
x
x
x
x
Bike map
x
x
x
x
x
x
1
1
Massage Guided tour
1
Bike jersey
x
Laundry service
x
Drink bottle
x
x
x
x
More information is available online at www.cube-bikersheaven.com or directly from CUBE SAVOGNIN by calling +41 (0)81 659 14 14
36
CONTACT
CUBE BIBERWIER-LERMOOS
CUBE SAVOGNIN
Fernpass-StraĂ&#x;e 71-72, A-6633 Biberwier t: +43 (0) 5673-22 565, f: +43 (0) 5673-22 565-17 e: reservierung.biberwier@cube-hotels.com www.cube-biberwier.at
Veia Sandeilas 12, CH-7460 Savognin t: +41 (0) 81-659 14 14, f: +41 (0) 81-659 14 15 e: reservierung.savognin@cube-hotels.com www.cube-savognin.ch
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DISCLAIMER Disclaimer:
37 LEGAL INFORMATION & DISCLAIMERS
1.) Liability disclaimer for tours: All tour recommendations were obtained from the tourism offer of the respective region. The CUBE Hotels GmbH & Co. KG accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information. Errors and omissions excepted. 2.) Liability disclaimer for CUBE as agent: 1. The CUBE Hotels GmbH & Co. KG (hereinafter referred to as “CUBE”) is solely and exclusively responsible for the careful selection of the respective organiser or service provider as well as for the proper purchase of services for the client. The mountain bike tours as well as all other sports activities offered in Tyrol’s Zugspitz Arena are organised and/or provided by third parties. 2. CUBE is therefore not liable for the proper provision of the services arranged or purchased by it. 3. CUBE undertakes to inform its client of the company name and address of the organiser when presenting the booking confirmation, provided that this information is not already contained in the brochure or other advertising material which formed the basis for the booking. 4. All prices include the legally required VAT. Errors & omissions excepted. Prices subject to change without notice. 3.) Liability disclaimer for CUBE as organiser of mountain bike tours: 1. CUBE, as organiser of the mountain bike tours and publisher of the present publication, expressly declares that all of the described bicycle tours were obtained from the published tourism offer of the region. 2. CUBE expressly points out that the characteristics of the bicycle routes, particularly regarding the physical ground conditions, difficulty level and the like are subject to constant change from external influences such as the weather which are beyond the control of CUBE. Biking on the routes described and travelling in the mountains involves inherent dangers and risks that no amount of care or caution can eliminate completely. Participants are aware of this risk. The responsibility for selecting a route, assessing one’s personal ability and experience, and finding the route in the terrain lies with each participant himself or herself. For the aforementioned reasons, CUBE accepts no liability for loss or damage to persons or property resulting from slight negligence. 3. All prices include the legally required VAT. Errors & omissions excepted. Prices subject to change without notice. 4.) Liability disclaimer for CUBE as organiser of other sports activities offered: 1. CUBE offers its guests an extensive range of sports and leisure activities during their stay. For the activities described in the present publication, CUBE expressly declares that these are conducted under professional guidance and supervision and with the highest possible degree of safety. Nevertheless, the participation in sports activities involves inherent dangers and risks that no amount of care or caution can eliminate completely. Participants are aware of this risk. The responsibility for assessing one’s personal ability, experience and risk to one’s health lies with each participant himself or herself and is done at his or her own risk. For the aforementioned reasons, CUBE accepts no liability for loss or damage to persons or property resulting from slight negligence. Furthermore, 2. CUBE’s liability for slightly negligent loss or damage to persons is excluded with regard to persons who are not subject to the scope of applicability of Sec. 1 Para. 1 No. 2 of the Austrian Consumer Protection Act (KSchG). 3. All prices include the legally required VAT. Errors & omissions excepted. Prices subject to change without notice.
Published by: The CUBE Hotels GmbH & Co KG CUBE HEAD OFFICE Dresdnerstraße 87 A-1200 Wien t: +43 (0) 1-33 44 050 f: +43 (0) 1-33 44 050-73 e: mountainbike@cube-hotels.com www.cube-hotels.com www.cube-bikersheaven.com Concept / Text & Design: The CUBE Hotels GmbH & Co KG Design: br-design Images: Bergbahnen Langes Bergsport Total Bikeguiding Zugspitzarena Eduard Hueber / archphoto Flo Smith und Trail Solutions Harald Eisenberger Kai Dudenhöfer / Photodesign.net Nassfeld-Hermagor/Prokop Savognin Tourismus Sportbild.at / Tom Hauke Tiroler Zugspitz Arena / Eisenschink The CUBE Hotels GmbH & Co KG
BLUE TOMATO
photo: m. lämmerhirt
A SHOPPING PARADISE
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