It's all in the technique

Saddle up and start your adventure! It's as easy as pie in the Eppan cycling paradise. But you ought to learn the proper technique before you venture forth into the forests and across the meadows.

Bike guide Roland Zozin is more than happy to provide assistance to anyone wishing to explore unpaved trails – safely, and enjoyably. The right biking technique is essential.

Bike guide and cycling expert: Why did you choose this vocation?

Roland Zozin: For me, there's nothing better than going "off road" and exploring Mother Nature. We are stocked with everything cyclists need. This is the perfect way for me to live my passion – mountainbiking.

Is there anything I should pay attention to before starting my biking trip?

Safety: Good tires are essential. And check the brakes! When in regular use, the bicycle should undergo inspection at least once a year – by a qualified specialist.

And then you can start practicing the "right" technique: How does that happen?

We offer a two-hour class, after which we go on a ride through the forest. We emphasize the right technique: This includes the proper position on the bike, correct braking, and learning how to mount and dismount the bike correctly. We conduct balance exercises, teach you curve techniques, learn how to manage obstacles – all of that in a small meadow after a quick warm-up. Anyone 12 years old or older can register.

Would a "normal" bicyclist be able to keep up with these technique exercises?

We adjust everything to the requirements and skill level of the participants. We start all together from the Tourist Agency office and proceed to the training meadow. It's then that I can assess the overall strengths and weaknesses of the participants. That's the basis for further instruction.

Eppan is the ideal starting-point for all kinds of cycling excursions – including both gentle grades and easy paths as well as more-challenging trails.

IN PARTICULAR OUR HAIRPIN CURVES ARE A BIG CHALLENGE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO DISMOUNT.

Roland Zozin, Bike guide and cycling technique coach

The goal of the class is to master a forest trail. What are the prerequisites for this?

The "right" technique is the foundation. I have acquired these skills over the years and have been quite successful in sharing them. The proper management of curves is of special importance – from narrow serpentines to lengthy 90-degree curves. In particular our hairpin curves are a big challenge if you don't want to dismount.

What is so special about mastering a forest trail?

The nicest aspect is that it allows you to view many different facets of nature. In the summertime, it can be hot; the trail is correspondingly dry and slippery. In the autumn, the dead leaves can conceal the terrain. After a rainfall, the subsurface is full of cracks and crevasses. Thus, each time is a different experience. But regardless of how often I take this trail, I'm always careful and attentive.

So it's important to keep an eye on surface conditions?

The roughness of the terrain plays a big role. But there are certain tricks. For example, one should reduce the tire pressure when biking in the woods. This increases traction, and uneven surfaces are less of a problem.

What kind of bike should participants take to the class?

The best thing is to bring your own bike. That's because every bike is different. You are free to bring whatever kind you want – say, a mountainbike or an electro-bike. (Between 80 and 85% of our customers now ride electro-bikes.) Just remember that a heavy bike influences your ride. That includes driving in curves and longer braking distances.

How important is good equilibrium?

It is indispensable. The better your equilibrium, the less frequently you have to dismount. That enhances safety and increases the fun.

After the practice session in the meadow, the group then proceeds into the woods and across the terrain. Is that an ordeal for some?

No. The biggest worry of most people is that they won't be able to keep up with the group. But it's my job to instruct the participants in the right technique and to boost their confidence. The terrain in the forest is sometimes very challenging – that's not everyone's "cup of tea." Especially when the bikers are "flatlanders."

One has no business being afraid on the trail?

One has to be able to overcome one's inner fears. One shouldn't be afraid, but one must respect the situation. To do otherwise would be reckless. Every participant wants to have fun, and doesn't want to face insurmountable situations. We start together and we come back together.

Let's talk about the right equipment. You need more than just a bike and a driver …

A helmet is a must. A secure backpack can be a little uncomfortable for some, but it's the best back protector there is. You should always have something to drink and eat with you. A first-aid kit and raincoat are essential.

Does the instruction take place regardless of wind and weather?

The lesson is held once a week – unless it's raining cats and dogs (then it's too slippery).

Why is Eppan a paradise for cyclists?

Because you can leave the town center and be in the middle of Mother Nature within minutes. There are a number of great bike paths and hiking trails in the immediate vicinity. And there is a variety of experiences to choose from: Exciting trails for the more adventurous, as well as easy paths.

Tell us more about how you started out…

I was about five years old and was out with a great, big bike. My legs were hardly long enough to reach the ground, and I wasn't really able to pedal properly. I just kind of scooted along, and also suffered my first mishaps (laughs). It's all just a matter of the "right" technique.

Left your bike at home? Rentals in Eppan

If you'd like to borrow a bicycle on site or want to try out an electro-bike, you can get one from several different rental agencies in Eppan.

Easy-Living Rent a E-Bike Eppan Berg Turmbachweg 25 39057 Berg | Eppan Phone: +39 347 928 56 04 / +39 366 108 00 09 Business hours: March through November: Open daily from 8 a.m. till 8 p.m. From November till late March: Please telephone to make arrangements.

E-Bikeverleih Eppan Laubendurchgang 16 39057 St. Michael | Eppan Phone: +39 333 963 57 29 Business hours: March through November: Open daily from 8 a.m. till 6 p.m. From November till late March: Please telephone to make arrangements.

Radverleih Sanvit Sillweg 70 A 39057 St. Michael | Eppan Phone: +39 0471 660 775 Business hours: Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m.–12 noon and 3–7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.–12 noon and 3–6 p.m.

Radverleih Golf & Country Unterrainer Strasse 74 39057 Unterrain | Eppan Phone: +39 0471 188 81 64 Business hours: Daily from 7 a.m. till 8 p.m., with advance arrangement by phone

Hotel Mandelhof Mühlweg 8 39057 Girlan | Eppan Phone: +39 0471 662477 Business hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–12 noon and 1–7 p.m., with advance arrangement by phone