One of the things that stood out on this trip was an uncanny knack (from everyone) to get up and get on with it. After the obligatory stop at Aldi/Lidl/Rewe (Rewe being the least grim) we were usually on the road shortly after rush hour.
Jim had become somewhat taken with European driving techniques (lots of tail gating) and we were easily in Mainz by 10am….I say easily. The van had a habit of losing power on anything but the shortest journeys and my directions might have accurately been described as “quite late” on occassions. On this occassion we may or may not have exited the motorway on two wheels before finding ourselves in a shady lane (not the Wisley car park type of shady!). I mean under the shade of trees. A short roll later (or quite long if you miss the entrance and enter via full lap of surrounding fields) we found ourselves at Ziegelei trails.
Ziegeli contains quite a lot of wild features. We didn’t encounter many ‘basic’ lines at German spots. The spots are not as old as is typical in the UK and nor are the diggers. As a result of which you’ll find a lot of Shark’s Fins, Step Downs, and some wild berms that worked with varying degrees of success. Ziegeli has a 270 under/over berm that they call the ‘Helix’ and we quickly renamed the ‘Washing Machine’. The racer before made this obstacle ‘challenging’ for all but the most skilled rider.
I think the whole world knows that Jonny Faulkner likes a good tyre grab. This was a new one though!
Arriving nice and sharp gives you plenty of chill time.
The weather had finally reached expectations. A lot of the day was spent doing….not so much to be honest. Things spiced up later in the afternoon. There was a new crew of locals riding the little line and Mortitz was ripping the big line (I’m sure they have names), a bunch of people were sessioning the ‘Washing Machine’, and everything was good in the world. Although things never stay perfect. (Not so) Mini Max and Damo both needed a trip to the local A&E. Injuries are an inevitability but if you’ve just come back from a previous injury, or you’re hundreds of miles from home it’s extra shit.
Max Dunn aka Mini Max got tall. Like this massive Boyley. The former Mini Max was another victim of bad luck and a broken collar bone.
Beach Cruiser indeed! Damo was ripping before a freak accident put him in hospital for a short while.
One of the most noticeable things about the German scene is that they have a bunch of young rippers (Surrey Youth Crew has been slack this Summer). I’m not sure of this guy’s name but those jumps are not small and he was not scared to pull up.
This was our final day as a full gang. The following day was split with some of us headed home (via MX in Belgium), others headed to Cloud 9 trails, and some in hospital.
It’s pretty much always a good time travelling with a bunch of old and new friends, meeting new people, seeing new things, laughing, and learning. This trip was no exception. We owe thanks to so many people! Hope to do something similar again before the year is out.
Felix aka Ronny impressed everyone. He’s a got powerful style. I wish I could tell you more about Ronny and his crew but they ‘hot-footed it’ to catch the last train home. He’s another fella riding a Four frame and making it look amazing!
I’m pretty sure Wayne is some kind of tree surgeon. Who wears chef’s shorts and cooks like a champion!
Well I guess we all know about Atilla’s one footed invert after Tuesday’s post!
Sven Littfinski. What a guy. It was awesome to see him back getting laps!
Jonny loves laps.
You’re going to need to wait for Sam’s video to truly appreciate Moritz Muller.
Eliott and Ryan were off to Austria, Switzerland, and France (Morzine) for a month right after this trip. El has some cassette driver issues, so we didn’t see as much of those trademark El shapes as usual.
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