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I’ve been cycling for years. I’ve covered hundreds of kilometres on country lanes, forest tracks and even tackled the odd steeper descent. Yet until now, I had always given places called “Bike Parks” a wide berth. I imagined them as places reserved for daredevils in full face helmets who launch themselves three metres into the air.
But then the day came when I decided to step outside my comfort zone and try the brand-new Bike Park in Jasná beneath Chopok.
Getting ready at Biela Púť. Safety first
My adventure began down at Biela Púť. Although I have a bike sitting in my garage at home, I wanted to enjoy the bike park on a machine designed specifically for this kind of riding. So I headed straight to Bike Rental Biela Púť. I was pleasantly surprised by the professional service at this modern rental shop – the staff immediately helped me choose the right size full-suspension bike and set it up for me.
As this was my first time, safety came first. Along with the bike, I was given a complete set of protective gear: a sturdy full-face helmet protecting my entire face, a solid chest and back protector and, of course, knee and elbow pads. My nerves soon gave way to excitement and, with Gopass in my pocket, I boarded the A6 gondola towards Priehyba, where the real fun begins.
3,000 metres of pure flow
Bike Park Jasná offers free entry – you only pay for the cable car ticket, with the best prices available via the gopass.travel e-shop – but Bike Park rules must be followed. After taking the gondola up to Priehyba, I had a decision to make. Two trails begin side by side here: the steep Sport trail, with an average gradient of 17% for more advanced riders, and the Flow trail, with a smooth gradient of around 7%.
The choice was obvious. I went for the three-kilometre Flow trail, which starts at Priehyba and finishes at Biela Púť. It promised a smooth ride with a gradient of around 7%, which sounded ideal for someone experiencing a bike park for the very first time.
As I fastened my helmet at the trailhead and looked down the track, I felt a few butterflies in my stomach and could hear Katka from Gopass in my head saying, “Michal, please, whatever you do, don’t break any bones.” But after the first few dozen metres, my fear disappeared. The Flow trail is exactly what its name suggests – smooth and flowing.
There were no unexpected steep drops or rock gardens leaving you wondering what on earth to do with your bike. Instead, I found beautifully smooth, well-shaped berms and rolling terrain that quickly taught me how to put pressure through the pedals and shift my body weight.
The gradient is designed so cleverly that the bike carries you along at exactly the speed you allow it to. After two runs, I started to find that famous rhythm – the “flow”. The corners stopped intimidating me and I began to enjoy the centrifugal force holding me firmly through the berms.
The Kärcher zone is the perfect finishing touch
After several descents, I arrived back down at Biela Púť tired but wearing a huge smile. My bike, meanwhile, was clearly showing the effects of trail dust and mud. Fortunately, Jasná has thought of everything.
Right at the end of the trail, there is a free Kärcher bike wash zone. Simply place your bike on the wash station rack, pick up the pressure washer and rinse off all the dust and mud before returning it to the rental shop. It is also a great little ritual to round off a day of biking. I returned the bike spotless – and headed home with a clear head too.
A beginner’s verdict? Give it a go!
Summer in Jasná is no longer just about hiking to Chopok and Ďumbier. The opportunities created by Bike Park Jasná and its comprehensive range of services take the summer season to a whole new level. You don’t need to own expensive equipment or risk your health on expert-only trails. The rental shop at Biela Púť gives you everything you need in one place, while the Flow trail introduces you to a side of cycling you simply cannot experience on an ordinary road or cycle path.
If you’re one of those cyclists who has always hesitated about trying a bike park, the Flow trail in Jasná is the perfect place to start. It will show you a completely new dimension of cycling – and you’ll head home with a clear head and a huge smile on your face.
FAQ
The Flow trail is located in Bike Park Jasná beneath Chopok in the Low Tatras. The trail is approximately 3,000 metres (3 km) long, starting at Priehyba and finishing down at Biela Púť.
Yes. The Flow trail is ideal for beginners. It has a smooth gradient of around 7%, with no unexpected steep drops or rock gardens. The trail features well-shaped berms and rolling terrain that even first-time trail riders can comfortably tackle.
You can hire everything you need directly from the modern Bike Rental Biela Púť shop. In addition to a full-suspension bike, you can also get a full-face helmet, chest and back protector, plus knee and elbow pads.
Entry to Bike Park Jasná itself is free. You only need to pay for your cable car ticket, with the best prices on lift passes and tickets available when you buy in advance through the gopass.travel e-shop.
Yes. There is a free Kärcher bike wash zone right at the end of the trail at Biela Púť. It includes a bike stand and pressure washer, so you can rinse off dust and mud before returning your bike.
This translation was prepared for you by the Gopass AI Translator.
