Alpenrock: Ride the world’s biggest bike park with Wade Simmons, Dave Watson and Joe Schwartz.

Apr 18, 2006

Five riders rolled into the grassy field tucked in the trees high in the mountains and most didn’t even bother to lean their bikes up against the fence, but instead flopped down on the grass and layed out like limp starfish. The acrid smell of burning brakes wafted in the air as the posse relished in their own euphoric mid-ride buzz. Some just shook their heads in disbelief at the over the top descent that they’d just ridden while others replayed moments with the accuracy and passion of high school boys recalling their first sexual exploits. “That one section after the church…it went on forever! Then, I nearly lost it on those tight switchbacks, but held it together, barely. Jesus!” Then like a freight train, the rest of the group arrived, whooping and hollering and freaking out. “Holy shit. That is some of the best action I’ve ever ridden. By far!” said Trent from Southern California.

The crew was fired up, and rightly so. We were about two thirds of the way down a trail dubbed Medieval Flow, a 15 kilometer, 6000 foot descent that winds it’s way down the backside of the Verbier ski resort in Switzerland’s Valais region. The trail starts off in a rocky cliff area with head-shaking views of Mont Blanc, Italy and the Rhone Valley directly below, then rips down a technical and steep sub-alpine zone with mountain goats scattering everywhere, onto a high speed dirt road for a few clicks, through a bunch of farms and then dives back into the forest onto some of the sweetest, longest and barely ever ridden singletrack ever.


The trip’s lead guide, Joe Schwartz from Nelson BC, was as amped as anyone in the group. Schwartz, a professional ski guide in the winter, pro mountain biker, coach and guide in the summer described the next stretch of trail: “Believe it or not, this next section is better than what we just rode. Well, in my opinion it is!” he said with a wide grin, “We have a short section of dirt road, then a 2 minute hike-a-bike, then it’s a very long descending singletrack traverse that gets better and better. At times it will be very steep off the left side of the trail and some tight trees – so don’t get carried away with your speed and make sure to look ahead.”



After refueling with salami, cheese, energy bars and water from the conveniently situated spring-fed spout, it was time to continue the descent Schwartz did a quick once-over of his bike, fastened his Dakine Apex pack and swung his leg over his steed. The group followed suit and began rolling down the road. After the short climb, they stopped before dropping in. Then, it was on. He was right: the trail did indeed get tastier and tastier as the meters clicked away. Periodically, window views of the valley far below appeared to the left and exposed the schwack of descending still to go. Cars and houses looked miniature. Schwartz didn’t stop for what seemed like forever and each rider was tapping into a level of flow like they’d almost never felt. That is one of the beauties of riding super long DH’s, a higher level of flow is achieved with such a long run. Schwartz railed his bike with almost laughable ease, carving the fresh pine-covered surface like he was on skis. The traction was insane as he left nothing but a needle roost in his wake. The air grew increasingly warmer and smelt almost Mediterranean; a mix of pine, soil and dry heat. The trees began to look different. Ahead, finally, the group was stopped at a dirt road. Hands were being shaken out and blood returning to fingers and disks sizzled, literally. Minutes later, Schwartz piped up again, “OK. This next section has some loose rock so hang on. Then we rip down a vineyard and into a small town where the van is waiting. Watch for cars and people when we hit pavement.” With that, he was off.


For a little country, Switzerland has a ton of singletrack. How does 37,000 miles sound? It also has a lot of cows, but that’s another story. It also has the highest peaks in Europe (48 peaks over 4000 meters), the largest glaciers, the deepest valleys and the most beautiful scenery that you could imagine. As for riding, the place is hard to beat. Linking up those 37,000 miles of singletrack are hundreds of lifts, trains, buses and roads with little towns, huts and hotels everywhere. The result is the worlds biggest bike park.


Vancouver-based Big Mountain Bike Adventures has been running high-end mountain bike trips there since 2000. Along with their signature all-mountain trips, they have launched two DH trips in 2006: Alpenrock I and II. Guiding these trips are pro riders Wade Simmons, Dave Watson and Joe Schwartz and a host of local Swiss rippers. Ride with some of the best pros around and get tips from them. Rip some of the Alp’s best descents and come home to beautiful hotels and meals. Hands down: the ultimate. It’s on.

Contact Big Mountain Bike Adventures at www.ridebig.com