FiveTen sends our winner to MountainBIKE Women's Camp

Finally, the day was there. I had all my things packed and ready to go and Julia came by and picked me up in Munich on her way down south to Vinschgau, Italy. Together on the road, around 46 miles (75 km) south of Munich, we passed by the “Walchensee”, one of the largest Alpine lakes in Germany. Then on through Austria and up to the “Reschensee” in the western part of South Tyrol.

We arrived just in time: Campo di Sportivo in Latsch.

The first impression was incredible. Hidden behind a gym, a whole world of possibilities opened up. Exhibitor tents with bikes from Canyon, Liv, Ghost, Cube and Focus. Five Ten was also there to showcase their shoes. The best thing of all; it was all there, just waiting for us to test it.

Some of us had a long trip getting there, so the motto of the day was: take it easy. We started with a short ride after we were divided into groups of different skill levels. This way fun was guaranteed. We took a gravel path up to the “Montani-Trail” and a few switchbacks later we reached our final destination, the iconic Obermontani castle ruins.   

After we got back from our first ride and before taking a shower, there was enough time for a small bike fitting by Ergon.

With a trained eye, the Ergon ladies recognized that Julia’s handlebar was too high and the saddle to far back. For a more efficient riding position, they removed a spacer from the stem and the saddle was moved 0.5 cm forward.

Later on, we all came together for dinner. Pizza time with exhibitors
and the pros Antja Kramer and Ludi Scholz.

On Friday, we had the possibility to choose between a ride or skills clinic. I decided to take part in the skills clinic. Lisa from Cube and Martin, a guest instructor from Germany, showed us how to improve our brake and balancing skills. Afterwards, we rode down to a small bike park in nearby Tarsch. It took a while to get the hang of it, but after every curve it felt better and better. Downhill here we come, taking fast curves and drops. In the end, we all had a big smile on our face.

After lunch, the Trailzauber or Magic Trail was on our agenda. Trailzauber is really magic as it is a perfect trail. An 18 km or 11 mile ride on multiple tracks for different skill levels that all lead to the castle ruins we visited the day before. We started with a drop down a stone step, then going up root covered singletrack, followed by quick changes between short climbs and moderate descents. I repeatedly called on the skills we learned in the morning. Then all of the sudden every one stopped, a flat. Of course we knew what to do and in a flash the tube was changed and the bike ready to go again. (Thanks Julia, you were great!)

To the end, we took some tricky switchbacks before getting on a forest road leading us back to the camp.

Then it happened, I crashed. Unfortunately, the fall was so bad that I could not continue my ride.

I spent the following day enjoying the great weather and visiting the exhibitors while I recovered from my fall. They were helpful and always up for a joke. I had some good conversations with interesting people and learned a lot. Overall, I had a great day.

Julia was in the level 4 group. This group left with the guides Jürgen and the two Tinas from Ghost. They took a lift up to the “Sonnenhang” and they came back down to the camp, riding some of the Tschilli und Montesole trails. Julia said it was fantastic.

For dinner, we went to a restaurant called “Bierkeller”, a German style beer hall. A very characteristic restaurant situated in the middle of a forest with, for this area, typical grilled food. A good tip for hikers and bikers, for a break or a good dinner, no matter what your heart desires, here you can get it. Good food, great drinks in a restaurant that almost feels like home.

After breakfast, we took a last short ride up to an outlook called the “Areal”. From here, we had a wonderful view over Latsch. It was time to say “Servus” (good bye) after an MTB adventure.

Everything packed again, we started the trip back over the Rechenpass, up north past the Walchensee, going back home!

I had an awesome time. I meet new and very interesting people. I learned a lot of new things and thanks to my crash, I even got a new helmet.

Thank you so very much, Julia and the bike-components team for this great opportunity. A special thanks to Ulf and the rest of the guys from the Five Ten team.