It is a hot, sunny day and the trails are bone-dry. Standing outside the Radisson Blu Hotel, cycling guide Robin von Braun is ready for a ride. He is going to meet two keen mountain bikers who have booked a two-hour tour with Trysilguidene. Steve Glazebrook and Johan Persson are looking forward to covering new ground today.
“Trysil is full of excellent trails, but it can be hard to know where they are”, Johan Persson says. “Trysilguidene know the local terrain inside and out, including the hidden gems. They also know where the conditions are best at the time of the excursion.”
Mountain biking in Trysil.
Photo: Peter Petrowskji
A suitable challenge
After a chat with Steven and Johan, Robin knows which level they’re at and has an idea of what kind of biking experience they are after today. Based on this information, he proposes cycling eastward. They will cross the Trysilelva river and bike through the centre of Trysil. From there, they are going uphill.
“We are going to ride up Bergvegen towards Ås and go around Bjønnåsen, where there’s a great descent with lots of flow that will fit these guys. We can choose to go down along Ljørdalsvegen or Gravavegen. Today, I think that Ljørdalsvegen is our best choice. It is quite technical, which will be a good challenge for them”, Robin concludes.
Improve your technique
Steve and Johan have quite a lot of previous cycling experience. But they are open to suggestions, tips and tricks from the guide – the more they learn, the more fun they will have. Every once in a while they stop, get off their bikes and discuss the terrain.
“We are happy to help our guests develop their technique”, Robin says. “Even small tricks and adjustments can make a big difference. And it’s really useful to stop and assess the terrain, as we are doing today, and go through how to do the perfect jump.”
Mountain biking in Trysil.
Photo: Peter Petrowskji
Back at the hotel, Robin recaps the trip. The guys are happy, but they are far from finished for today. As soon as Robin has pointed out a few more trails on the map, they are back on their bikes and wave goodbye as they’re off on a new MTB adventure.
Robin’s favourite gem in Trysil
From Bjønnåsen and down Sponbergvegen (number 96) to Skumlesvingen (number 84). This trail has a bit of everything. It starts off easy and allows you to work up a lot of flow and speed, and at the end it is very technical. Along the way, you will pass large rocks and roots, and it is pretty steep in places.
Mountain biking in Trysil
Free cycling
Most offers in Trysil bike arena are free of charge and open around the clock.
Season
The high season runs from mid-June to mid-October, but the trails are open as long as the ground is bare.
Lift
Fjellekspressen chairlift is open from mid-June.
Trail grading
Green, blue, red, black
Bike rental
Several bike rentals both in the city centre and near the trail have a wide selection of all types of bikes, including dedicated downhill bikes with all the equipment and safety gear you need, e-bikes, and children’s bikes.
Courses and guiding
Trysilguidene offers lessons and bike guiding for both beginners and experienced mountain bikers.
Plan your trip to Trysil
The trail code
Manners and common sense on the trail
Having great trails to ride on is not a right, but a privilege. The Norwegian organization for mountain biking (NOTS) urges everyone to be considerate of the trails. Here are the most important guidelines for summer trail wit.
1. Be considerate and give way for pedestrians.
2. Limit your speed, don’t be a danger or nuisance to others.
3. Don’t make new trails.
4. Don’t ride on vulnerable trails right after heavy rainfalls.
5. Don’t make the trail wider.
6. Carry your bike through marshlands to prevent deep grooves.
7. Don’t lock the rear wheel when you ride down steep hills.
8. The biker riding uphill has the right of way.
