Welcome Innsbruck - SOMMER || SUMMER 2015

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WELCOME || 51
++ EISGROTTE: Ein Rundgang durch die Eisgrotte informiert über
Gletscherphänomene
++ Gipfelplattform TOP OF TYROL
++ KAPELLE SCHAUFELJOCH
++ DIE JOCHDOHLEdas höchstgelegeneBergrestaurantÖsterreichs
++ ICE GROTTO: A tour through the ice grotto informs
about glacier phenomena
++ TOP OF TYROL summit platform
++ CHAPEL SCHAUFELJOCH
++ THE JOCHDOHLE Austria’s highest mountain restaurant
Mutterberg 2 · 6167 Neustift · Österreich · Tel. 0043 5226 8141 ·
EISGROTTE
FASZINATION
GLETSCHER
KINDER
UNTER10
JAHRENFREI*FREESKIPASSFORALL
UNDER10S*
* in Begleitung eines zahlenden Elternteils //
when accompanied by a full-paying parent
able to ride her bike every day, she lives at her boyfriend’s in Colora-
do during our winter and during summer she lives here in Innsbruck.
Injured and rescued
“Biking to me means freedom, joy, effort and also risk,” so Ludi. Down-
hill is exhausting: “After a trail your hands hurt”. Downhill is dangerous:
“Only nutters ride without protective wear.” Now one would think –
downhill is only for courageous men. Nevertheless, a tender woman
hides under the helmet. But Ludi has also made her bad experiences:
Biking has forced her to her knees – literally. But it has also helped
her out: “I had to train my shattered knee; Enduro was my salvation,
because pedalling means training for the knee.” I look a bit stunned
and Ludi adds: “Enduro bikers first pedal up the hill and then they
go down. Mostly downhiller prefer going up with the lift and then to
speed down. Both things are possible in Innsbruck.”
Bike.Confession
Mountain bikers and downhillers characterize the image of the town:
They can be seen everywhere; in the mornings, at lunch time, after
work. “I am particularly impressed by the older men who pedal so
much faster than I do. This exists only in Innsbruck. But at least I am
faster going down,” grins Ludi. Plus: Innsbruck and biking belongs to-
gether like dumplings and sauerkraut. “We are a world city, we are
a sport city, we are biking – no matter whether Enduro, downhill or
other bike riders.” And such amazing events like the Nordkette Down-
hill .Pro can’t be found anywhere else. Innsbruck should be called
Bike-bruck.
Who dominates the Nordkette?
The Nordkette Downhill .Pro is an exciting event that brings us the
sport nearer and shows us, how popular downhill has become in Inns-
bruck,” so Ludi. Start is on the Seegrube, finish on the Hungerburg.
“The bike track is extremely challenging and even pros have to per-
severe. Nothing for beginners, but still a flagship of the city!” Every ye-
ar locals compete against World Cup pros and take on the challenges.
The answer to the question ‘Who dominates the Nordkette?’, has al-
ways been quite an excitement. “Sometimes I have the feeling that the
Nordkette is the one that dominates the bikers.” Even more important
than competition is socializing: “After the training we all sit around the
fire and the beginners go for a beer with the pros. That’s always fun
and brings people together. Innsbruck is a sociable place.” Innsbruck –
Colorado: This story is the result of a skype conversation with Ludi.
She said good bye saying: “Say hello to my home town.” Melancholy in
the eyes, desire in the voice. ||