Biking through the Bingen Wood
The Binger Wald has much to offer bikers from near and far. That is partly due to the unbelievable variations of the cycle-path network, but also because of the sporty challenge which many stretches offer. In addition there is the unique view over the Rhine Valley and, if the weather is favourable, the view of the Hunsrück as far as Eifelhöhen.
Two tours are described on the homepage of the MTB Club “Beinhart” in Ingelheim, and serve as examples.
One of them is a tour for enjoyment, about 38 kilometres long and a well-built forest path up to the Salzkopf. From the highest point in the Binger Wald, 628 metres high, there is an excellent view of the close and distant surroundings. The most beautiful part is still to come: such a tour, which is also suitable for inexperienced bikers, can be combined with a stop at one of the huts serving food and beverages (particularly pleasant for bikers is the Haus Waldfrieden), which serves home-made cake and hearty food. From the start of the tour it is mostly downhill.
For those sporty-type bikers there is a special treat: the so-called Long John Tour, over 50 kilometres long and over 1,500 metres uphill. It is known as the regal part of the Binger Wald. The sometimes steep and strenuous climbs are only suitable for well-trained cyclists. The highlight is the entrance to Hochsteinreich. If the carbohydrate store is empty it can be refilled, for example, at the Emmerichhütte or the biker oasis (Rasthof on the A61 motorway). It is an absolute must for MTB sportspeople.
Please make a note of the Tour code:
The MTB Club (cycling club) Beinhart Ingelheim has always encouraged various groups to be considerate of each other, and has drawn up the 11 golden rules as a tour code, to which all club members are committed to observe. The rules were drawn up in co-operation with the Forstamt (forestry office) in Bingen at various points in the Binger Wald, for example at the Jägerhaus (hunting lodge) and are posted on boards for all users of the wood.
The 11 golden rules for sensible co-operation in the wood
- Never leave the cycling paths, because that will disturb game and destroy vegetation.
- Check your cycle before every tour for defective brakes. Otherwise you will endanger yourself and others.
- Approach pedestrians with caution and make yourself noticeable with a friendly call (ringing bells does not fit in with the wood). When you are noticed cycle past pedestrians slowly. A smile often works wonders. Ignore self-appointed deputy sheriffs and stay cool.
- Pedestrians have the right of way. At narrow points stop and let the pedestrians pass. For many, especially older, pedestrians some things appear threatening, which for us seem perfectly normal and safe.
- Go downhill carefully. It should be possible to stop within half of the visible stretch. In order to protect yourself be cautious – behind every curve there can be a hindrance.
- Avoid nature reserves as far as possible. If you have to go through one, stay quiet and relaxed and take care. Nature reserves are there to protect nature from people. Let us behave as if we were not there.
- Observe stretches which have been blocked off. They mostly make sense.
- Avoid paths where conflict is pre-programmed. It is nonsense to go cycling on Sundays when pedestrians are going for a stroll after a meal. Using a clever tour plan (starting point and course) it is possible to avoid the pedestrian slaloms. If you are in an unknown area, pay attention to signs and instructions in good biker guides.
- Avoid emergency stops. Those promote soil erosion and quickly destroy the path, which also means our sport.
- Leave the wood before sunset. If that is not possible, only cycle on the main paths, otherwise we rob game of the necessary quietness and drive them out of that part of the wood into other less quiet areas, which can lead to overpopulation and to damage to flora through bites due to lack of food. That destroys the natural balance in the wood.
- We take our rubbish home with us. Do not copy the many vandals who leave traces everywhere.