The Stoneman Dolomiti is one of the most beautiful and toughest MTB trails in Europe. If you consider the scenery of the Sesto Dolomites, in which the creator of the trail, the former MTB professional Roland Stauder, laid it, this is certainly not surprising. However, the vision of the South Tyrolean goes beyond the trail that opened in 2010. In total, he plans to create five such trails in Europe. In addition to Italy, Switzerland, France and Spain are also on the agenda. The contract for the first international Stoneman but none of these countries received it, but Germany, more precisely: the Ore Mountains.
"As early as 2012, when I was in Oberwiesenthal for the first time, I fell in love with the idea of realizing the Stoneman here too", Stauder reported to us at the press conference at which the relevant contracts were signed today. "The deep forest, the historically evolved landscape, that's magical and embodies exactly what I have in mind with the Stoneman. The decisive factor in bringing the trail to the Ore Mountains was also the warmth and closeness to nature of the people.”
The Stoneman should offer bikers a sporting challenge and a nature experience in one. You should nature in a double sense erfahren. It was not clear from the outset that the choice fell on the Ore Mountains. The Garmisch-Partenkirchen region, the Black Forest and the Chiemgau also applied for the trail, but only installed the rights holder Stauder once per country. "Of course it's an honor for us and makes the Ore Mountains rise to the league of the world's best MTB regions", the Tourist Association Erzgebirge eV is therefore pleased. In addition, it is hoped that the installation of the trail will increase tourism. The aim is to anchor the region even more firmly in the minds of bikers.
The tourism association will celebrate the opening on May 24th and 25th, 2014 in Oberwiesenthal. Until then, however, there is still a lot to be done. For example, the signage has yet to be completed. Thanks to experienced partners - these include not only the communities through which the trail leads, but also Germany's only trail center on the Rabenberg - this is feasible.
The Stoneman Miriquidi, whose name derives from the original name of the region and its forest occurrence, will lead over 162 kilometers and 4100 meters of altitude through the German-Czech border region. In addition to Oberwiesenthal, stage locations include Annaberg-Buchholz, Johanngeorgenstadt, Abertamy, Jáchymov and Bozí Dar. A trail pass enables interested bikers to complete the trail, which connects the highest elevations of the Ore Mountains, in one, two or three sections throughout the summer and get the coveted one Stoneman- Win a gold, silver, or bronze trophy. The pass will cost 39 euros and is available through the tourist board and those with the Stoneman Miriquidi affiliated facilities available. A website is in the works. As soon as this is available, we will submit the address here.