Spectrum: The firm hand of winter has gripped us and won't let go anytime soon. The passion to go cycling out in nature freezes to a pillar of ice. Tired of the cold, the dark and the snow-covered trails, it's hard to decide to get off the couch and move outside despite the circumstances.
The answer to sedentary life comes in spring, like a boxer's hard right. Tough and merciless. After a few meters on the trail, you're panting and rattling from exhaustion. Every key point becomes a major challenge.
It doesn't have to be, because there is a workaround. Not far from Aachen, in the border area between Belgium and Germany, in the Dutch city of Sittard / Limburg, the indoor BMX / MTB park "Wood2" opened its doors 15 years ago. In a former industrial area, quite centrally located, the makers Jaap and Marc have fulfilled their bike hall dream. Both are crazy mountain bikers who wanted to bring mountain bikers and BMXers together under one roof away from the rain, snow and mud.
Wood66 has found its home at Nusterweg 2 / Sittard, in 6500 old industrial halls, with an area of 15 square meters. One of the highlights of the hall is that XC to enduro mountain bikers, but also BMX racers and dirt riders can have fun at every level. Even a technique line for cyclocross technique training was thought of.
99% of the materials used are made of wood and existing and used building materials are used whenever possible. They only use wood with the FSC mark from natural products produced by fair trade.
Wood15 offers various areas with a wide range of routes where you can let off steam perfectly. The XC to Enduro mountain bike areas have 3 levels of difficulty. Arrows of different colors indicate the differences: green (beginner), blue (intermediate) and red (expert). The routes are all closed as circuits. The creators have really come up with something. You change to different levels and, depending on the difficulty, there are obstacles that have to be overcome.
The BMX race and dirt area consists of a dirt line (black arrows), also with different obstacles and a large banked curve, which is also very suitable for racing. If necessary, the Random BmxGate of the hall can be used.
In addition to these routes, there is also a small jump area and there are always two pump tracks available. Those who want to improve their flying tricks can use the schnitzel pit in the rear part of the hall.
The skill area is a special feature. Based on a trail course, there are 3 different routes with different levels of difficulty. The area is accessible for every level of rider, from beginner to world champion and from XC to enduro. But be careful, the black line is really tricky to drive.
Interview with the two makers Marc Trines and Jaap van Hoof
How long did it take to finish Wood 15?
Our idea came in 2013, with all the planning it took 7 months to prepare the hall and build the lines.
Our grand opening on November 14, 2014 was a little over 2 years ago
What is the idea behind Wood15?
We wanted to create a place where we can do basic work for the BMX and mountain bike sports. But we didn't want to exclude anyone and give everyone and every level the opportunity to ride in a hall, especially in bad weather.
How many visitors come on average?
Not enough, please guys come and ride with us. We are pioneers for MTB and BMX indoor gyms and the first 2 years were really tough. But things are slowly improving.
You still have a lot of space in the hall, what are the next projects to expand the hall?
Other smaller objects for scooters are to be built, a skate park is being planned and we are currently discussing whether we should build a dirt line outside around the hall. I hope that the flowline in the skill area in the second hall will be extended.
Wood15 still has two special features. For one thing, the toilets are very well maintained, clean and cleaned often. On the other hand, the bar area offers a successful ambience with a balanced menu, various drinks and a good coffee. Everything is tastefully furnished and the waiting time for partners, caregivers and relatives will fly by.
Wood15 is simply great in every respect. Located in the heart of Europe, the owners have created an indoor bike hall that is perfect with its cross-discipline approach to cycling. Rarely does it offer the opportunity to get in touch with other drivers and ride together. The hall itself is so spacious that even more than 150 drivers can stay in it without it getting cramped. The construction of the entire facility, as well as the individual obstacles, suggests a very good builder, so that the beginner does not feel overwhelmed and the pro rider finds real challenges. As a round thing, the attached gastronomy offers a great opportunity to relax and to draw new strength for the next effort.
For current opening times and prices, please see the website www.wood15.eu .
Text by Matthew Faber