We are transported comfortably by lift to just below the top of the Cir. Roll in for another 100 metres and finally we're in the middle of the trail fun. What looked fun from a distance turns out to be just that. The Cir Trail singletrail is ...

• a wild twisty ride
• with numerous waves, berms and a few jumps
• doesn't just run along a ski slope, but utilises the surroundings
• disappears again and again behind massive rocks
• surprises in the middle section with a few tables that provide plenty of airtime

Our first ride on the Cir Trail is still a cautious one. After all, our eyes can't quite take their eyes off the amazing panorama. And so we need 2-3 rides to really be able to fully focus on the trail - and even then we have to stop every now and then to satisfy our amazement.

"Following the line of the mountain, these paths have been laid underground."

Coffee, wine & bike enjoyment

During the second espresso break of the day, our MTB guide tells us a little about his exciting dual job - bike guide and sommelier: in winter he works in the catering industry and in summer he offers wine tasting tours. American guests in particular take advantage of this offer, he says.

The Cir Trail is one of two trails that await us bikers below the Cir peaks. An additional flow trail runs under the Dantercepies railway in the direction of Wolkenstein. Both trails show the craftsmanship of their builders. Following the line of the mountain, these trails were laid into the ground. The end of our trail day in Val Gardena is also characterised by craftsmanship: our guide takes us to St. Christina, where Eguia beer has been brewed since 2016. The Eguia Craft Brewery Val Gardena Dolomites wanted to remain true to Ladin tradition and culture, and so the craft beer was named after the golden eagle. After all, this powerful animal, which symbolises freedom, circles high above the Val Gardena valley.

With this image in mind, we sit for a long time and talk about enjoyment, about beer and wine, about biking in Val Gardena/Gröden and, above all, about the feeling of freedom that we also seek here. Floating along on the trail. Bend after bend after bend...