Mountain bike route 10 Oberotterbach (Bad Bergzabern South)

At the beginning, we ride through the small southern Palatinate village of Oberotterbach. The route leisurely winds through vineyards idyllically into the nearby forest. Then it continues uphill with a steep but still well-ridable trail. The route leads us variedly along the forest edge with contact to the vineyards to Schweigen-Rechtenbach. There we ride to the southern beginning of the German Wine Route, the German Wine Gate. Here, we can enjoy not only a break but also a beautiful view over the Rhine plain. Afterwards, we go through a village passage back into the forest, again steep uphill on a trail.

After a short break at a path crossing, then briefly back on a forest road, we turn into the Border Crosser Trail at the Upper Abtskopf. This trail undulates along old border stones right on the border to France. Then it goes rapidly on a wide path and with a small loop above St. Germanshof to the state road. We cross it and follow the forest road. After a short descent, we bike uphill again. This trail extends long, always well rideable and yet very strenuous. The switchbacks at the end might even force us out of the saddle, but then it's done. We cross the so-called Mundart forest and reach the Stone Table. This quirky rock formation offers not only a nice view of the surrounding forests, but the place in front of the rock also invites you to pause.

Now it goes first very technically, then repeatedly flowy downhill on a trail. On a forest road, we turn into a narrow path that offers some tighter curves. After the next climb, we again meet a path junction with a shelter and a World War memorial. Historical mounds and paths, but also thought-provoking plaques, testify to what happened here in the First and Second World Wars. A short constructed trail section with curves and small jumps brings us back into the valley, where we ride over the Hasenberg and vineyards back to Oberotterbach.

OUR SCOUT RULES

"Out of everyday life – into nature!" A few basic rules help make the MTB route a sustainable experience for people and nature.

1. Ride only on permitted paths. According to the Rhineland-Palatinate State Forest Act, cycling on footpaths and hiking trails is not allowed, except the trails on our routes.
2. Leave no traces. Take your trash home and protect our trails through your riding style. Avoid braking with locking tires. Do not shorten switchbacks.
3. Keep your bike under control. Stay in your comfort zone, adjust speed to the situation, you must be able to stop within sight! Do not underestimate the technical and fitness demands of our routes. Inform yourself in advance.
4. Respect other path users. Announce your arrival in good time, preferably with our scout bell! Do not ride on certified hiking trails. Be considerate of paths shared by hikers and mountain bikers. Hikers have the right of way. Let other path users pass.
5. Respect animals in the forest. We move in their habitat. Give them peace and do not disturb them while feeding. Avoid rides at dusk or at night.
6. Do not build illegal trails. Use the existing, approved routes and courses.
7. Be a role model. Show through your behavior how mutual consideration works and that it leads to good coexistence for all forest users. Help by living these rules.

These rules are based on the Trail Rules of the German Initiative Mountainbike (www.dimb.de) and on the campaign #LoveTrailsRespectRules from Bike Magazine.

#WATCHOUT!

The Palatinate Campaign for Consideration and Nature Conservation

You can find all info here: www.pfalz.de/uffbasse