Three years ago, Manuel Rauch founded the Schiesskanal association with a few fellow campaigners. The idea was to create a dirt park for mountain bikers on the site of the old shooting range in Hinterkappelen, located in the industrial zone. Over the course of two years, a respectable facility was created on the fallow, slightly sloping site. The only thing missing was the necessary permits from the municipality of Wohlen.

So Manuel Rauch turned to the Bernese association Trailnet, which already had experience in obtaining the necessary permits for mountain bike trails and dealing with the authorities. As a result, the approval process went smoothly and the final expansion of the "Dirtpark Schiesskanal" can begin this spring. A plot of land 123 meters long and 14 meters wide is available for this purpose.The concept envisages a varied park that can be ridden by all age groups: Thanks to various mounds and wooden ramps, there are various opportunities for big jumps for experts, while beginners can try their hand at the smaller bumps. Or on the Pump Track: a short, undulating circuit with tight banked turns where you can accelerate without pedaling and only by cleverly shifting your weight. If everything goes as planned, the "Dirtpark Schiesskanal" will open in late summer.

Source: Trailnet press release, www.trailnet.ch