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40 CYCLE SPORTSCYCLE SPORTS 41LADIES' CAMP AT ITS FINESTFemale mountain bikers have their own pace and spirit. At the unique Bike & Yoga Camp in Längenfeld they areguided by a Transalp Challenge winner and a certified yoga teacher: great inspiration and loads of fun are onthe program.Text: Nadine KühnMountain biking at a leisurely pace,pedaling past verdant meadows,ringing cow bells and picturesquelittle villages. It's an easy strollfrom Längenfeld towards the hamlet of Winklen.We have plenty of time and enjoy pedalingside by side. While chatting the time away,we reach the first moderate ascent leading upto scenic Wurzbergalm. "Shift down in time andpedal steadily", recommends Karen Eller (44).Our female coach is a three-time winner ofthe hardest mountain bike stage race in theworld – the feared Transalp Challenge. The participantsof the Bike and Yoga Camp for Womenadmire Karen, they appreciate her uncomplicatedstyle and highly motivated attitude. Mostof the "camp ladies" have quite ambitious planslike an Alpine crossing. But no one has alreadyparticipated in races or real competitions.Quickly they are heading towards the mountains.In Karen's opinion too quick, urging themto be careful: "Slower, much slower! Shift downto gear two, then you have still one lower gearif you can't handle it anymore." Like a herdingdog she keeps her group together. She takesa look at the bikers in front, but she also caresabout the last one in the group. The weakerones need her help: "You have twenty or thirtygears, just perfect for conquering the mountainsat a very slow pace."Group lessons for female mountainbikers enhance both their self-confidenceand team spirit at the same time.Suddenly a cracking sound. One of the bikechains was just hanging there. "Normally myhusband repairs it", says one of the sportswomen.Karen knows exactly what to do: "Mostwomen try mountain biking because theirpartner is a passionate bicycle fan, too." Andthe male biking enthusiasts also take care ofall technical repairs. Karen always starts hermountain biking day with a short theory lessonfor women who are not used to a bike's technicaldetails. Here you can also learn how to fixor change the bicycle gearing system, the handlebarsor the wheels for transport reasons.After repairing the bicycle chain, they continueon the winding road up to scenic Wurzbergalm.The fastest bikers are already there,the slower ones still fight against the slopeand their own physical shape. Of course it'sallowed to push the bike if you are out ofbreathe. Finally on top, all biking ladies receivea great applause.Mountain biking in the surroundings of LängenfeldIt's time for a short rest stop amid the stunningAlpine scenery, just in time before the reallychallenging part of the route starts. Karenreminds: "Always remember that you shouldmove your body and legs constantly. Simplyuse the forefinger for braking, if not you couldbe thrown off your bike quickly when passinga pothole."Karen checks the descending forest trail."Look ahead and don't take the corners toofast!" All women are standing upright, balancingthe bicycles in the right way. On a short,level track Karen asks: "Is everyone okay?" Teamspirit is one of the most important facts amongwomen. Nobody conquers the mountain alone,there is always someone "standing" behind you.Daily yoga lessonsheld at the Wellness Hotel help tokeep body and mind in balance.The fun-filled tour ends at lovely NaturhotelWaldklause in Unterlängenfeld. Awarded "Europe'smost beautiful Eco-Hotel" several times,this design and wellness lodging offers a reallyperfect backdrop for the Ladies' Bike and YogaCamp. Stylish architecture, solid wooden furniture,design elements made of glass and stoneprovide this very special home-away-fromhomefeeling. At the end of the instruction day,part two is on the program: yoga lessons.Yoga, but why? "Biking stands for effort andexercise, yoga promises relaxation, stretchingstiff muscles. Furthermore yoga enhances yourbody consciousness", explains Karen. Barbara,the yoga teacher, agrees with her: "Many activitiesare one-sided and you need to balancethem out."She starts the lesson quietly, but with a tremendouspersonal energy. "Yoga means doing",says Barbara. She welcomes her group, leavingenough time to settle. Among the first exercisesare the typical "salutation to the sun", "cobra"or "tree" poses. They require a maximum ofconcentration and exact moves. Barbara standsup and takes a look at everyone, giving usefuladvice.A relaxation unit signs the end of the lesson.Peace and quiet. Did they already fall asleep?No, not at all! At the sound of the gong theyfeel revitalized, in a good mood. Plans aremade for the next mountain bike day: demandingascents, steep turns and technique trainingawait them.InfoBike & Yoga CampsDetails, dates and booking:www.dierasenmaeher.de