Switzerland is basically downhill heaven for mountain bikers

I have played just about every sport, but nothing has satisfied me more than downhill mountain biking.

Downhill biking is my escape, my weekend, my afternoon, and has been my passion for ten years. I got into downhill mountain biking in British Columbia, Canada. Coming to live in Switzerland four years ago, I was really skeptical about what I would find.

Riding Whistler, The Shore, and just British Columbia in general, I thought my experiences in this sport could not get any better. Was I a bike snob? I had absolutely no idea what to expect the day I rolled out my monster downhill bike on the cobble stone streets of Zurich. When I finally did, I got looks from the general public on my huge spongy bike and it all really worried me.

Had I been so spoiled with all the options I had in Canada? "Why did I come here?" I thought to myself.

Like a grizzly without a stream

Five minutes from my door I could watch black bears wonder past as I would push, ride, pull or drag my big heavy bike to the trail ahead. Paradise lost? I thought so. People really felt sorry for me. Like a grizzly bear without a river to catch salmon, I was a downhill rider without a trail. I knew that trails existed, but where was the information?

I couldn't read German or French. I only knew some of the big cities and some smaller towns. I knew I had to ask, and keep asking anyone who knew anything about these specially made tracks for speeding my bike down. "I know a friend, who has a friend, who has a friend", people would say. I had no idea where I would find those hidden gems like the ones I knew in Canada.

Little did I know, the emeralds I had been riding in Canada so big and precious could be found here in Switzerland.

In fact, the trails I have found here have turned out to be diamonds, and the bears I once worried about were big beautiful cows with great golden bells around their neck. I was getting warmer in my search.

To all the Swiss with great big hearts, who called me on a Saturday morning and sent me maps via email and told me "Be here in 2 hours", I truly, truly thank you. You have saved my life.

There is world class downhill biking in Switzerland

In my past four years, finding trails and bike parks throughout the Swiss Alps has become everything I wait for in a week. I am writing this article to help promote Swiss downhill and freeride for everyone. As well as for all of you who left your home track where you knew every bump, root, stone, tree, jump, drop, bridge, ladder and wall ride.

I want to blow the lid off of the Swiss downhill scene. If I had a bike riding heaven, this would be it. I am going to hit some of my favorite trails this summer and put in my 2 cents. I will add video and any access information so you too can enjoy the mountains and everything Switzerland has to offer its downhillers.

I truly believe Switzerland's mountain bike and freeride scene is on the edge, if not thee worlds greatest and for those looking to pick this sport up, I'm preparing to throw it down for you.