Fulpmes, Nr Innsbruck, Austria

4 August 2014

Fulpmes and Medraz

Yes I know, its been a long time since I wrote my last post. Much has happened in that time. Yes, the Tour de France is over and the Commonwealth Games are still running, but I have to say that I've been so busy since my arrival here in my little village of Medraz on the 13th July that I've barely noticed the weeks fly.  

So, where is Medraz you ask? Well, its about 20km South of Innsbruck in the Stubaital region of the Tirol and it's closest village just 2km away is the all year round resort village of Fulmes. 




 

This area here would be described geographically as Middle Tirol. Its not quite the South and its not quite the North. It's Stubaital and where Tal means valley, the Stubai runs along the Roetz river 40km to the Stubai glacier at its southern point. 

Pinnistal Alm

 Outside of work, time here has predominantly been spent in the saddle exploring the area which you can see through some of these photos. For those perhaps interested in both winter as well as summer, you can find a good overview in the regional tourist pages at: www.stubai.at/en


 
 
This is without a doubt a mountain bikers paradise and all are well catered for with detailed maps, well-signposted trails and plenty of refreshment stops to replenish the legs and the stomach!

There are trails in the area for all, but be warned, they all go up, and I mean up. In fact, some sections are so steep - 49.8% gradient - that to cycle up them is an impossibility - for me anyway. 

 
In fact, I struggle keeping the front wheel to the ground when the gradient on any trail and surface exceeds about 25%. Talking of gradients, I think I'll be putting up a video post here soon of me trying to tackle a plus 40% gradient and rolling off to the side (well, its better than going arse backwards I suppose)! 

This way to the Galt-cafe!!

That said, whether cycling, pushing or even carrying the bike, every trail has its own beauty, be it rough rock, Alpine forest or rolling meadows from which emerge the constant tinkling of cow bells creating a sort of 'sound of music' quality to each ride and providing a meditative musical accompaniment to help riders take the mind off the severity of the ride.  

Maria Waldrast Monastery

The scenery from the high point of each trail is literally breathtaking. Another particular high point (pardon the pun) was the Alpine flower trail reached by cable car from Fulpmes (Schlick 2000). Taking a walk at 1700m high above Fulpmes and experiencing life in bloom in the Alpine meadows of Tirol was truly awe-inspiring.

Maria Waldrast Church

While I've been on many rides, thus far I've especially enjoyed the red trail ride (middle difficulty level) to the Maria Waldrast monastery (Servite order founded in 1233) located at 1638m above sea level making it also one of the highest monasteries in Europe.  This takes the rider to the highest place of pilgrimage in Europe. 





With its stunning location, healing waters and beautiful church, it is easy to understand why for centuries it has been a popular pilgrimage stopping point. The monastery can be reached by car from the Metrai side of the valley or on foot or by bike (that's me) from the other.

To the wolfs den

The coming weeks will hopefully reveal a more settled drier weather providing exactly the sort of conditions that will be conducive to getting out and about even more so in the remaining time I have here. And for those interested, yes, I still have a trip lined up to the Wolf Science Centre in Ernstbrunn - That will take place toward the latter part of my stay. OK, until next time....Pfiat'eich!