How safe is downhill biking?
Downhill biking is a comfortable and safe activity when practiced in a bike park setting with rules and regulations. At Sappee Bike Park, the trails are purpose-built for cycling: flow trails are machine-smoothed and shaped (free of roots and big rocks) featuring clear signage, well-maintained lines and regular upkeep, as well as protective padding at potential impact points. Safety is further enhanced by mandatory helmet use, recommended protective gear and the presence of helpful, first-aid-trained staff and bike patrols. By choosing a trail that matches your skill level and riding at a steady pace, downhill biking becomes a very safe and, above all, rewarding sport.
What kind of bike do I need?
You will get the most out of Sappee Bike Park with a full-suspension mountain bike. The amount of suspension isn’t the most critical factor for beginners, so you can get started with your own bike—provided it has hand-operated brakes. In the Trainee Zone, juniors can also start out using a bike with only front suspension and hand brakes. The Bike Park staff are happy to help if you are unsure about your bike’s suitability. You can also rent a safe, well-maintained bike—complete with gear—that is perfectly suited for the terrain.
What equipment do I need?
Wearing a proper helmet is an absolute minimum requirement for riding on the tracks. Riders under the age of 15 are required to wear a full-face helmet. Riders over 15 may choose to wear an open-face helmet at their own discretion; however, for safety reasons, we strongly recommend that everyone always wears a full-face helmet. In addition to a helmet, we strongly recommend using knee pads, as knees almost invariably hit the ground in the event of a fall. Wearing chest and back protection is also recommended to help prevent potential injuries. For downhill riding, we also recommend flat-soled shoes to ensure the best possible pedal grip. You can rent all necessary protective gear at an affordable price from the rental shop (shoes and gloves are not included), and the bike shop offers a range of shoes, gloves, and clothing suitable for the sport.
How do I use the lift?
Sappee Bike Park features a carpet lift, a standard T-bar lift, and an easy-to-use “Easy-Loop” lift designed specifically for bikes. Staff are always on hand at both the bottom and top stations of the lifts, so you don’t need to know everything beforehand. We are happy to help, especially during your first few runs.
Getting on the lift
Carpet lift: a lift resembling a moving walkway in an airport that takes you to the next level.
Dismount your bike for the ascent. Position yourself in the middle of the conveyor so that both you and your bike are fully on the belt.
At the top station, exit by walking your bike off the conveyor.
Before you get on the lift
Lower the saddle as far as possible – this keeps the anchor more stable.
For beginners, the Easy-Loop is recommended; it attaches to the center of the bike’s handlebars.
Staff will handle the attachment of both lift models for you.
There is no rush at the bottom elevator landing – the elevator doesn’t start moving immediately.
T-bar lift:
Hold the tow mechanism with one hand.
Press it lightly “inwards” to keep the handle in place.
Easy-Loop:
You can keep both hands on the handlebar – the Easy-Loop tow mechanism stays attached to the bar on its own.
Getting off the lift
Wait calmly for the lift to pull the bike over the hump on the upper platform and for the lift to loosen up.
T-bar: calmly pull the bar away from the back of your bike and toss it to the side.
Easy-Loop: pull the loop towards yourself and toss it up and to the side.
Nervous about using the lift?
That’s completely normal – we all felt nervous at first.
If using the lift feels scary or you have any concerns:
* Please don’t hesitate to let the staff know.
* We are happy to guide you and, if necessary, slow down or stop the lift.
You can borrow a Shotgun tow rope from the rental shop, it is particularly suitable for:
* Younger riders
* Riding with an adult
* Staff will provide instructions on how to use the tow rope.
I have little to no experience riding in a Bike Park. What should I keep in mind, and which trail should I start with?
Getting started with downhill biking is simpler than you might imagine. Images of riding through dense forest over rocks and roots don’t reflect the whole picture (though such trails do exist at Sappee for avid enthusiasts). For beginners, Sappee offers machine-built, smooth green “Flow” trails that make it easy to get started. Sappee Bike Park’s trails are color-coded according to difficulty level;
* Green tracks are suitable for beginners and the youngest family members.
* Blue tracks are for slightly more advanced riders.
* Red and black tracks are for active enthusiasts.
We recommend that first-timers, riders with limited experience and young children start in the Trainee Zone. It is a great environment to get a feel for downhill biking, and you can easily get back up using the carpet lift. Once you have gained confidence and a feel for riding in the Trainee Zone, the easiest and definitely most fun trail to try next is the green Flow trail Icebreaker. This trail, which runs all the way down to the Easyloop/t-bar lift, features easy-to-handle turns and — towards the end — tabletop jumps suitable for beginners (which can be rolled over or bypassed entirely if you prefer). In general, we recommend mastering the easiest trails before moving on to more difficult ones. Also, remember to always familiarize yourself thoroughly with the trail during your first few runs before picking up speed.
Before heading to the tracks, it is a good idea to check the bike’s basic settings. In particular, you should verify that the brakes are working properly. It is advisable to lower the saddle as much as possible; this makes using the lift easier and allows for smoother weight shifting while riding downhill. Downhill riding is always done standing up — positioned over the bottom bracket with your feet on the pedals, legs and arms slightly bent, body relaxed, and eyes looking ahead.
Please also familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of Bike Park services in advance (bikefinland.fi).
To get you started, a private Bike School lesson is always a good idea – you can contact our instructors at pyorakoulu@sappee.fi.
What if I’m slower than others on the tracks?
You only need to focus on your own riding, as Bike Park etiquette dictates that the rider coming from behind yields. According to this etiquette, faster riders who catch up to someone ahead will slow down and give the slower rider the time and space to go first.
Can I come alone?
Of course, you can certainly visit the bike park on your own. Sappee Bike Park has a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere, and it is easy to find riding companions naturally on the tracks, on the lift, or at rest areas. Arriving alone doesn’t mean riding alone; many people meet new people and find company among like-minded enthusiasts.
How does the weather affect riding?
Weather affects trail traction, riding speeds and safety. Conditions are generally best in dry, warm weather. In the rain, tracks can be slippery, requiring greater caution and speed adjustments. Strong winds, thunderstorms or heavy rain may lead to the closure of lifts or tracks for safety reasons. Always check the current conditions before riding and adjust your speed accordingly.