Today I'm finally going on a mountain bike tour again. My destination is the well-maintained and completely legal trail across the Hoheward spoil heap. The cross-country track, now in its third season, is short at 6,36 kilometers and with around 140 meters of elevation gain, but it's quite challenging.

To warm up, I first start the tour on the UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein In Essen. There are plenty of parking spaces there, and I cruise leisurely along railway lines past the legendary Erzbahnbude (a former railway café), over the Grimberger Sichel (a narrow path), to the Zeche Ewald coal mine in Herten. Just under an hour, and my muscles are perfectly warmed up.

Legal mountain bike trail on the Hoheward spoil tip

At the base of the slag heap, an information board prepares bikers for the tour. The trail is reserved exclusively for mountain bikers; pedestrians should not get in their way. Furthermore, the route is designed as a one-way system, so you can enjoy the descents without worry. An overview map helps with general orientation.
The route is supposed to be fully signposted. Unfortunately, some opponents of cycling are resisting this with considerable vandalism. Signs are being removed, in extreme cases even dismantled and incorrectly repositioned, so that cyclists unfamiliar with the area can easily end up in oncoming traffic. Fortunately, the volunteer helpers of RC Buer/Westerholt 1982 eV take care of route maintenance and the swift correction of the malicious and dangerous actions of a few stubborn individuals.

The start: completely relaxed

I take another deep swig from my water bottle, then hop on my bike and hit the trail. It starts off gently level at the parking lot. Then comes the first ramp leading up to the next platform. The Hoheward spoil tip has many terraced circular paths, and the trail runs between these terraces – sometimes uphill, sometimes downhill. The intersections with other paths are always designed so that we bikers approach them gradually, thus avoiding conflicts. Signs indicate that pedestrians are not allowed on this trail and should use other routes.

There are no elevation changes in the Ruhr area?

After the first ramp, the trail veers left onto one of these terraces. A short breather, because the next ramp, considerably steeper and strewn with rocks, quickly follows. I'm sure that, at this point, bikers unfamiliar with the area will be surprised by the amount of elevation gain hidden in the Ruhr region. I have to admit, I've been fitter, and my breathing is getting heavier. Luckily, a longer, almost level stretch follows. A beautiful singletrack with some nice curves!

Downhill cornering fun

After a short climb, the first descent begins. The excitement of biking grows, and the euphoria intensifies. Naturally, every meter of elevation gained needs to be climbed back up immediately. You quickly regain altitude and reach a terrace that initially runs flat and very gently around the Hoheward spoil heap. Perfect for catching your breath. Because what follows is probably the most challenging section: a fast descent with several berms and small jumps. Wow – I'm thrilled!

Summit experience with panoramic views

The route continues rather uneventfully around the slag heap. Memories of the winding roads I just experienced flood my mind. Since we're quite low again, a longer climb now follows, leading up to the plateau. I have to ride the last few meters on asphalt, but I can already enjoy the fantastic panorama over the central Ruhr region.

Having reached the highest point, I take a deep swig from my bottle. Of course, a summit photo is a must on any "mountain tour".

Downhill through the mountain forest

From here on, it's all downhill. A beautiful, easy-to-ride trail leads me down, my pace picks up, and a few small jumps bring a broad smile to my face. After crossing the road (be careful: some cyclists like to test their personal speed limit on the asphalt here!), it gets more challenging again. I reach the tree line and ride the last few meters of descent on a fantastic trail through the forest. Finally, I reach a bike and hiking path that takes me back to my starting point.

I treat myself to the ride up the Hoheward spoil tip a second time, because it gets better with every ride. Luckily, there's an ice cream truck at the bottom, offering the perfect refreshment. Afterwards, it's a relaxed ride back to Zollverein. During the leisurely ride, my thoughts keep drifting back to the winding paradise of Hoheward, and I'm already mentally planning my next ride.