Cycling fanatic and guest blogger for our platform Rik de Voogd (also follow him on instagram) is a well-known adventurer. Meanwhile, he cycles almost professionally. He spent a summer travelling through Germany and Italy Also, he was already with Ruben Hoogland in the beautiful Wadden Region in the northern Netherlands. This is one of the first in a series of stories and routes that go Cross Germany. Today it is the turn of the state of Hesse. With a route starting just outside metropolis Frankfurt, it is highly recommended for anyone looking for something closer to home.
Text and photos: Rik de Voogd
Instagram as a connection tool
A few weeks ago, I looked up some guests I met through Instagram. Some of them I had never met in person. Even though Instagram is mostly about 'online', I would like to expand these friendships 'offline' as well. This can be done by cycling together. Because they show me their surroundings. It's something I already do very often in the Netherlands. But now I also feel the incredible urge to do it abroad. So there I go. Towards Germany. That never disappoints.
It's just so relaxing to spend time with these happy people. To cycle together, to talk about the most random things together. To explore environments together that I am totally unfamiliar with. Just to enjoy that moment. For me, that is the pinnacle of cycling. That this is possible despite setbacks in life, or despite the language barrier. That makes it fantastic
Hesse
Hesse is a federal state in western Germany. Its best-known cities are Frankfurt and Mainz. Frankfurt is a metropolis, which also hosts Eurobike, a big bike show, every year. I met up with the three locals Duc, Etienne and Laurin. They live in and around Wiesbaden, so it makes sense to book a hotel there as well.
In Germany, you can easily find cycle-friendly accommodation through the bett+bike initiative. You will find more tips on cycle accommodation and labels in our special article about it
We meet at the local bakery in Wiesbaden. First Duc, then the others. Coffee and cycling are so intertwined. So first a pre-ride coffee and something that must be dessert after breakfast. Bakes in Germany are hard to describe, but they have one thing in common: they are delicious. After our fuel-up, we meet Etienne and Laurin on the outskirts of Wiesbaden. For the next five minutes, the three locals communicate in German. Although I am not completely fluent in the language, my guess is that it is about the possible route options to show me all of this region. I can only wait and the outcome was simple: Taunus Mountains, the scenic route. Let's go.
Well paved
The first thing that strikes me is the quality of the roads. For me, it is completely new that you can find such nice roads in Germany. It is quiet in terms of traffic, well paved and the roads wind nicely up and down hills. I must say that the climbs suit me quite well. It's enjoyment on two wheels. The climbs are a lot longer than those in the Ardennes for example, but much less steep. I really love that. It's hard to pinpoint the highlight of the day. Maybe it's the climb to Pressberg. It could also be the view over the Rhine on the descent to Rüdesheim. It could be the cool stop we make for an espresso with ice cream. I don't know. But why should I compare either. In my experience, you can enjoy most when you appreciate everything. I'm glad I made the choice to travel to Hesse!
Route through Germany - Hesse
Want to relive Rik's route and ride it yourself? Then check out our Komoot collection via the link below.
Read more of Rik's adventures?
For Cycling Destination, Rik made a very cool series with cycling stories in Europe. Among others in Germany, but also in Italy.
Check out all the stories below
- Rik on tour part 1
- Rik on tour Germany part 2
- Germany part 3
- Across Tuscany
- Greece, part 1, 2 and 3
- Dolomites with Ruben
