In our summer series 'Met Rik op Reis', we take Rik de Voogd us on his summer adventures across Europe. Earlier, we posted about his meet-ups in Baden Wurttemberg and in Hesse. Now we take you, deeper into Germany, to the state of Bayern. Best known to many for Oktoberfest and the Munich football club of the same name. For the seasoned cycling fanatic, though, there are familiar spots, such as the region around the Nationalpark Berchtesgaden, where, for example, you can drive yourself all the way up the Rossfeld climb into park mode. Event fans will also know the region well, as, for example, the Rosenheimer Radmarathon is a fun one to pick up. Wonderful tips for cycling in Germany. Anway, enjoy!
Bayern
After my earlier stops, I drove on to Bavaria. For me, this trip felt like 'life': making plans based on beautiful dreams and adjusting them when (weather) conditions demand it. Why, you may ask? The initial plan was to make two stops in Germany and then drive on to Austria. Weather forecasts threw a spanner in the works. The forecast in Austria for the next few days was very poor. Initially, I was supposed to take my friend Ben in Nuremberg on the way back. We were soon out. I would come straight his way and we would go cycling if the weather permitted.
Fürth
After leaving Heilbronn behind, I drive on to Nuremberg in a dash, drop off my things at my hotel and jump on my bike to see Ben's new house in Furth. He has just moved, hence. From here we leave for a ride to explore the area. Despite the threatening, dark skies, we think we can just about keep it dry. Perhaps it is the stress about the weather that makes us keep a brisk pace. It also gets darker and darker.
Beautiful region
I actually liked and like this region very much. A bit less hilly. The climbs there are short but also quite steep. To the north, you can ride nicely along the Regnitz river. By the way, there is also a kind of Amsterdam Rhine Canal along there, which makes it just a little less so. The roads there, as in Hesse and Baden-Württemberg, are nice and quiet. I really didn't expect that.
In hindsight, we had left 10 minutes too late, as the last few kilometres are wet after all. That should not spoil the fun and with a satisfied feeling I check back into my hotel.
Easy spin
As the bad weather from the Alps also seems to have settled in Germany, we head out the next day for a short tour. The route goes east this time, but not too crazy. We take it easy, shoot a lot of pictures and the highlight of the day is a coffee stop at Kaffeesurium. Happy days.
Bavarian Forest
For our last ride together, Ben had the idea of going to the Bavarian Forest. This region is totally unknown to me and I don't really know what to expect from it. Eventually, we get into the car together and drive towards the border with Czech Republic. Apart from the wet conditions, for which we were totally unprepared, this is another epic ride! The lap we chose contains three climbs with more than 1,000 altimeters. There was not a single flat metre in sight.
The views in this region are truly stunning. This region, which is also partly in the Czech Republic, contains so much beautiful nature. It is forested and therefore very green! The reason it is so green soon becomes clear to us, because on top of the first summit we are treated to rain and wet roads.
Soaking wet, we descend from the Czech Republic to Germany. This is quite tricky (and cold) and in the end it takes a while before we warm up again and find dry roads. Our second ascent, again in Germany, is also on wet roads, both the ascent and the descent.
Fortunately, the sun comes through for the last 30 kilometres. This makes for great images and views with beautiful light. On the last climb of the day, towards Arber (the highest mountain in the region, also called the King of the Bavarian Forest), I squeeze out everything I have left in me. It is definitely the most beautiful climb of the day.
In the end, this Crossing Germany series, with stops in Hesse, Baden-Wurttemberg and the last one in Bayern a great experience. Thanks also to everyone who went out with me. Next stop: Tuscany!
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