But it's not just the infrastructure that makes the Main so attractive. Whether you start in Mainz or at one of the two sources of the Main, variety is guaranteed. Not only does the direction of the cycle route change frequently, but so does the landscape.
Character:
The entire route from the sources to the estuary covers around 530 km and is well signposted, mostly on dedicated, car-free cycle paths along the banks of the Main or quiet country roads, rarely on unpaved or busy sections. The Main Cycle Route is also suitable for families with children along the entire route.
Best time to travel:
Beginning of May to beginning of October
Journey:
Good starting and finishing stations are Mainz and Bayreuth, for example. There are parallel railway lines along the Main, so you can always change trains. Exceptions: between Schweinfurt and Marktbreit and between Lohr and Wertheim. From the end of April to the beginning of October, the RadwanderExpress runs at weekends and on public holidays along the Main cycle path with free bike transport.
Bike shops:
There are bike workshops and bike hire shops in all the larger towns along the Main.
Bike hotels:
There is a wide range of accommodation on offer, including campsites, especially in the wine-growing regions. However, it is advisable to book well in advance for the height of summer and the greater Frankfurt area.
Organiser:
Maps/literature:
bikeline "Main-Radweg - Von Bayreuth nach Mainz", cycle tour book and map 1:75,000, 160 p., 12.40 euros. Kompass cycling map 149 "Main-Radweg" 1:125,000, 4.95 euros. Bruckmanns cycle guide "Main-Radweg", 192 p., 14.95 euros.
Information (general):
Franconian Tourism Association, Wilhelminenstr. 6, 90461 Nuremberg, Tel. 0911/94151-0, Fax 0911/94151-10, http://www.frankentourismus.de (sends out brochure "Main Cycle Route Service Booklet")
