Travelling by bike - this has been a persistent trend for years. And there are good reasons for this. "Cycle travellers are doing something for their health, are travelling in a climate-friendly way and can keep an eye on their travel budget thanks to the variety of accommodation." This was recently explained by Christian Tänzler, head of tourism at the ADFC, in a major MYBIKE interview. "The 'outdoor experience' is right at the top of the travel interest rankings.
Due to the long-lasting coronavirus pandemic, many people have discovered the bicycle as a new means of transport. And many 'new cyclists' are likely to remain loyal to the bicycle. The growing number of e-bike riders in particular is contributing to this ongoing development. More and more cycling holidaymakers will take trips and tours directly from their front door, especially for a (long) weekend or a short trip," added Tänzler.
Cycle travellers cannot be lumped together
But cycle travellers can be very different when it comes to their wishes and interests and how they put them into practice. Without taking into account the classic road cyclists and mountain bikers - even touring cyclists can hardly be lumped together.
That's why the MYBIKE editors asked themselves the question: Who is travelling by bike, how, where and for how long? What types of cycle travellers are there? The result was four special types. And for each type there were also suitable bike travellers - sometimes travelling alone, sometimes as a couple.
The cycle tour types
- The classic (comfort-oriented) touring cyclist who spends one, maximum two weeks travelling by touring bike or e-bike on river cycle paths and signposted routes. The daily stages cover 40 to 80 kilometres and they often stay overnight in a bed-and-bike hotel. He or she also likes to book packages with cycle tour operators and sometimes cycles with a hire bike and luggage transport.
- The individualist: Plans his or her tour roughly, not yet in fixed daily stages, looks for and books (sometimes very simple) accommodation only from day to day. He or she does not always cycle on cycle paths and is usually travelling for one to four weeks.
- The long-distance cyclist: Takes time out for a tour lasting several weeks or months, sometimes in exotic regions, often spends the night in a tent, has a lot of luggage on a robust bike and possibly in a small trailer.
- The bikepacker: Packs small bags on his gravel bike or mountain bike, rides on dirt tracks and forest trails through local areas (low mountain ranges, Alps, wide forests) or in the Mediterranean region, often spends the night in the open air or in a tent, and finds information mainly online via bikepacking blogs.
In the following, they talk about their fascination with travelling by bike, how they plan and prepare their more or less long tours. They reveal what they absolutely have to pack and how they deal with technical breakdowns when travelling. They also tell us their personal cycle tour recommendation and which dream tour is still at the top of their wish list.
Travelling by bike - The classic touring cyclists
Nadine Pahling and Alex Hüfner
It all started on an old yellow Stevens tandem. After intensive training sessions, they fought their way up to starting block A in everyman races one, two and three. It quickly became clear that bikes are not only fun for racing through cities, but also for exploring the country and its people. Both describe themselves as classic touring cyclists. They usually organise their cycle tours over ten to fourteen days. The stages are clearly defined and the overnight stays are organised in advance. They now really appreciate planning in this way. It allows them to organise activities and explore the area once they arrive at their destination. Inspired by the book "Europe without a plane", they both enjoy travelling around Europe by train and folding bike.
You can read her travelogues and reports at www.alexhuefner.de.
>> Instagram: @alex_huefner
Where we are, there are our bikes.
What fascinates you about travelling by bike?
You record everything unfiltered and in real time. Be it the distance, the weather or even the odours. The bike also allows a greater radius of movement. No stage is the same, it always remains exciting.
How are you preparing physically for the cycle tour (daily cycling, endurance training, etc.)?
As far as possible, we only use bicycles for longer journeys in our everyday lives. When the weather is good, we also saddle up our bikes at the weekend and head out into the countryside.
Where and how do you get information? How do you plan your trip?
We often see exciting reports on TV or read about them in a magazine. This generates interest and often leads to a decision in favour of a destination region. If we then find out that there is a cycle route there, the decision is quickly made. We usually use Booking.com and AirBnB to search for accommodation.
Which bike do you take with you when travelling?
We use our "Bombtrack" gravel bikes on most tours, but we also really appreciate the folding bikes from "Brompton" because of their flexibility when travelling by train.
Do you attach importance to certain technical equipment on the bike?
Our hub dynamos are extremely important. They mean we always have light and enough power to charge our navigation device and mobile phones. We also find detachable handlebar bags for valuables and photo equipment very practical.
What should definitely be in your luggage, what do you always have with you?
Sun protection and sports glasses are a must. We also appreciate our valve adapter for car tyres. It allows us to quickly and easily supply the tyres with air at any petrol station.
What do you do if you break down on the road? Can you repair something yourself?
We always have a multi-tool, spare inner tubes and puncture repair kit on board. We've never been on a tour without punctures. However, this is usually fixed quickly.
Do you have a tour recommendation?
Travelling across the Alps on the old Roman road, the Via Claudia Augusta, is a great experience. However, if you want to try out a combination of modes of transport, we recommend travelling through Europe on a folding bike with an Interrail ticket.
What is your dream destination, your dream tour?
In any case, we are avowed lovers of national and state parks in the USA. There is still a lot for us to see here. But the next exciting project is on our continent. We would like to cycle the Scottish Highlands.
Travelling by bike - The individualist
Alex Theiss
In 2010, his doctor told him: "You need to move more!". He took this to heart and has been cycling to work every day ever since. To avoid arriving at the office sweaty in the morning, he decided to buy an e-bike. One man, one deed. He mounted the e-bike on his touring bike. In the meantime, the beginnings of daily cycling have developed into another passion: Travelling by bike. For each of his tours, he searches specifically for the perfect bike solution and enjoys trying out the ever-growing jungle of e-bikes.
Alex reports on his travel experiences and e-bike technology on his portal www.velostrom.de.
>> Instagram: @velostrom
The e-bike gives me the opportunity to cover long and challenging distances, even if I'm not one hundred per cent fit.
What fascinates you about travelling by bike?
First and foremost, it's the feeling of freedom and independence for me. Being able to set my own pace and take breaks when and where I want. But of course it's also the experience of nature and the encounters. You're constantly learning new things, but that's not all. You also learn a lot about yourself and your own limits.
How do you prepare yourself physically for the cycle tour?
I cycle to the office every day. That's a total of 32 kilometres a day. As soon as I have major travel plans, I prepare for them with tours of over 80 kilometres. In winter, I use my ergometer to keep fit.
Where and how do you get information? How do you plan your trip?
I get my information from the internet and from travel books. As a self-confessed "MYBIKE" reader, I also like to be inspired by travel reports. An existing cycle route is always the basis for my planning in the first step. Then anything can happen on the way. I often customise my route to suit the conditions. I usually choose hotels and accommodation spontaneously and on the spot.
Which bike are you taking with you on your journey?
I'm currently travelling with the "Charger3 GT" model from Riese & Müller.
Do you value certain technical equipment on your bike?
The most important parts on my bike are the pannier rack and the mudguards.
What should always be in your luggage? What do you always have with you?
Clearly, my smartphone. Nothing works without it! For me, it symbolises the Swiss army knife of modern man. When travelling by e-bike, you should also always have your own bike battery charger in your luggage.
What do you do if you break down on the road? Can you repair something yourself?
I always have a selection of tools with me for small repairs. My favourite tool is self-adhesive patches for punctures. It saves me having to use glue, which has always dried up by the time I need it anyway.
Do you have a tour recommendation?
Looking back, one of my favourite tours was cycling the Main Cycle Path, from the source to the mouth. I had many exciting encounters with cycle travellers from all over the world. Not suitable for everyone, but another recommendation is the "Candy B Graveller", a gravel route from Frankfurt to Berlin. The tour is mainly on unpaved roads. If you think you know it all, you'll be proven wrong here, because the perspective changes. That's also what fascinates me so much about travelling by bike.
What is your dream destination, your dream tour?
I hope to fulfil my dream this year. There are 740 kilometres waiting for me, and they will take me along the Danube through Bulgaria to the Black Sea.
Travelling by bike - The long-distance cyclists
Sabine and Uwe Wüppermann
Sabine and Uwe met 18 years ago. They quickly discovered that they shared two great passions: travelling and cycling. They immediately realised that not only they were a perfect match as a duo, but also their hobbies. In 2017, they took a decisive step. They both quit their jobs to dedicate themselves full-time to cycling and travelling. They travelled through Europe and parts of South America, as well as Australia and New Zealand.
The next step followed in 2019, when they decided to give up their home and go travelling the world. But things turned out differently than expected. The start of their tour was planned for 17 March 2020, but all borders were closed on 16 March due to the global situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic at the time. At this point, their belongings were either in storage or had already been sold. They were stuck in Germany for a good two years. Fortunately, everything comes to an end. In April 2022, the time had come. They started their journey around the world in New York City, cycling through the United States from there. They are currently travelling in Mexico.
You can follow the worldwide tour on her travel blog www.glorypedalling.com.
>> Insta: @glorypedalling
We want to travel the whole world!
What fascinates you about cycling holidays?
It is the pleasant speed of travelling. It gives us the opportunity to immerse ourselves much more in everything, to experience everything around us. Be it nature, people, but also a wide variety of situations. You are close to the action. Simply marvellous!
How are you preparing physically for the cycle tour (daily cycling, endurance training, etc.)?
We're always out and about, whether we're cycling, running or hiking. The weather doesn't matter to us! We don't make any special preparations for a trip. We bring a basic level of fitness with us and the rest develops during the tour.
Where and how do you get information? How do you plan your trip?
There is usually not much planning beforehand, just rough ideas. Most things happen on site. We like to be spontaneous and flexible. Tips from locals and other travellers are always gratefully received.
Which bike are you taking with you on your journey?
We are currently out and about on our touring bikes. Uwe rides a Falkenjagd Hoplit, and Sabine cycles with the Idworx AR. Both bikes are stable and robust. Our conclusion: We are absolutely happy with them!
Do you attach importance to certain technical equipment on the bike?
We like belt drive with hub or gear shifting. We have been using our current belts for 30,000 kilometres now. There have been no problems to date.
What should definitely be in your luggage, what do you always have with you?
Folding chairs, rain gear and a Garmin sat nav.
What do you do if you break down on the road? Can you repair something yourself?
We always have the most important spare parts with us. It's up to the man or woman. That actually always works quite well. Otherwise, we believe in the motto "The road always has a solution".
Do you have a tour recommendation?
We have three absolute tips: the Highlands in Scotland, New Zealand's South Island and the "Carretera Austral" in Chile.
What is your dream destination, your dream tour?
There really isn't just one spot or one area. The world is too big and too beautiful for that! But if we had to commit to one statement in the answer, then we would cycle around or across Australia.
Travelling by bike - The bikepacker
Wiebke Lühmann
There were times when Wiebke was all about speed. Only what was on the clock counted. The daily programme included one, if not two, training sessions. Those days are over. Today, the former triathlete only does what she feels like doing when it comes to cycling. A tour through South America sparked her passion for travelling by bike.
Bikepacking gave her a completely different approach to cycling. For her, the experience comes first. She needs that feeling of freedom on her tours. Just being outside, just being in the open air! She only cycles her tours with small luggage. Anything she doesn't need one hundred per cent stays at home. Reducing to the essentials is a conscious decision for her. It's simply part of bikepacking.
Useful tips on bikepacking and travel reports can be found on her website www.packandtri.de
>> Instagram: @wiebkelueh
I leave unnecessary things at home
What fascinates you about travelling by bike?
Independence and light-heartedness are my top priorities. That's what I want to feel when I'm cycling. Simply being able to switch off from everyday obligations and switch off. I like to spend time in the saddle. I enjoy the changing landscapes, taking in every village and every coffee break. I set my own pace and only cycle as far as I like.
How are you preparing yourself physically for the cycle tour (daily cycling, endurance training, etc.)?
I like to ride my bikes a lot, especially my road bike and gravel bike. At the weekend, it's often an "overnighter" (one night, one day there, the next day back, editor's note). I have fun on such tours, I don't need a training plan at the moment.
Where and how do you get information? How do you plan your trip?
I usually use cycle travel blogs as sources of information. However, I often just set off and see what comes along the way. Once you have your fixed equipment together, you don't need to do much preparation.
Which bike are you taking with you on your journey?
My Jena gravel bike from Wilier Triestina. It's a super comfortable but also fast bike. It has already accompanied me on my trip to the North Cape.
Do you value certain technical equipment on your bike?
I'm not set in my ways. For me, it's important that the bike fits my body well, especially in terms of size and saddle.
What should definitely be in your luggage, what do you always have with you?
Cosy pyjamas and a good rain jacket.
What do you do if you break down on the road? Can you repair something yourself?
I know how to help myself with small things. I can mend a flat tyre and, in theory, I can fix a chain. Breakdowns are just like any other problem in life. There's always a solution!
Do you have a tour recommendation?
The world is simply huge and there is something to see everywhere. For me, however, Bolivia and Norway were absolute highlights.
What is your dream destination, your dream tour?
Maybe it will be my next trip. It is currently being planned. Unfortunately, I can't and don't want to reveal anything about it yet.
