tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29705962012496213072024-03-13T13:19:26.149+01:00Biking through Europe - Buying gear, booking tours and tripsI am touring through Europe with my bicycle. Everything note-worthy (or not) is documented on this blog. You may find some of my routes, cycle lanes, experiences, photos, biking tips, tricks and more.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-59778854856210906172014-12-05T13:22:00.000+01:002015-02-12T13:28:53.173+01:00[Cycling Route] Euro Velo: Donauradweg from Switzerland to the Danube (Donau)<h2>
</h2>
<b>From <a href="http://low-budget-holiday-ideas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Low-budget-holiday-ideas.blogspot.com </a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Estimated cost: </b>Money for food, depending on the time you want to travel. As<b> </b>soon as you have passed Vienna, things will get remarkably cheaper. If you would use € 20<b> </b>per
day for food, add € 10 to be safe and multiply it with the number of
days you'll travel. Add the train tickets to the total and perhaps -
depending on the way you travel - your accommodation. You need strong
willpower to keep a budget though. I will show how you can make a budget on this page.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Means of transportation: </b>Bicycle and perhaps a train ride to the route itself<br />
<br />
<b>Min. duration: </b>At least 10 days for a short trip along the Donau route.<br />
<br />
In
case you want to go along the whole donau per bike, it will take you 55
days, should you ride 80 km on average and it will take 148 days,
should you cycle 30km per day.<br />
<br />
<b>Sights to see: </b>Depending
on where you start. I will start the route from the Atlantic sea and we
will reach the black sea. You will pass beautiful cities and amazing
landscapes.<br />
<br />
<b>Accommodation: </b>Either in a tent, airbnb or by couchsurfing. You can combine many methods.<br />
<br />
<b>Season:</b><b> </b>Spring/Summer<br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>How to prepare for the holiday (requisites): </b>This part can be split in things that you ought to buy and things you ought to plan.<b><br /></b><br />
<br />
<i>What needs to be purchased:</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JR39D5Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00JR39D5Y&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=CWKX4FRCNNY45DGA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="quechua long distance cycle trip" border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00JR39D5Y&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" title="Quecha tent hiking trekking biking cycling" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00JR39D5Y" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JR39D5Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00JR39D5Y&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=CWKX4FRCNNY45DGA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Large Pop Up Backpacking Camping Hiking Tent Automatic Instant Setup Easy Fold back - Blue</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00JR39D5Y" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DOJH836/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DOJH836&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=UHJJWHE3G2OSVHVX"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00DOJH836&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00DOJH836" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DOJH836/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DOJH836&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=UHJJWHE3G2OSVHVX">Explorer Giant Tactical Backpack, 24 x 18 x 8-Inch, Olive Green</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00DOJH836" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>What needs to be planned (more extensively explained on the bottom of the page):</i><br />
<ul>
<li><h4>
<b>The cycling route (distance, duration, budget, camp sites/hostels/bnb, ...) </b></h4>
<ul>
<li><h4 style="margin-left: 40px;">
<b>Based on your budget, duration, distance, etc., you can make a GPS track of the route and plan it thoroughly</b></h4>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><h4>
<b>The train ride from your home to the city of departure; and from the final destination back home</b></h4>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><h4>
<b>Determining when you will depart is very important. As soon as you
know when to do this cycling trip, you have to book a train ticket and
some camp sites / hostels on your way</b></h4>
</li>
</ul>
<b> </b> <br />
<b>What you can expect: </b>An athletic<b> </b>cycling<b> </b>trip
that will push you to your limits and will make you a lot more fit. It
will give you time to think while cycling for hours; it will enable you
to make friends in some regions that aren't overran by tourists* and to
see a very different part of a European country. *Note: in tourist
areas, you will - without a doubt - meet interesting people, but these
people are much adepted to the tourists. It is very different to meet
people that aren't adapted to tourism per se. A direct consequence of
visiting more remote areas is the greater language barrier. Most
Europeans - even in remote places - speak English or can at least
express themselves in a limited manner.<br />
<br />
<h2>
How to plan a low budget long distance cycling trip</h2>
<h4>
Step 1: determining YOUR route to the Danube</h4>
<br />
<b><span class="st">Duration </span></b><span class="st"><b>→ </b>I only got time off from 28.02.2015 at 5 PM (17:00) until 11.03.2015 (I have to get back on that day)</span><br />
<br />
<b>Distance </b><span class="st"><b>→ </b>I
do not want to cycle every day and will travel a maximum of 50km a day.
I live in Basel and I want to cycle to the Donau in order to cycle
along it for a few days. I cannot determine the exact amount of km, yet I
can make an accurate estimate of the distance. I want to cycle 6 out of
12 days, so that will result in 300 km. I will get back on this later
in the guide.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st"><b>Budget </b><span class="st"><b>→</b> I live in Basel and have a max of € 350,- for 10 days available. </span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st">→ </span></span>Foodbudget </span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st">→ </span></span>10 x (15+10) = € 250</span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span class="st">I
have the other € 100 for accommodation and a train ticket back. Let's
see what is possible with this strapped budget. I will get back on this
along the guide.</span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span class="st"><br /></span></span>
<span class="st"><span class="st"><b>Accommodation </b><span class="st"><b>→ </b>You
cannot plan too far ahead. Just decide what type of accommodation you
can afford / - are willing to pay. I will go for camping spots. Let's
keep it really low-budget.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st"><b>Sights <span class="st">→</span></b> </span> I definitely want to see the <i>"Donaueschingen", "Ulm" and</i> <i>the beautiful nature</i>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="st"><span class="st">I have already made a first route (</span></span><span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st"><b><i><u>28.02.2015</u></i></b>)</span>: <a href="http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2901878-day-1-from-basel-to-albbruck/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2901878-day-1-from-basel-to-albbruck/ </a></span><i> </i></span><br />
<br />
<img alt="Albruck to basil" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HYpiK2Trwqo/VNoBE3xJ49I/AAAAAAAABOw/ROvjesVnnck/s1600/basel%2Balbbruck.PNG" height="226" title="Basel to Albbruck" width="640" /><br />
<br />
If
you look at the trip here, you'll see the distance. Unfortunately it's a
bit more than the maximum distance a day. I've looked for a camping and
found one here (near Albbruck).<br />
<br />
<img alt="albruck camp site spot" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1aA6FD31DE/VNoBE8bIsoI/AAAAAAAABO0/CKeEZwYvFVU/s1600/albbruck%2Bcamping.PNG" height="290" title="Camping albbruck" width="640" /><br />
<h4>
Step 2: plan per day</h4>
Second day (<b><i><u><span class="st">01.03.2015</span></u></i></b>) route is also made on bikemap already: <a href="http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2901901-day-2-from-albbruck-to-stuhlingen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2901901-day-2-from-albbruck-to-stuhlingen/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YrsacQ9lvXs/VNoBE7Bq26I/AAAAAAAABOs/etPT11oV6Is/s1600/albbruck%2BSchleiting.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cycling map donau route" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YrsacQ9lvXs/VNoBE7Bq26I/AAAAAAAABOs/etPT11oV6Is/s1600/albbruck%2BSchleiting.PNG" height="222" title="Waldshut Stühlingen albbruck" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Third day (<b><i><u><span class="st">02.03.2015</span></u></i></b>):<a href="http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2901912-day-3-from-stuhlingen-to-donaueschingen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2901912-day-3-from-stuhlingen-to-donaueschingen/</a><br />
<br />
The fourth day (<b><i><u><span class="st">03.03.2015</span></u></i></b>): <a href="http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2901918-day-4-donaueschingen-to-hausen-im-tal/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2901918-day-4-donaueschingen-to-hausen-im-tal/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8JsNkojjoeo/VNoKbopyMtI/AAAAAAAABPU/KncatSIhh68/s1600/camping%2Bhausen%2Bi%2BTal.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Donau campspot" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8JsNkojjoeo/VNoKbopyMtI/AAAAAAAABPU/KncatSIhh68/s1600/camping%2Bhausen%2Bi%2BTal.PNG" title="Camping Beuron cycling" /></a></div>
Fifth day (<b><i><u><span class="st">04.03.2015</span></u></i></b>): <a href="http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2901922-day-5-from-hausen-i-tal-to-riedlingen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2901922-day-5-from-hausen-i-tal-to-riedlingen/</a><br />
<br />
(a small note here: we still have a while to go before reaching Ulm. This means I'd have to adjust something)<br />
<br />
<br />
Sixth day(<b><i><u><span class="st">05.03.2015</span></u></i></b>): <a href="http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2901926-day-6-from-riedlingen-to-ulm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2901926-day-6-from-riedlingen-to-ulm/</a><br />
<br />
I've already planned a ticket in advance because you will get it cheaper. <a href="http://www.bahn.de/p/view/angebot/sparpreis/sparpreisfinder.shtml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to go to the site where can get your bahn tickets cheaper!</a><br />
<br />
I actually have to get back on the <span class="st">11.03.2015, but the soonest date I could go back would be 05.03, assuming I would cycle every day. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BG6GKG3PKys/VNoPwCXPrII/AAAAAAAABPk/lKTW_G-RXcY/s1600/train%2Bticket.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BG6GKG3PKys/VNoPwCXPrII/AAAAAAAABPk/lKTW_G-RXcY/s1600/train%2Bticket.PNG" height="314" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASxzt-qpWLo/VNoQDfFsmfI/AAAAAAAABPs/v7Wzz2tkyAk/s1600/ticketcheap.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASxzt-qpWLo/VNoQDfFsmfI/AAAAAAAABPs/v7Wzz2tkyAk/s1600/ticketcheap.PNG" height="222" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Only
€ 29,00 back! That means we only have to spend € 30 out of € 100 on
transportation. The average price of a camping spot is around € 6 - and I
have to say that it is a rather high average. 9 days x € 6 = € 54,- for
accommodation. € 84,- is being spend on transport and accommodation.
Add up the € 250 you were to spend on food and you've got yourself a
really low-budget holiday!<br />
<h4>
Step 3: evaluate the cycling trip as a whole and fine-tune where it is needed</h4>
What
we basically have now is a strucure where we can built our trip upon.
We can not just cycle some time and sit on a bench staring the rest of
the time. You start fine-tuning by deciding a few things. Where do I
want to stay for what time and what do I do there?<br />
<br />
After
the third consequetive day peddling, I will reach Donaueschingen.
Googling that place and after opening the wiki entry in German, I have
actually found a manion / castle there: <a href="http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Donaueschingen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>"Schloss Donaueschingen"</i></a> and rather interesting sights to see ("<a href="http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donauquelle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Donauquellen</a>"). The date is <b><i><u><span class="st">02.03.2015</span></u></i></b><span class="st">.
I want to stay here on the day of arrival of course and want to depart
on the fourth of March in the morning. That means that I will stay in
Donaueschingen for one entire day and depart on <u><i><b>04.03.2015</b></i></u>. I want to keep cycling until Ulm for the next days. I will now reach Ulm at </span><b><i><u><span class="st">06.03.2015</span></u></i></b><span class="st"> </span><span class="st">in stead of </span><span class="st"><b><i><u><span class="st">05.03.2015</span></u></i></b>.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">I can stay in Ulm for 6 days before departing back to
Basel or I can plan another few "days off". Maybe I want to visit
Riedlingen as well for a day. Anyway, that is how you plan a
low-budget-cycling-vacation!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-30875609934270564022014-07-15T16:45:00.002+02:002015-02-11T12:09:37.675+01:00Ideas for long distance cycling in Europe<h2>
EV-Routes</h2>
The initiative of the ECF (European Cycling Federation) to connect bicycle routes across Europe seemed like a very good idea, but fails due to a lack of work being done in a timely manner. If you open the website of EuroVelo, you can look at the routes through Europe. Let me tell you that it looks really amazing. Criss-cross through the continent on a bike. Wow!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.eurovelo.com/en/eurovelos" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Open this URL.</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTD_WnREm8A/U8UwL5cxWJI/AAAAAAAABFE/Fw9noOW4xkg/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bikemap euro long distance" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTD_WnREm8A/U8UwL5cxWJI/AAAAAAAABFE/Fw9noOW4xkg/s1600/1.jpg" height="406" title="EuroVelo routes Europe bicycle map" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at this map! Isn't it great to live in Europe?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
"Not realised" or "Planned"; what does it mean? </h4>
After clicking on EuroVelo Route 4 symbol, I ended up on another screen thereupon that showed me a disappointing sight. Notice how everything is either not realised or planned. I'd estimate 15 % of the entire route being realised. The worst thing is that I know that parts of EV4 actually have good bicycle paths. A cyclist on my Google+ page informed me through a comment that it was a shame that I did not take the route from Köln to Koblenz, as it is quite beautiful. Just to inform you: I came through the Eifel region in stead of Köln, but a cyclist recommending this route means that it is in a good state. Another part that I know of is the route from Wiesbaden/Mainz to Frankfurt. I have actually cycled this track and the path was really, really nice. I thoroughly enjoyed this route - with the exception of the pinch flat before reaching Frankfurt.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2ChY-uLf6o/U8UwMNG0YvI/AAAAAAAABE8/wmWzM50FkFY/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="ECF EuroVelo outdated" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2ChY-uLf6o/U8UwMNG0YvI/AAAAAAAABE8/wmWzM50FkFY/s1600/2.jpg" height="344" title="Bikemap euro long distance" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why do they even have this on their website? You have a route from Oostende to Breda or Eindhoven and a path along the French coast. That makes up a really small portion of the actual route. A lot of routes have cycling lanes and local sign posts. Why is it not realised?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qW43V9pReE0/U8UwL7A8CKI/AAAAAAAABE4/SOAZCcGfrDs/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="biking through europe cycling map" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qW43V9pReE0/U8UwL7A8CKI/AAAAAAAABE4/SOAZCcGfrDs/s1600/3.jpg" height="310" title="Not realised EV route" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few days ago, I looked up this track and know for sure that there is a bicycle route here. It is called the 'Donauradweg'. It goes from Regensburg to Vienna and even further. I have no idea why that is not realised as of now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I can only explain the lack of routes being realised because:<br />
<ol>
<li>There are bike paths but ECF never tested these tracks.</li>
<li>Maybe some bureaucrats are stalling the process.</li>
<li>The website is outdated.</li>
<li>Nobody cares about these paths. People will still cycle long distances using national sources.</li>
</ol>
<h3>
Alternatives and solutions</h3>
<h4>
Alternatives to planning a long distance tour using the EV-Routes</h4>
Alternatives to the EV-routes are <i>unfortunately on a national level</i>. The countries where I've used the resources with regards to long distance cycling have only been available in the native language. This means that I'd either have to use a translation service or guess my way through the site. Sometimes there were alternatives for tourists but these sites were altered slightly (eg. no long distance routes and route planning tool provided).<br />
<br />
I am currently making tutorials for planning a cycling route through a specific country. At this point, I've only made the tutorials for <a href="http://biking-through-europe.blogspot.com/2014/07/how-to-plan-your-bicycle-tour-through.html" target="_blank">Germany, Austria</a> and <a href="http://biking-through-europe.blogspot.com/2014/07/how-to-plan-your-bicycle-tour-through_14.html" target="_blank">the Netherlands</a>. I'll make more in the future.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Solutions on a European scale</h4>
Things need to be changed to let the EV-routes become as good as they look.<br />
<br />
What I think needs to be done:<br />
<ol>
<li>The EV routes have to be realised in full.</li>
<li>Data of all EU nations relating to bicycle paths have to be gathered </li>
<li>Using this data, it is possible to update the map of EuroVelo and realise the routes</li>
<li>Ofcourse these routes have to be cycled and signs have to be put up</li>
<li>The EV routes have to be reviewed and tested as well. Bikers who take these routes must have a place to give feedback. If there actually was a forum on <a href="http://www.eurovelo.org/forums/" rel="nofollow">http://www.eurovelo.org/forums/</a>, it would be possible to give feedback/suggestions. </li>
<li>After realising the EV map and putting up the signs along all routes, I think it is a good idea to make a route-planner on a European level (<a href="http://biking-through-europe.blogspot.com/2014/07/how-to-plan-your-bicycle-tour-through_14.html" target="_blank">much like the Dutch site</a>).</li>
</ol>
Let me explain some of the points made. The stretches of unrealised route HAVE actual bicycle paths. If there are paths, then the only thing missing would be a sign, some approval or the update on the website. Why would that drain so much sources?<br />
<br />
The second point speaks for itself. Should the ECF have the data with regards to the bicycle paths of all countries (where EV runs through), realising these routes should be easy. These EV routes have to be cycled by actual cyclists and there should be a possibility to give feedback to ECF.<br />
<br />
The last point made deserves some extra attention. Please open the following website: <a href="http://www.nederlandfietsland.nl/fietsrouteplanner" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.nederlandfietsland.nl/fietsrouteplanner</a> . It is super detailed bicycle map with a neat function: you can find routes from and to any point in the Netherlands. I know what you are thinking: "on a European level this would be ridiculous." That is certainly true but what if the route planning tool on supranational level only evaluates long distance routes? It would make it possible to make a trip from London to Vienna even though there is no EV route going there. <br />
<br />
Look at the picture and you will understand:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLehc5uFVeQ/U8U-FfuOeKI/AAAAAAAABFY/WZG_ieCgI_o/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="EuroVelo Routeplanner" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLehc5uFVeQ/U8U-FfuOeKI/AAAAAAAABFY/WZG_ieCgI_o/s1600/4.jpg" height="640" title="Long Distance EV-Route" width="636" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The distance here is really incredible. You'll need a lot of time to cover this route.<br />
<br />
Anyway, it would be nice to be able to combine various EV-routes through a route planning tool. You can also add functions like estimated time, distance, altitude, calories burned, etc.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you have some good alternatives, feel free to contact me. I will put em on my site.<br />
<a href="http://biking-through-europe.blogspot.com/2014/07/ecf-eurovelo-update.html" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<br />
<h2>
<a href="http://biking-through-europe.blogspot.com/2014/07/ecf-eurovelo-update.html" target="_blank">UPDATE CLICK HERE TO READ MORE. Good ECF alternative found.</a></h2>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0Regensburg, Deutschland49.0134297 12.10162360000003948.8468242 11.778900100000039 49.180035200000006 12.424347100000039tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-2834628716733644272015-01-06T17:16:00.001+01:002015-01-17T13:33:58.894+01:00What should I carry while taking long distance cycling routes in Europe?It is important to carry with you the bare essentials. I'll make a list of things to take with you and items to increase your carrying capacity.<br />
<br />
<h3>
8 things that you will need on your bike tour through Europe. </h3>
<ol>
<li>Clothes</li>
<li>Money</li>
<li>A backpack that isn't too heavy</li>
<li>Bike maintenance set<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008FKAMAA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008FKAMAA&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=MPBB2Y7SCTXJM7ZA">AGPtek® 16 in 1 Bicycle Cycling Tyre Repair Multi Tool Set Kits With Mini Portable Pump</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008FKAMAA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><br /><br />
</li>
<li>Spare tubes<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCUYPLM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BCUYPLM&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=NBR27SV7LY7N4LR6">Continental 42mm Presta Valve Tube</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BCUYPLM" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UD56Q6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004UD56Q6&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=EIVZLPGJQ3EIONL5">Slime Smart Tube</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004UD56Q6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /><br /><br /><br />
</li>
<li>A bicycle pump in case there isn't one on your bike or in your multi tool repair kit</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B3DRCSQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B3DRCSQ&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=QON462V5V4ZVROEO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">And a cargo trailer to increase your capacity</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B3DRCSQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B3DRCSQ&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=E5CJPUMO55WZYLBO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00B3DRCSQ&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B3DRCSQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B3DRCSQ&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=QON462V5V4ZVROEO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /><br /></a></li>
<li>An bicycle trailer can seriously increase your carrying capacity without impairing performance. 2 brands that have specialized in this field are 'Ridekick' and 'Electric Push-Trailer'.</li>
</ol>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007L4RIMQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007L4RIMQ&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=SX7F6BEQD6JJBELG"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007L4RIMQ&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007L4RIMQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007L4RIMQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007L4RIMQ&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=SX7F6BEQD6JJBELG">Ridekick Power Trailer HT</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007L4RIMQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And nothing else...<br />
<br />
Do not take too much clothing with you, as you can use a washing salon while you are traveling.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-48593283022049924742014-12-11T10:42:00.002+01:002015-01-15T15:01:13.986+01:00How to stay in shape: Cycling to the Groceries store, work and to a partyWouldn't it be great if a change in routine would be able to make you :<br />
- experience the upsides of a healthy condition<br />
- save time on your work-out schedule<br />
- spend a considerable amount of time outdoors (every day)<br />
- leave the car at home more often (lower mileage & less gasoline)<br />
<br />
<h3>
Cycling to work </h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">It sounds like an obvious thing to say, but cycling to work is the easiest way to get in shape and I have no idea why some people aren't trying it. If you'd normally drive 15 km (one-way), then you could leave half an hour earlier, assuming that the route would take you 15 minutes by car and 45 minutes by bike. On a normal working day, you would spend 1 hour of your leisure time on exercise. An hour per day spend on exercise would be a very healthy habit for the overweight, office clerks, (taxi/truck/forklift) drivers, and so on. It's just a small adjustment but it could change a lot over time. </span><br />
<br />
Now some of you may dismiss this very idea, thinking it cannot be applied to your lives. Well, that is just a lazy excuse. Conveniently rejecting the idea of cycling to work on the basis of distance, time or physical shape is just an excuse for the fact that it takes effort which you aren't willing to take with your currect state of mind.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Distance</b></i> is an often used excuse for people. Let's say you'd have to travel 40 km to work. Traveling solely per bike isn't an option, so why not combine taking your car and your bike? Pick a spot on your way to work where you can park your car. Just pick a secure spot with preferably a few bicycle stands. If possible, use bike stands with a roof on top, so your bike stays dry. Now you can drive to your bike, that stays there the whole week (so buy a decent lock!), and cycle to work daily. Who knows, you might get other colleagues to follow your example.<br />
<br />
Another excuse to not cycle to work is <b><i>time</i></b>. "In the morning, I don't even have time to have breakfast and drink coffee" is one of the well known excuses. First of all, if you pedal to work on a daily basis, you do not need coffee. It's very different from sitting in a heated cabin on your way to work, whilst moving your foot slightly up and down and shifting gears to change the speed of the vehicle. Second of all, if you'd get up earlier and <u><b>make a habit out of that</b></u>, picking up a bike shouldn't be that hard either. A lot of people, if not most people, have trouble getting up. It doesn't mean that you couldn't change that if you'd try to get up earlier. However, as time could actually be a valid excuse sometimes, there are other ways to stay fit on other occasions besides going to work.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Physical shape</b></i> - by which I mean being fat - is never a reason to not cycle. It is the exact opposite of that excuse, namely that a bad physical shape (being really fat) <b><i>is</i></b> the reason to cycle.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Groceries and weekend </h3>
Everywhere I have lived up until now there was a certain type of person who just doesn't bother to not use a car. I have lived in small towns as well as big cities in 4 different countries. I would estimate that the distance to a baker or butcher would have been 2 km max. A distance like that is peanuts when cycling, yet there were people who are too lazy or too 'busy' to overcome this distance using means of transportation other than a car, subway, tram, bus or taxi. Especially in cities, I really did not understand their motives. You are faster per bike than by metro in most cases.<br />
<br />
The point that I'm making is that cycling to the super market or to weekend activities (party, hobby, etc) is a good way to stay active and healthy. Here are also some of the general excuses from people who take their car in stead of their bike: 1. groceries weigh too much; 2. weather is bad; 3. too drunk.<br />
<br />
My answers to these excuses: 1. buy sidebags for your bicycle or a cargo trailer; 2. buy a raincoat; 3. ??? How can you be too drunk ???<br />
<br />
Seriously, you can easily implement these changes in life, but only if you want to. Cycling drunk from and to a party is not a bad thing. At least you are not mowing people of the sidewalk with your drunk ass in a car... Bad weather is not a reason to not cycle, as there is special clothing for that. And you would be amazed how much heavy stuff you can transport using your bike. Backpack + side bags/trailer = lots of stuff. There is no way you need the amount of stuff that one is able to carry.<br />
<br />
Nuff said. There is no excuse for not taking a bike for the portrayed scenarios. The only excuse I am willing to accept from someone is: <span style="font-size: large;"><b>"I have no legs" <span style="font-size: small;">or</span> "I am so fat that I didn't see my penis for about a decade".</b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-37487423127244085442014-12-12T11:35:00.001+01:002015-01-14T15:23:46.915+01:00Buying Spare Parts: Brake and Brake Shoe (Part I)<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">Repairing a bike is quite easy as long as you know how to do it and what
to look out for when you buy spare parts. A good example of ignorance is when I
tried to buy a tube for my back wheel. I bought the wrong size of air valve
(too short) and the wrong size of tube itself (wrong diameter). The durability
of the tube was extremely low as it only held out 100 km before bursting. Hence
it is crucial to buy the highest quality of spare parts and it is of the utmost importance to know which spare
parts are needed for <i>your bicycle in particular</i>. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">I'll give you a list of products that you might need first. You will have to
read through the tutorials before buying the parts, as you are probably
not aware of what is needed and what isn't. Throughout the article I
will use the abbreviation [opt.]. It means that it is not a necessity,
but it might save you time and nerves if you use it. It won't ensure
better quality though. The quality solely depends on your handiness and
you using your brain.</span><br />
<br />
<h4>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">A list of spare parts for your bicycle that you might or will need throughout this guide</span></h4>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Replacing your brakes and replacing a brake shoe (brake pad or brake block)</span></h3>
Before I start explaining, you will have to be aware that there are different kinds of brakes. What kind of brake you have is important to know how to replace it. Some of the brakes I will refer to are obsolete. I only mention them so you can understand the many changes the bicycle brake went through.<br />
<h4>
Spoon brake (or plunger brake)</h4>
If you have a spoon brake, you must have an antique bicycle. A spoon brake metal plate is directly pressed upon the tire of the wheel. The plate is attached to a rod that is mostly positioned at the right side of the handle bars. I doubt the fact that you will have to replace this part as it is not manufactured anymore.<br />
<h4>
Duck brake (Duck roller brake)</h4>
This brake made the spoon brake obsolete and was invented around the end of the 19th century. It was operated by a rod connected to a lever on the handle bar. You can brake by pulling the lever, so that 2 friction rollers are forced against the front wheel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BubeRC9XHBE/VIlq7ybLxAI/AAAAAAAABJk/lqX806QM6WA/s1600/duck.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BubeRC9XHBE/VIlq7ybLxAI/AAAAAAAABJk/lqX806QM6WA/s1600/duck.gif" height="246" width="320" /></a></div>
Source: earlymotor.com/leon/bikes/california/images/duck.gif<br />
<br />
<h4>
Coaster brakes, Back Pedal Brakes, Foot Brakes, Torpedo or Contropedale</h4>
By reading the title, you know which brake comes next. I like this brake a lot and associate it with a classic Dutch 'granny bike'. A granny bike (oma fiets) is a very typical bicycle with very typical features. It's always a ladies' bike, has a classical touch (design, slight rust, colour, etc.) and has no gears or three gears. Oh, and it has a back pedal brake. Just enter 'oma fiets' in Google and you will see what bike I am talking about.<br />
<br />
A coaster brake is located in the back hub of the wheel. It is operated by pedaling backwards, which makes the sprocket drive a screw which forces a clutch in the opposite direction of the axle. This will either force two brakeshoes against the brake mantle or into a split collar expanding it against the mantle.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Rim brakes: many variations of the same kind of brake</h2>
<h4>
There are so many kinds of rim brakes. Even though the basic principle is the same, they differ on many levels.</h4>
It will take a while to make repair guides for all these sub categories of rim brakes. As there are so many kinds of rim brakes, I will spread the tutorials over a few articles, making sure that I will cover all variations of rim brake in one article.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Rod brake</h4>
A rod brake, also called a rod-actuated brake or stirrup brake (due to their shape), is used by pulling a rod that is placed under the whole handlebar. The rod is connected to a brake with brake shoes. The brake shoe presses on the rim, to stop the wheel from rotating. These brakes are still in use in the third world.<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h3>
Caliper brake design</h3>
<h4>
Single-pivot side-pull caliper brakes</h4>
The Caliper brake design is a type of brake in which the brake mounts to a point above the wheel, allowing the arms to auto-centre on the rim. The single-pivot side-pull caliper brakes consist of two arms that cross at the pivot and hold the brake shoes on the opposite side of the rim. When the lever is pulled, the arms will contract, making the brake shoes press upon the rim. This brake is used on older racing bikes. I have an old bicycle (not here now though), so I'll have a look at my brake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9_Xjp8z8OTk/VIqzNEtd3yI/AAAAAAAABJ0/1ruMim3DM0E/s1600/640px-Bicycle_caliper_brake_highlighted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9_Xjp8z8OTk/VIqzNEtd3yI/AAAAAAAABJ0/1ruMim3DM0E/s1600/640px-Bicycle_caliper_brake_highlighted.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Source: upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/Bicycle_caliper_brake_highlighted.jpg/170px-Bicycle_caliper_brake_highlighted.jpg<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Caliper brake design: Dual-pivot side-pull caliper brakes</h4>
Most modern race bikes have a dual-pivot side-pull caliper brake. The cable housing attaches like that of a side-pull brake. One arm pivots at the center; the other one pivots at the side, much like a center-pull. <br />
<h4>
Caliper brake design: Centre-pull caliper brakes</h4>
I have had this brake on 80 % of my bikes. This is like the most typical brake. A small lever on the left and right side of the handle bar is attached to the front and rear tire of the bike. The brake consists of the arms, symmetrically opposed to eachother and connected in the middle with a screw. On the end of these arms are brake pads, which positioned opposed to the rim. These brake arms are connected to the lever by iron cables and - before the cable reaches the arms - these cables get split using a 'sliding piece' (also called "braking delta", "braking triangle" or "yoke"). The tension will be evenly divided between both braking pads, making these braking pads ideal to true your wheel ( see: <a href="http://biking-through-europe.blogspot.de/2014/09/buying-spare-parts-wheel-part-2.html">Trueing your wheel: buying-spare-parts-wheel-part-2.html</a> ).<br />
<h4>
U-brakes (990 style brakes)</h4>
Commonly used on BMX and considered as the default brake. The caliper design with pivots is right above the rim. The arm pivots attach directly to the frame as opposed to the centre-pull brakes. In its maintenance, it is quite similar to roller cam brakes.<br />
<h3>
Cantilever brake design</h3>
All cantilever brakes are dual pivot brakes, where each arm is attached separately on one side of the fork. This brake is mainly used for wide tires, commonly used on city bikes and mountain bikes.<br />
<h4>
Traditional cantilever brakes</h4>
The traditional cantilever brake even predates the direct-pull brake. It consists of 2 outwardly angled arms on each side, a cable stop on the fork to terminate the cable housing, and a cable connecting the arms like a centre-pull caliper brake.<br />
<h4>
V-brakes</h4>
The V-brake is a trademark of Shimano and is also called linear-pull brake. With no intervening mechanism between the cable and arms, it is also called a direct-pull brake. A cable moves from the lever on the handlebar towards the cable housing. Before it reaches the cable housing, it will move through a 'noodle'. This is a metal tube that moves 90° to the cable housing, which is placed horizontally above the tire. The end of the cable is attached to the arm opposed to the side of where the cable came from (normally on the right side). If the cable would only be attached to this arm, then it would be the only working brake pad, as there is no pressure on the other brake arm. Here the noodle comes in to play. The noodle is clamped in the cable housing and pulls the other brake arm simultaneously. I'd say that it is the most important part of the brake and should be qualitative. You wouldn't want it to bend when you need it most.<br />
<br />
Mini-V-brakes are also a kind of V-brake but smaller. Not going to write to much about this one.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There are more kinds of brakes but I am not going to spend time on it right away.<br />
<ul>
<li>Roller cam brakes</li>
<li>Delta brakes</li>
<li>Hydraulic rim brakes</li>
<li>Rim brakes with self-assisting characteristics</li>
</ul>
And then there are more categories than rim brakes like disc brakes, drum brakes, drag brakes and band brakes.<br />
<br />
We will get into that too. First I'll have to work on the repair guide. You'll read about that in part II.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-36546352765004727132014-12-12T12:38:00.000+01:002015-01-14T15:21:25.921+01:00Buying Spare Parts: Brake and Brake Shoe (Part II)<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">Repairing a bike is quite easy as long as you know how to do it and what
to look out for when you buy spare parts. A good example of ignorance is when I
tried to buy a tube for my back wheel. I bought the wrong size of air valve
(too short) and the wrong size of tube itself (wrong diameter). The durability
of the tube was extremely low as it only held out 100 km before bursting. Hence
it is crucial to buy the highest quality of spare parts and it is of the utmost importance to know which spare
parts are needed for <i>your bicycle in particular</i>. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">I'll give you a list of products that you might need first. You will have to
read through the tutorials before buying the parts, as you are probably
not aware of what is needed and what isn't. Throughout the article I
will use the abbreviation [opt.]. It means that it is not a necessity,
but it might save you time and nerves if you use it. It won't ensure
better quality though. The quality solely depends on your handiness and
you using your brain.</span><br />
<br />
<h4>
Spare-parts list</h4>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AO5J9S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000AO5J9S&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=3AOW5QGVI5KWWIK3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000AO5J9S&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000AO5J9S" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AO5J9S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000AO5J9S&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=CFMLCQIAQAL5WFWC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pyramid - Mx1000 Alloy BMX Bicycle Brake, Front or Rear, Black</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000AO5J9S" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (very cheap and not sturdy)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003RLLDV4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003RLLDV4&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=274PJHEALEIT7FJJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003RLLDV4&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003RLLDV4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003RLLDV4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003RLLDV4&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=274PJHEALEIT7FJJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SRAM Apex Brake Caliper Set</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003RLLDV4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (WITHOUT CABLES; high quality)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BC9Q54/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003BC9Q54&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=Q53G2DQHJ6NFAURG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003BC9Q54&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003BC9Q54" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BC9Q54/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003BC9Q54&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=Q53G2DQHJ6NFAURG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ORIGIN8 Sport Comp V-Brake Set</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003BC9Q54" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (medium quality; complete set; good for your average bike)
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MUCN0MG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00MUCN0MG&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=NV7KHEFPKJKFQU5G" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00MUCN0MG&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00MUCN0MG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MUCN0MG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00MUCN0MG&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=NV7KHEFPKJKFQU5G" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SHIMANO ST-EF51 Brake & Shifter Levers Combo Set 3x8 Pair With Shift Cable And End Caps</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00MUCN0MG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (only cables and housing; brakes themselves are still needed)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JKEZLC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004JKEZLC&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=LBIFZ4AAJGLXOAWE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004JKEZLC&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004JKEZLC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JKEZLC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004JKEZLC&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=LBIFZ4AAJGLXOAWE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Campagnolo - Veloce Silver Dual Pivot Brake Set</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004JKEZLC" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (expensive but high quality; only the dual pivot brake is delivered)
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007SUUH94/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007SUUH94&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=7FGK7INEC37SOJME"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B007SUUH94&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007SUUH94" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007SUUH94/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007SUUH94&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=7FGK7INEC37SOJME">10 Pcs 1.77M Length Bike Replaceable Cycling Rear Brake Cable</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B007SUUH94" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (low quality; high quantity buy)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050LUBZ8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0050LUBZ8&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=NGTETKVVZSNGRI62" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0050LUBZ8&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0050LUBZ8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050LUBZ8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0050LUBZ8&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=NGTETKVVZSNGRI62" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shimano Brake Cable and Housing Set (Universal)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0050LUBZ8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00165Q93A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00165Q93A&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=PLHF6HOYKFWDS2BH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Spokewrench for trueing and alligning your wheels" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFWaixrGR5c/VA146SycUvI/AAAAAAAABH0/IZ0AWWbKaAY/s1600/spokewrench.jpg" height="103" title="Avenir Spoke Wrench Set" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00165Q93A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00165Q93A&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=PLHF6HOYKFWDS2BH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Avenir Spoke Wrench Set</a><br />
In
my opinion, it is always good to have spoke wrenches. Your brakes might seem to be broken bbut the problem might as well be caused be a bent wheele. You can true /
allign your wheel at any time and before the damage is so severe that a
spoke wrench can't fix it. An alternative would be to use a normal wrench even
though this works a lot better.<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Issues regarding the brakes</h4>
As the problems can be so diverse, I think it is wisest to start with the smallest problems and move to more complex issues. If you look at the brake lever on the handle bar, you'll see a small screw and a slightly bigger screw. The big screw is the "brake barrel adjuster" and the small screw is the "adjuster locking ring". With this screw you can adjust the tension on the brake and increase or decrease braking power. I regard this as the easiest fix for a very common problem.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Repair guide: easy cases</h3>
Now that we've covered the easiest way to increase braking power, we can move onto the more complex issues.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Centering your wheel</b></u> might be a solution to a problem you might have. Do you know the feeling when every time the wheel fully rotates, it feels like the brake makes contact with your rim? Tip your bike or hold it while rotating the wheel. Does the rim make contact to a brake pad? Does the wheel look crooked? Well, there can be 2 possible problems: 1. your wheel is not straight in the fork; 2. your wheel is bent. To solve a bent wheel, please look into <a href="http://biking-through-europe.blogspot.com/2014/09/buying-spare-parts-wheel-part-2.html" target="_blank">this guide</a>. To fix the first problem, just unscrew the wheel on both sides and fix the problem by repositioning your wheel.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Check your brake blocks</b></u> to see if they are worn out. If needed, you can use a list of spare parts that I'll provide. Also make sure that both blocks are perfectly opposed to the rim so that the full block connects to the rim (in stead of only a partial connection). Should a brake block change be needed, be sure to change both blocks. You can check our spare-parts list to find different kinds of brake shoes.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Check the noodle to see if it is connected</b></u>. I know it sounds stupid but sometimes one can overlook the simplest thing. The noodle is the metal tube at the end of the braking cable that clamps in the cable housing. Sometimes it doesn't fully clamped in the cable housing, which causes less tension on one brake and no tension at all on the other.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Repair guide: normal cases</h3>
These problems are a bit harder but still quite easy. You will notice that impatience is your enemy, mainly because you need a steady hand and some trial and error. So take your time, don't give up and try to use your head a bit. Just think logically and mechanically.<br />
<br />
If <u><b>there still isn't enough tension on the braking cor</b><b>d</b></u>, make sure that you know (!) which kind of brake you have. Not every brake is built in the same way. Anyway, at the very end of each cord, there is a metal nipple which is attached to a screw. Should you unscrew it, the metal cable will lose tension and you are able to pull it a bit further than it was before. Screw it in again (...) and test your brakes to see if the increased tension is better.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Repair guide: hard cases</h3>
Replacing the brake altogether is also a possibility if your brake is really destroyed beyond repair. I couldn't imagine the brake being so damaged it would need replacement. Maybe when a maniac with an axe would turn his rage on the poor brake, I could imagine replacing it seems necessary. As every brake is different, I cannot give you full details to replace the brake altogether. One can assume that there is a manual with every brake you buy.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Replacing the brake as a whole</h4>
However, for those who haven't got a manual or tutorial on how to install a brake, I will crudely explain how to change the brake-set (cables, housing+lever, brakes).<br />
<br />
Always start with attaching the lever on the bicycle. You will start from the lever and move to the actual brake, as you need to adjust the tension of the iron cord at the end of tutorial. As soon as the lever is attached to the handlebar, start with clamping the 'nipple' inside the lever. Move the iron cord through the barrel adjuster and put it in its middle position. That way you can tighten or loosen it after you are done. Having it screwed all the way in or out renders your barrel adjuster useless.<br />
<br />
Moving on... You have attached the lever, clamped the brake cable nipple and now you are standing there with a brake cable in your hand. Start directing the cable along the top tube for the rear brake and directly to the fork for the front brake. If you haven't attached the brake to the front fork or rear seatstay (the bar diagonally under your seat) before I told you to do so, do it now.<br />
<br />
Next step is to put the last bit of wire through the brake itself and to put the right amount of tension on the wire. You do this by pulling the wire and simultaneously tightening the screw.<br />
<br />
Good luck!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-90653219743516524822015-01-07T10:55:00.001+01:002015-01-14T15:18:01.263+01:00Gadget of the Month: Front-Wheel Electric Bike Conversion KitHaving an E-Bike seems like an unnecessary investment and you might be right. It is designed for older people, mainly to cycle uphill. However, as a trekker, I think it would be a good idea to give your bicycle some extra juice to ride even greater distances. Moreso, if some extra power isn't a + € 500,- investment, it becomes even more interesting to moterize your bicycle.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8805001546/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=8805001546&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=DVUJ4FB5DE7TMVTU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=8805001546&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=8805001546" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8805001546/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=8805001546&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=ORAQPAB3B4RHULYB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Add-on Motorization 48v 1000w 26"Front Wheel Electric Bicycle Motor Kit</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=8805001546" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</h3>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Price at the time is: <span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice">$254.00</span>
<span id="ourprice_shippingmessage">
<span class="a-size-base a-color-base">& <b>FREE Shipping</b></span> </span><br />
<span id="ourprice_shippingmessage"><br /><i>We cannot tell if the price will stay this way. Could alter over time. We are not responsible in any way for the price nor the product. </i></span><br />
<br />
* Approx. 45 - 48 KPH top speed<br />
* Provides you with a whole wheel with tire, not just the tire frame<br />
* The kit includes motorized wheel, motor controller, speed throttle, power break lever, wire harness <br />
* Quiet and reliable brushless gearless hub motor<br />
* Motor specifications: 48v / 1000w / 470rpm <br />
* High motor efficiency: >80% <br />
* Motor diameter: 245mm<br />
.
* Drive system has no moving chains or gears, no friction, more efficient, less chance to break!<br />
* Brake shuts off motor automatically, saves energy, improves safety!<br />
* Thumb throttle with 3 LEDs indicator lights<br />
* Battery charger for charging lead-acid battery <br />
* Durable 600D Oxford cloth carrying bag along with a zippered main compartment for battery<br />
<br />
<b>
Package content:</b>
--Powerful 1000W 48V brushless hub motor <br />
--26" front wheel (the whole wheel with tire!)<br />
--Battery charger <br />
--2 brake pullers <br />
--Electric controller<br />
--Thumb gear changer with battery power indicator<br />
--Battery power indicator <br />
--2ea. handlebar grips <br />
--Rubber connecting harness (color will pick at random) <br />
--BATTERY NOT INCUDED<br />
Special: Comes with upgraded battery carrying bag and end bracket for FREE<br />
<br />
<b>
Battery recommendation: </b>
1. Electrokinetic cell battery ( Li, lead-acid, NiMH battery etc.)
featured in nominal voltage 36v, nominal capacity not less than 10Ah is
compatible with the motor.<br />
2. Please note that the Battery Charger in the package is for lead-acid
only and it will damage the battery if you use other types of battery.
<br />
<br />
Source: Official product description from URLAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-7985432034474557832015-01-12T16:30:00.000+01:002015-01-14T15:17:23.032+01:00Buying Spare Parts: Chain, Chainring and CassetteThe following keywords and keyphrases will be important in this article:<br />
<h4>
How to change a chain</h4>
<h4>
How to install a new chainring (crankset, chainset or crankring)</h4>
<h4>
How to replace the entire cassette (or cogset)</h4>
I'll start with explaining the jargon and make it as short as possible using 3 phrases. <u>The chain is the most obvious part, which you should know already. The chain is connected from the cassette to the crankset.</u> <u>On (e.g.) mountainbikes, the chain moves through the back derailleur and along the front derailer as well.</u> That's it. Just think that the chainRING is the part at the pedals and has the form of a ring. The cogset is the part attached to the hub of the backwheel. If you know what a 'cog' really means, then you always know what the cogset is. A gear or cogwheel is a machine part that has cut teeth, or cogs, which mesh with another toothed part to <b>transmit torque or force. </b>In the case of a bicycle, the toothed part engages with the chain. To ensure smooth transmitting of force and to make sure that the tooth of the cassette connects to gap of the chain, the distance between tooth and gap has the be exact match. The derailers are used to push the chain on a smaller or bigger ring or cog, depending which gearshift you use (left or right of the handlebar; front or back derailleur).<br />
<br />
<i><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Protip</span></b></u></i>: if your chain is worn out, you will probably have to put your chain back on your bicycle every time you shift gears. Reason for this is that a teeth connects with the chain itself in stead of the gaps between the chain pins. It will cause the chain to be pushed off the cassette or chainring, making the chain jump a gear lower or jump of the bicycle altogether.<br />
<br />
That is basically how it works and a quick description of what parts are important.<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Spare-part list for maintaining your chain, chainring and cogset</h3>
Things that you always need to disengage the chain and it is wise to disengage the chain:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RZMWE0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000RZMWE0&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=4RJGKJ6SCLS6H7PC"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000RZMWE0&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000RZMWE0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RZMWE0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000RZMWE0&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=5OO6R23GPAMA47G6">Park Tool CT-5 Mini Chain Brute Chain Tool</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000RZMWE0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
OR<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DPMJGU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005DPMJGU&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=YXK7UZJ53YNMJRV4"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005DPMJGU&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005DPMJGU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DPMJGU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005DPMJGU&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=YXK7UZJ53YNMJRV4">20 Pcs Black Bicycle Bike Chain Master Connecting Link 0.5" Pitch</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005DPMJGU" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Things you might need, depending on the problem you have:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013BV540/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0013BV540&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=6RGFFFMRDLIBEIIC"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0013BV540&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0013BV540" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013BV540/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0013BV540&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=6RGFFFMRDLIBEIIC">KMC X8.99 Bicycle Chain (1/2 x 3/32-Inch, 116L, Silver)</a><br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0013BV540" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RWE868/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000RWE868&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=UHAXOFJW3ALGBE3F" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000RWE868&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><br />
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000RWE868" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RWE868/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000RWE868&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=UHAXOFJW3ALGBE3F" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SRAM PC 971 P-Link Bicycle Chain (9-Speed, Grey)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000RWE868" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MK8GO8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002MK8GO8&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=GPX36LSQ6STRY4CX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B002MK8GO8&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002MK8GO8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MK8GO8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002MK8GO8&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=27F6LXFJIUOVGT4I" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KMC Z510 1-Speed 1/8 112L Bike Chain (White/Black)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002MK8GO8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QSFEQQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005QSFEQQ&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=TAJXWSOFBCWOEQNT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005QSFEQQ&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005QSFEQQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005QSFEQQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005QSFEQQ&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=I5R5HU67TBW2S5CO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shimano HG31 8 Speed Mountain Bike Cassette</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005QSFEQQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003933G06/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003933G06&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=UPMNSRKQ3QQ4UHVV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003933G06&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003933G06" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003933G06/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003933G06&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=UPMNSRKQ3QQ4UHVV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shimano CS-6700 Ultegra Bicycle Cassette (10-Speed)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003933G06" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JKEPJO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004JKEPJO&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=ZC4BFOTUWNPYBRGC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004JKEPJO&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004JKEPJO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JKEPJO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004JKEPJO&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=ZC4BFOTUWNPYBRGC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shimano FC-5700 105 39T 130BCD 10 Speed (Silver, 130x39T 10 Speed)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004JKEPJO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DBRV9EK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DBRV9EK&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=XGKVC5KR3XYOIFNJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00DBRV9EK&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00DBRV9EK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DBRV9EK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DBRV9EK&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=XGKVC5KR3XYOIFNJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Race Face 104mm Single Chain Ring</a><br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00DBRV9EK" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SKY3GO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000SKY3GO&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=KXFNEGY6QQ4NX3EX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000SKY3GO&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=poliinbelg-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000SKY3GO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SKY3GO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000SKY3GO&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=KXFNEGY6QQ4NX3EX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tri-Flow TF20006 Superior Lubricant, 12-Ounce Aerosol</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=poliinbelg-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000SKY3GO" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
How to maintain your bicycle chain and how to attach/detach a bike chain</h3>
<h4>
How to Lubricate the Chain Correctly</h4>
<ul>
<li>Step 1: Put your bicycle on a spot where you can afford to get your surroundings a bit dirty</li>
</ul>
Put your bike in a garage or outside (if it is not raining). Preferably you'll put it on a spot where you are able to tilt your bike in case you do not have a bike stand. It might be a good idea to get your tools ready right after step 1.<br />
<br />
Things you'll need:<br />
<ol>
<li>Degreasing detergent or any citrus detergent</li>
<li>A lube that is suitable for a bike (not automobile oil, household oil that contains vegetable oil or WD-40 and other thin sprays)</li>
<li>2 rags and a bucket of water (to thin the degreasing detergent)</li>
<li>Flathead screwdriver or some thin scraping tool</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>Step 2: Tilt your bike in a stable position and start analyzing the parts we've talked about earlier</li>
</ul>
It's not high-tech rocket science but you'd still need a bit of an oversight to make adjustments, so take your time to look at the parts. Maybe it is a good idea to make a picture of the back derailleur or backderailer, as it is probably the most complex part.<br />
<ul>
<li>Step 3: Clean the derailleur and remove dirt from the cassette/chainring</li>
</ul>
Use the flat screwdriver from step 1 or anything that looks similar and start cleaning the derailleur. You have to clean it thoroughly, as dirt or mud will continuously contact the chain and damage it over time. As soon as you've cleansed the derailer, you can move on to cleaning the cogset and crankset. Do not use too much force! Too much force could damage the teeth of your chainring/cassette, which in its turn will damage the chain, rendering the maintenance not only useless but also destructive.<br />
<ul>
<li>Step 4: Clean the chain itself</li>
</ul>
There are dozens of ways to clean a chain. Some argue that you'd have to remove the chain to do a thorough job; some say that the same result can be achieved without removing it. I'd say that for regular maintenance, it probably isn't a necessity.<br />
<br />
You start by getting the remaining products ready mentioned in the first step. Take the bucket of water and add a bit of degreasing detergent. Make the a rag wet and wring it out. Go to the tilted bike, wrap the rag around the chain and start pedaling. Just make sure that it is as clean as possible.<br />
<ul>
<li>Step 5: Lubricate the chain</li>
</ul>
Feel free to do it any way you like. I usually use a single drop per chainlink and move along the chain by pedaling slowly by hand. If you have moved all the way along the chain, you'd have to pedal for a minute, so that the lubricate can get settle on places it wouldn't normally reach.<br />
<ul>
<li>Step 6: Clean up everything</li>
</ul>
Take the clean rag and move it along the pedal like you did on step 4 (but without detergent or water). Excess lube will be removed and you are will be able to shift gears more comfortably. Another upside is that it will decrease wear.<br />
<br />
<h4>
How to replace a bicycle chain</h4>
<ul>
<li>Step 1: take your chain tool and remove a chain link pin from the old </li>
</ul>
Align the chain tool pin with the pin of a chainlink and twist the handle, so that the pin gets almost all the way out. Do not remove it entirely from the chainlink, as you might have difficulty getting it back in, just in case you might need the chain in the future. Lay the chain across the table or let it hang down from a nail on the wall. You will have to use the length of the old chain to see if it has the same length as the new chain.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Step 2: comparing chains</li>
</ul>
Is the new chain the same length as the other one? If not, remove any amount of chainlinks necessary to get the same length. Should the old chain be just a bit longer, this might be caused by wear. It is better - especially when the chain is old - to make the chain a bit shorter. A longer chain could jump off when changing gears, so if it fits tight, everything should work as it should.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Step 3: put the new chain on the bike</li>
</ul>
It is best to start with the back derailleur, as this part is the most tricky. In case you have made a picture of the derailer, you can use it. Move the chain around the cassette and pull it right of the derailleur over a roller. After that, you pull it to the left over the other roller and move it back to the right so it faces towards the chain ring. Pull it over the chainring and screw in the pin. Test the chain by taking a test-ride and be sure to shift all gears to see if it shifts the way it should.<br />
<br />
And that's how changing a chain works.<br />
<br />
<h4>
How to replace a bike chainring and a cogset</h4>
It is so easy, especially if you've read through the previous tutorials. Loosen the chain and - in some cases - remove the pedals. Unscrew the chainring or cogset and install the new chain- or cogring.<br />
<ul>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-58932231096043786462014-09-03T14:44:00.002+02:002015-01-06T16:52:40.620+01:00Buying Spare Parts: Wheel [part 2]<a href="http://biking-through-europe.blogspot.com/2014/09/buying-spare-parts-wheel-part-1.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to see the previous post that shows you how to repair or change the tubes and tires.</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">Repairing a bike is quite easy as long as you know how to do it and what
to look out for when you buy spare parts. A good example of ignorance is when I
tried to buy a tube for my back wheel. I bought the wrong size of air valve
(too short) and the wrong size of tube itself (wrong diameter). The durability
of the tube was extremely low as it only held out 100 km before bursting. Hence
it is crucial to buy the highest quality of spare parts and it is of the utmost importance to know which spare
parts are needed for <i>your bicycle in particular</i>. The quality and
durability is especially important while trekking or traveling long distances.
In this post, I will try to explain the steps one ought to take to ensure safe,
long lasting and qualitative cycling. I will also share the spare parts that I
can recommend based on personal experience and feedback from the cycling
community online. If you do care about getting the best prices, you ought to
buy your parts from the internet instead of a store, as it is mostly a lot cheaper
AND because you can choose between a broader assortment of products.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">I'll give you a list of products that you might need first. You will have to
read through the tutorials before buying the parts, as you are probably
not aware of what is needed and what isn't. Throughout the article I
will use the abbreviation [opt.]. It means that it is not a necessity,
but it might save you time and nerves if you use it. It won't ensure
better quality though. The quality solely depends on your handiness and
you using your brain.</span><br />
<h4>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">A list of spare parts for your bicycle that you might or will need throughout this guide</span></h4>
</div>
<div class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /></div>
Click the link or picture to be redirected to the product.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056BJFOK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0056BJFOK&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=MQR6INLNZXENLDAZ" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Adjustable wrench repairing a bicycle" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ALJkguEpyI/VAb_DFjnbxI/AAAAAAAABGg/WV4J_79NP6U/s1600/Adjustable%2Bwrenches.jpg" height="200" title="How to repair your bike: wrench" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056BJFOK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0056BJFOK&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=MQR6INLNZXENLDAZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Different sizes of adjustable wrenches</a><u><br /></u>An
adjustable wrench is needed for all repairments on your bicycle. Most
handy (wo)men already have this tool and I presume - as you are reading
this - that you have one as well. Dislocating a wheel will be impossible
without a wrench unless your thumbs are made out of iron.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B0Q4N7Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B0Q4N7Y&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=DV6UE6EJXYKOKUZM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Metalspokes for bicycle" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VrHbfH3ixTI/VA146c_6OSI/AAAAAAAABHw/DKIJsc5CObM/s1600/spokes10.4in.jpg" height="200" title="10 Replacement spokes: Silver tone metal spokes (11" = 27,94 cm)" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B0Q4N7Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B0Q4N7Y&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=DV6UE6EJXYKOKUZM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10 Replacement spokes: Silver tone metal spokes (11" = 27,94 cm)</a><br />
Before buying, I have to urge you to measure the size of your spokes. It is very important to have the correct size. It might also be best if you read through the tutorial BEFORE buying these tools.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008P5P1MO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008P5P1MO&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=ABENUKWHA5C4RANY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Metalspokes 10 inch bicycle" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EISnOR2e050/VA146Ab_3aI/AAAAAAAABHs/lRKFgbhKgIA/s1600/spokes11in.jpg" height="200" title="10 Silver Tone Metal Bike Twisted Spokes (10.4" = 26,42 cm)" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008P5P1MO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008P5P1MO&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=ABENUKWHA5C4RANY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10 Silver Tone Metal Bike Twisted Spokes (10.4" = 26,42 cm)</a><br />
Again, measure before you buy it. These spokes are of good quality and should be easy to implement as long as you read the tutorial beforehand. Good luck! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00165Q93A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00165Q93A&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=PLHF6HOYKFWDS2BH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Spokewrench for trueing and alligning your wheels" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFWaixrGR5c/VA146SycUvI/AAAAAAAABH0/IZ0AWWbKaAY/s1600/spokewrench.jpg" height="103" title="Avenir Spoke Wrench Set" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00165Q93A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00165Q93A&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=PLHF6HOYKFWDS2BH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Avenir Spoke Wrench Set</a><br />
In my opinion, it is always good to have spoke wrenches. You can true / allign your wheel at any time and before the damage is so severe that a spoke wrench can't fix it. An alternative would be to use a wrench even though this is a lot better.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Replacing your spokes and
repairing a bent wheel</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span>(also called "wheel allignment" or
"trueing your wheels")</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<h4>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">Replacing a spoke </span></h4>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">I have to be honest here. I never came as far as to repair my
spokes. On the other hand, I have fixed my bent wheel using the spokes. I
will first teach you how to replace a spoke, based on what I have read on the internet, before I move on to repairing a
bent wheel. Be wary: it is a rather difficult process and you will have to develop
skills and intuition in order to fix the problem.</span></div>
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><h4>
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">What do you need to know
about your wheels in order to change the spokes?</span></i></b></h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">
</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">There
are different sizes of spokes out there. Because of this, it is
important to measure one of the spokes or - if possible - to look up the
specifications of the bicycle in order to know the correct size. If you
cannot find the correct size by looking at the specs, you will have to
start deconstructing your bike in order to find the measurements. That
is basically all you need to know for now.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><h4>
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">How to change the spoke(s)?</span></i></b></h4>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><i>What do we need: </i>an
adjustable wrench (to dislocate the wheel), pliers (to bend the spoke
close to the hub), a spoke wrench, a pump, 2 sturdy table spoons and of
course the replacement spoke.</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><i><br />How to replace a broken spoke:</i></span></span>
you'll need to remove the tube and tire in order to decrease the
chances of getting a pinch flat. It is possible that the spoke - when
inserting it in the rim - will reach the tube and puncture it. Hence it
is detrimental to not remove the tire/tube first. To know how you detach
these parts, you'll have to read through the previous steps (how to
repair/change a tube).<br /><br />Let's start:<br /><ul>
<li>First you place your bike upside down and put it in a firm position.
It is a good idea to clamp the bike or to have a friend help you with
keeping the bike stable. </li>
<li>The next step is to detach the tire and tube from the wheel. If you
have done that, you either need to remove a good spoke in order to know
its size or - should you already know the size - skip to the next step.
You can remove a spoke by using the spoke wrench to loosen the screw
where the spoke meets the rim. Use your pliers to bend the spoke-end at
the hub of the wheel 90°, enabling you to slide the spoke out of the
hole located at the hub. If you have done so, you'll have to measure the
spoke in order to know its dimension. Be sure to calculate a bit of
wiggle room. If your spoke is too big in the end, you'll need to shorten
it with a wire cutter.</li>
<li>Take the new spoke and put the part without the screw end through
the hole of the hub. FYI: the screw end is the part that you will have
to attach to the rim by putting the nipple in the whole of the rim and
screwing the spoke in the nipple (repairing a bike sounds somewhat sexy
or perverted). Bend the spoke that went through the hub slightly so it
stays in position. If the nipple is attached to the spoke when you
bought it (that is the case most of the time), unscrew it and put the
nipple through the hole on the rim. Take the screw end and carefully
insert it in the nipple. Tighten it a bit by hand and make sure that the
nipple doesn't stick out through the rim. If it does stick out, you can
fix this by putting more spoke through the hub, thus shortening it.</li>
<li>You will have to 'true' your wheel, as it will probably be bent.
Please move on to the next tutorial in order to get your bike fixed up
and ready to go.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<h4>
Trueing your wheels / Fixing a bent wheel / Straightening a wheel / Wheel Allignment</h4>
<ol>
<li><h4>
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">How to fix a bent wheel?</span></i></b></h4>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">In
theory, it seems like quite an easy thing to do. In practice, however,
this will require you to develop a skill. With my instructions, you will
at least be able to do this in theory. Be wary though, taking things
too fast and doing it without caution will result in an even more bent
wheel. Don't get scared though. You'll get the hang of it in no time. I
haven't damaged my wheel beyond repair and neither will you (if you are
careful).</span><br /><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><i>What do we need: </i>a spoke wrench, a pencil or chalk to mark the bent, patience and a good eye for detail.</span></span><br /><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><i>How to straighten your wheel: </i>put
your bike upside down and put it in firm position (as always). Rotate
your wheel and watch the brake pads. It is important to really take your
time here. While spinning the wheel, you will notice that the distance
from the brake pad and the rim will decrease and increase while you are
spinning it. If not, your wheel is not bent and you do not need to
straighten it. If the wheels rubs the right brake, it is bend to the
right and vice versa. Take a look at the hub. You will see that the
spokes come from the left and from the right. Should your wheel be bent
to the right, you will have to tighten the spoke coming from the left
side. When it is bent to the right, loosen the right side and tighten
the left side (SLIGHTLY! never ever overdo it, as it will decrease
durability). Try to tighten not just 1 spoke but also the 2 (or more)
spokes next to it. Every small adjustment you make should be evaluated
by spinning the wheel. Here it is important to have a keen eye for
detail. If you do not have it, try put an object between the brake pad
and the rim in order to determine the space between brake pad and rim.
Should the object fit on one place, it has to fit the whole 360°. If
not, you'll have to do some more straigthening on the spot it does not
fit. Just repeat the process over and over again and you will have a
straightened wheel.</span></span> </li>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-61527548090595612452014-09-23T13:12:00.005+02:002014-09-24T07:04:35.194+02:00How to plan your bicycle tour through Europe: Benelux, France and Spain tour (from Amsterdam to Santiago de Compostela)<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
Important note: for the combined use of GPS tracks, you will need software. <a href="http://biking-through-europe.blogspot.de/p/planning-bicycle-trip.html" target="_blank">You can find the software here.</a></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
Another important note: this route is the <b>Saint Jacobs Cycling Route.</b> Scroll all the way down and you will be able to find a link to a Belgium site that has the full route from Haarlem to Santiago de Compostela. You can download the GPS track and you do not have to alter anything at all!</div>
<h4>
Cycling the LF route from Amsterdam to the Belgian border</h4>
If you want to get more information on how to cycle through the Netherlands, <a href="http://biking-through-europe.blogspot.com/2014/07/how-to-plan-your-bicycle-tour-through_14.html" target="_blank">please take a look at this link</a>. You will see 2 different methods on how to plan a route within the Netherlands. Because I have already dedicated a page to this, I will keep it short and I will assume that you want to start your tour from Amsterdam and go to Belgium (Antwerpen). <br />
<br />
Please open: <a href="http://www.nederlandfietsland.nl/landelijke-fietsroutes/overzicht-lf-routes/lf2-stedenroute" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.nederlandfietsland.nl/landelijke-fietsroutes/overzicht-lf-routes/lf2-stedenroute </a><br />
Take a look at the map on the right side. You can zoom in and look at the cities you will pass. Starting from Amsterdam, you will have to look for the signpost "LF 2". Just keep following this sign and you will be able to reach the Belgian border. Important note:<a href="http://www.nederlandfietsland.nl/uploads/GPX/LF2gpx.zip" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> there is the possibility of downloading a GPS track for this route and I recommend you to do so.</a><br />
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<h4>
Cycling the LF 2 from the Belgian border to Antwerp</h4>
All right. So you've cycled all the way through the Netherlands and you have reached the Belgian border. Very nice. Now you will have to follow the LF 2 route until you reach Antwerp. Afterwards, you will have to switch your cycling route. Here I really recommend you use a GPS, as this bicycle route is not an 'official route'. This cycling route is designed by Clemens Sweerman and this route is perfect to reach Paris.<br />
<br />
Please take a look at this site: <a href="http://www.groteroutepaden.be/route.php?itemno=259" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.groteroutepaden.be/route.php?itemno=259</a><br />
You will have to use Google translate to understand this site, as the content of the English version of this site is very limited (as always). I do not understand why these sites have more content in the native language. It seems like a good idea to make the content equally available in all languages because of tourism and such. Oh well...<br />
<br />
You can download the GPS track for the "Van Gogh Route" by Clemens Sweerman, so you can reach France (Paris).<br />
<h4>
I would've used the EuroVelo route 3 from Paris to Santiago de Compostela but it is not realised yet... </h4>
I really cannot express the disappointment regarding EV more than I have already. Not 1 single route is fully realised and I just cannot understand why. Anyway, look at this picture. The route would have been ideal but as long as it isn't realised, I cannot use this at all.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HY8jZzMjaGg/VCFPSMQN01I/AAAAAAAABIg/xN0MU3ZmmYM/s1600/imageMap.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Not realised Not planned lazy bureacrats" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HY8jZzMjaGg/VCFPSMQN01I/AAAAAAAABIg/xN0MU3ZmmYM/s1600/imageMap.png" height="640" title="Eurovelo nonsense" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't this just bollocks? 5/6 is not realised. I would not even call this a route. It is nothing pretending to be something.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So... because Europe isn't really making an effort to realise the so-called routes, I will - once more - use national cycling association websites to reach Pamplona (Spain). The real problem is that even the national sites are incomplete and useless. I searched really, really hard and found nothing. Then I went back to the Belgian website and found a route to Santiago de Compostela. Really awesome. Here is the link: <a href="http://www.groteroutepaden.be/nl/route/232/st-jacobsroute---europafietsers.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.groteroutepaden.be/nl/route/232/st-jacobsroute---europafietsers.html</a><br />
<br />
This is a Pilgrims route as well as a cycling route. You will pass hostels and will find lots of places to camp. Really awesome. I guess the Belgian sites trump the French sites. All my respect goes out to Belgium!</div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-65929119427412677802014-09-03T14:43:00.000+02:002014-09-08T23:33:35.166+02:00Buying Spare Parts: Wheel [part 1]<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:HyphenationZone>21</w:HyphenationZone>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>DE</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><a href="http://biking-through-europe.blogspot.com/2014/09/buying-spare-parts-wheel-part-2.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to see the next post that shows you how to fix a bent wheel and change a broken spoke.</span></a> </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">Repairing a bike is quite easy as long as you know how to do it and what
to look out for when you buy spare parts. A good example of ignorance is when I
tried to buy a tube for my back wheel. I bought the wrong size of air valve
(too short) and the wrong size of tube itself (wrong diameter). The durability
of the tube was extremely low as it only held out 100 km before bursting. Hence
it is crucial to buy the highest quality of spare parts and to know which spare
parts are needed for <i>your bicycle in particular</i>. The quality and
durability is especially important while trekking or traveling long distances.
In this post, I will try to explain the steps one ought to take to ensure safe,
long lasting and qualitative cycling. I will also share the spare parts that I
can recommend based on personal experience and feedback from the cycling
community online. If you do care about getting the best prices, you ought to
buy your parts from the internet instead of a store, as it is mostly a lot cheaper
AND because you can choose between a broader assortment of products.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">First I'll give you a list of products that you might need. You will have to read through the tutorials before buying the parts, as you are probably not aware of what is needed and what isn't. Throughout the article I will use the abbreviation [opt.]. It means that it is not a necessity, but it might save you time and nerves if you use it. It won't ensure better quality though. The quality solely depends on your handiness and you using your brain.</span><br />
<h4>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">A list of spare parts for your bicycle that you might or will need throughout this guide</span></h4>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /></div>
Click the link or picture to be redirected to the product.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056BJFOK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0056BJFOK&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=MQR6INLNZXENLDAZ" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Adjustable wrench repairing a bicycle" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ALJkguEpyI/VAb_DFjnbxI/AAAAAAAABGg/WV4J_79NP6U/s1600/Adjustable%2Bwrenches.jpg" height="200" title="How to repair your bike: wrench" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056BJFOK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0056BJFOK&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=MQR6INLNZXENLDAZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Different sizes of adjustable wrenches</a><u><br /></u>An adjustable wrench is needed for all repairments on your bicycle. Most handy (wo)men already have this tool and I presume - as you are reading this - that you have one as well. Dislocating a wheel will be impossible without a wrench unless your thumbs are made out of iron.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCUYPLM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BCUYPLM&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=BE77Y4C4SPZKYY5H" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Contitube with presta valve replacement" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-I7U1jIEwI/VAcA_lSxxKI/AAAAAAAABGw/QqRbdUoTCmA/s1600/Tube%2BPresta.jpg" height="200" title="How to repair your bike: presta-valve-tube" width="133" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCUYPLM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BCUYPLM&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=BE77Y4C4SPZKYY5H" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Continental Presta valve tube in different sizes</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the Presta valve bicycle tube, you can click the picture or the hyperlink above. This is mostly for racing bikes. Be sure to select the correct size on the website. </div>
<br />
<div class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title">
<span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"></span></div>
<div class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title">
<span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"></span></div>
<div class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title">
<span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0075JAK2W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0075JAK2W&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=OFDFLLZQ6MOALCXL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="bicycletube schrader valve thornresistant" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Lr940iTkBo/VAcA_FqBrKI/AAAAAAAABGs/p7PwYaU4cI8/s1600/Tube%2BSchrader.jpg" height="117" title="Avenir Thorn resistant biketube" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0075JAK2W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0075JAK2W&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=OFDFLLZQ6MOALCXL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle">Avenir Thorn Resistant Bicycle Tube Schrader Valve</span></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">If you need a Schrader air valve (also called 'auto' or 'car' valve), you can buy it here by clicking the blue hyperlink or the picture. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AYU8SQY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AYU8SQY&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=EQ5AVEEUP2IO2RNK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="repairkit for fixing your bike" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4D3imS6ASl0/VAcEeFRCWfI/AAAAAAAABG8/-oX4_zrw1IU/s1600/repairkit.jpg" height="200" title="Compact Design 16 in 1 Multi Function Purpose Bike Bicycle Cycling Tyre Repair Tool Kits Complete Set + Mini Portable Pump " width="200" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AYU8SQY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AYU8SQY&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=EQ5AVEEUP2IO2RNK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Compact Design 16 in 1 Multi Function Purpose Bike Bicycle Cycling Tyre Repair Tool Kits Complete Set + Mini Portable Pump </a></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">I am really, really fond of this neat little product. It has everything you need. You can dislocate the chain, pump, dislocate the wheel and patch your tube. All in one. Another advantage is that you can take it everywhere with you due to the small and compact bag (which you can attach to your bicycle). A must have for a trekker; a nice gadget for the sporadic bicyclist.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MK3GFS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001MK3GFS&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=E6NCGEZWENAVF7KF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="bike floor pump to repair or mend" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ELOHe82y7Hc/VAcGS4giIEI/AAAAAAAABHE/1XRnFnVt-tE/s1600/bike%2Bpump.jpg" height="200" title="Serfas TCPG Bicycle Floor Pump with pressure meter" width="200" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MK3GFS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001MK3GFS&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=E6NCGEZWENAVF7KF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Serfas TCPG Bicycle Floor Pump with pressure meter <i>[opt.]</i></a> </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">I have taken a similar floor pump on a trip through Europe. Here is the thing: if you have a pinch flat, it is perfectly possible to travel an estimated 10 km. That is basically my own estimation based on experience. I've had 2 pinch flats in the middle of nowhere and one time I traveled about 20 km, the other time it was only 5. Anyway, if you have to pump your bike every few km, you'll be so happy that you've bought this product. It is a nice item to have at home, as it is just a lot faster and you can really see what the pressure on the tube is. An alternative is to have a hand pump, as seen in the previous repair kit. That is a must-have if you do not have a floor pump with you! You need at least 1 pump.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NVY3OK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000NVY3OK&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=HNAEIY7454GGV4IX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Continental 28" Road Bike Tyre Sprinter Gatorskin" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e80PKoOOqvY/VAcIxJ2Fw6I/AAAAAAAABHM/wY3k9ISls2c/s1600/Tubular%2Btire.jpg" height="132" title="Touring through Europe best sprint tubular tire" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NVY3OK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000NVY3OK&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=HNAEIY7454GGV4IX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continental 28" Road Bike Tyre Sprinter Gatorskin</a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"> </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">This is a tubular tire. It is meant for racing and sprinting and is of very high quality. Not many people need such a tire, but if you need it, this is probably the best you can get and afford. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NGT2VY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000NGT2VY&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=UDD57Z57YUQSME46" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="Biking through europe: biketire high quality" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuwe50Q4bw4/VAcJ2ScJb3I/AAAAAAAABHU/7pZAbEJCY78/s1600/continental%2Btire.jpg" height="132" title="Continental ultra gatorskin kevlar wire bead" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NGT2VY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000NGT2VY&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=UDD57Z57YUQSME46" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Continental Gatorskin Wire Bead Road Bike Tire [opt.]</a></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">A very good high quality tire. You might need it in case your old tire is worn out. That is why I labeled the tire as optional. The on-page description states that it is highly suited for high mileage during the winter. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">Now we will start out with parts that have to be replaced quite often.</span>
<br />
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">How to repair or change parts of your wheels</span></b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">Let's say that the wheel consists of the spokes, air-valve, rim, tire, tube
inside the tire, brake and the brake pad (also called the 'shoe'). Every single
part can easily be replaced by a spare part, as long as you know where to buy
it and how to change parts. Like most things in life, it is easy if you know
how to do it.</span></div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">Replacing your tube/tire and patching your tubes</span></b></h3>
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><h4>
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">What do you need to know
about your wheels in order to change the tube?</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"></span></b></h4>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">Look up the specifications of
the wheel/bike you have. Most of the time, the size is mentioned on the rim in case you
have lost/can't find the specifications (700c with 20-50mm width, 26", 27", 28", 29", etc.). You will also have to consider that there are
various sorts of tires, albeit that most are of the type 'clincher'. <br />
<br />
A clincher tire is a U-shaped tire where the tire and tube are 2 separated from
each other, meaning that you can easily change both parts independent of each
other.<br />
<br />
A tubular tire, also known as a <i>sew-up, sprint</i> or <i>tub</i>, is a type
of tire where the tube is attached/sown/glued to the tire. If you have this
type, you are probably a fanatic high-performance cyclist and you probably
would not need this guidance.<br />
<br />
A wired tire is nowadays the same as a clincher type. The wire refers to the
the steel wiring in the bead (the outer edge of a tire that clinches to the
rim). There used to be a time where clincher types relied only on air pressure
to clinch itself to the rim. Nowadays, it also relies on the steel wiring in
the bead to attach itself to the rim. All clinchers are wired.<br />
<br />
A tubeless tire holds air without having a tube. They are mostly used on
mountain bikes, as the chances of the pinch flat are decreased tremendously. A
pinch flat is when your inner tube gets punctured, so it is actually impossible
to get a pinch flat. However, due to the too much lateral force, it is possible
that air escapes the tire.<br />
<br />
A solid tire is, as the name might indicate, works without air. I would not
recommend this tire for many reasons, one of them being the loss of suspension quality
which results in many complaints. In the long term, due to the loss of
suspension quality this might be terrible for your spine.</span></div>
<ol start="2" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><h4>
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">How to change the
different types of tubes and tires?</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"></span></b></h4>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">The process of changing tubes
and tires does not vary much between the various types. I will start with the
conventional type.</span></div>
<ol start="2" type="1"><ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><h4>
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">How to patch the
clincher type:</span></b></h4>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">I have changed many clinchers
in my life. In fact, my mother first thought me how to do it. For that reason,
I will use her method even though better methods are available.<br />
<br />
<i>What do we need:</i> 2 sturdy table spoons <i>[opt.]</i>, a wrench, soapy water </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><i>[opt.]</i></span>, a spare
tube (duh), a repair-kit, a small tub/bucket of water and a pump.<br />
<i>How to change/repair the tube: </i>Look for a place where you can
stabilize your bike and turn it upside down. For your convenience, the bike
should be very stable. There is no need to dislocate the wheel. Fact is that
dislocating the wheel makes everything a lot easier to handle, but my mother
never dislocated it (as she was afraid that she would mess up the gear shift).
Dislocate the tire from the rim by hand. If that is not possible, use the table
spoons to separate it (with caution, as you might damage the tire). Take out
the tube and fill it with air to locate the hole. If the air escapes so fast
that it is impossible to inflate it, your tube is beyond repair and you will
need to change the tube. If not, you can mend it using your repair kit.<br />
<br />
Let's assume that you can actually patch the tube. Locate the whole using the
tub/bucket of water. You do this by inflating your tube and holding it under
water. If you see bubbles coming to the top, you have found the hole. To ensure
that you have only 1 hole, rotate the wheel 360° and hold it under water.
Deflate and patch it using glue and a rubber patch. Just follow the
instructions of your repair kit and you should be fine. After your patch has
dried up, you can put the tube back. I always put the air valve through the
hole first and then I pump a <b>little bit</b> of air in the tube. This makes
it easier to stuff the tube in the tire. Make sure that the bead is attached to
the rim. If you managed to do this, you can fully pump it up and it should be
repaired. Wooohoo, you managed to save yourself money and you can even get a
flat tire in the middle of nowhere without being totally helpless.<br />
<br />
Another scenario might be that your tube is beyond repair. Things might get a
bit more complicated, as you will have to dislocate the wheel. If it is your
back-wheel and you have a gear-change, you will have to be extremely careful
that you know exactly how to put it back.<br />
<br />
Dislocate the wheel, remove the tube using the previous steps from the first
scenario and take your spare part. Insert it and put everything back in its
place. It isn't hard as long as you know how to do it. If it is your first
time, make sure to read through the steps a few times. If you need personal
assistance, you can contact me per mail and I can give you support through
skype. Biking.thru.europe*-at-*gmail.com<br />
<br />
The tire itself can also be dislocated by using force. It is important to know
the dimension of the wheel. If you do not know what the dimension is, you can
easily buy the wrong product. Diameter and width are mentioned in various ways.
Try to Google the dimension mentioned on the rim of the wheel and you can be
sure that you buy the correct product.</span></div>
<ol start="2" type="1"><ol start="2" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><h4>
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">How to change or patch a
tubeless type</span></b></h4>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><i>What do we need:</i> a wrench, soapy water </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><i>[opt.]</i></span>, a spare tire and a pump.</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><i>How to change the tire: </i></span>For this type, you really
should not use the spoons, as the bead should never ever be damaged. The
sealing of the tire is what holds the air inside. Use soapy water to help you
dislocate and relocate the tubeless type. Everything else is basically the same
as the clincher type. However, if you still need a tutorial for this type, you
can have a look at the PDF file provided by the brand Shimano (<a href="http://si.shimano.com/php/download.php?file=pdf/um/SI-0028A-000-ENG.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">click here</span></a>).</span></div>
<ol start="2" type="1"><ol start="3" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><h4>
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">How to patch the tubular
type</span></b></h4>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;"><i>How to change/repair the tube: </i></span>Don't. Seriously, don't do it.
It is not worth your nerves and time. It is close to impossible and it does not
make sense to be honest. You probably use this type to compete in races or in
another competitive way and you will greatly decrease the quality of your tire by
mending it.</span></div>
<ol start="2" type="1"><ol start="4" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;"><h4>
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">How to patch the solid
type</span></b></h4>
</li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: DE;">There is no need to patch
this. In fact, there is no need to have this type of tire at all, unless you
are planning to cycle on shards of glass.</span></div>
<ol start="1" type="1">
</ol>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Normale Tabelle";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-56500186911947853662014-07-14T14:27:00.002+02:002014-09-08T11:58:28.540+02:00How to plan your bicycle tour through Europe: The Netherlands (Holland)<h4>
The Condition of the Dutch Bike Lanes</h4>
I would almost say that a page dedicated to planning a trip through the Netherlands seems like an unnecessary thing to do. Why? Because you can pretty much go anywhere on your bicycle. I can assure you that you can get from - and to every corner of the country without any trouble at all. Also, without overreacting I can say that the bicycle paths in the Netherlands are in top condition.<br />
<br />
I've already made some photos of the state of Dutch bicycle lanes:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GiaiYGlOgU/U662zlE4QNI/AAAAAAAAAP0/W4fxcrCnMUg/s1600/IMAG0128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Limburg fietspad Remunj Roermond" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GiaiYGlOgU/U662zlE4QNI/AAAAAAAAAP0/W4fxcrCnMUg/s1600/IMAG0128.jpg" height="213" title="Dutch Bicycle Path" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the path. Separated from the street by a bit a grass. In the Netherlands, a helmet is simply not needed. It does not make sense to wear one, as cyclists are very safe and unlikely to have an accident. They hardly ever get themselves between motorized traffic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rs7sJ8elTtw/U6620lipVPI/AAAAAAAAAQI/oRTIhz5gYN8/s1600/IMAG0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fietspad straat" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rs7sJ8elTtw/U6620lipVPI/AAAAAAAAAQI/oRTIhz5gYN8/s1600/IMAG0130.jpg" height="320" title="Cyclepath along the road" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quality of picture is bad, as I was cycling while taking the picture. This is path is really the bare minimum. I would expect the street to be a 30 km/h zone though.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LCLkhPtD1tw/U66211EebVI/AAAAAAAAAQk/59RoImNtOUU/s1600/IMAG0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Brug Roermon" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LCLkhPtD1tw/U66211EebVI/AAAAAAAAAQk/59RoImNtOUU/s1600/IMAG0133.jpg" height="213" title="Roermond Bridge" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you see the bridge to Roermond. The cars are on the left side of the concrete wall. Could it get any safer? Maybe if the wall was made out of titanium in stead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few months ago I saw a documentary about cycling. I haven't really been paying close attention at that time. Anyway, it made reference of the Netherlands and Denmark being the top nations when it comes to cycling culture. They explained that both countries have the biggest % of employers going to their jobs per bike and they stated that the services with regards to the bicycle paths (winter road maintenance, repairing cracks in the asphalt, upgrading dirt-roads, and so forth) are the best in Europe.<br />
<br />
This fact puts Denmark higher in the list of Countries I'd Like to Cycle (CILC's).<br />
<br />
<br />
Aaaanywho, I'll give you some instructions and tips on how to plan a bike-tour across Holland. I think it makes sense to plan a semi-circular tour in the Netherlands first. Afterwards, we can plan a tour through the Netherlands to another country. It makes some sense to separate these 2 things, as the resources used might be different.<br />
<h3>
Cycling in the Netherlands</h3>
Resources needed:<br />
<ul>
<li>Google maps</li>
<li><a href="http://www.nederlandfietsland.nl/fietsrouteplanner" rel="nofollow">Nederlandfietsland.nl (this is a Dutch site) Fietsrouteplanner</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.nederlandfietsland.nl/landelijke-fietsroutes/overzicht-lf-routes" rel="nofollow">Nederlandfietsland.nl LF routes </a></li>
</ul>
To determine where to go, I'd have to ask a question: Why the Netherlands?<br />
<ol>
<li>Canals, old cities, art</li>
<li>Visiting a relative? </li>
<li>Beach, Dunes, nature</li>
<li>Party, coffeeshops, red light district</li>
<li>Just travelling through Holland on my way to Belgium/Germany/UK</li>
</ol>
<h4>
Cycling from Amsterdam </h4>
<ol>
</ol>
The odds are big that you are arriving or going to Amsterdam. For that reason, I will explain how to use a map from the Dutch website of the bicycle association using Amsterdam as a startingpoint.<br />
<ol>
<li>Open this link: <a href="http://www.nederlandfietsland.nl/fietsrouteplanner" rel="nofollow">Nederlandfietsland.nl (this is a Dutch site) Fietsrouteplanner</a></li>
<li>On the left you see the 'planner', where you can enter a city in the second field ('Amsterdam') and a street in the first field. You can also pick the trainstation in the first field by clicking the arrow and choosing the 3rd option on the popup ("Ingang treinstation"). <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3KDy9R58WE/U8PExjNMyzI/AAAAAAAABEg/TXytEUcmar0/s1600/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dutch bike route" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3KDy9R58WE/U8PExjNMyzI/AAAAAAAABEg/TXytEUcmar0/s1600/1.jpg" height="403" title="Plan a Bicycle tour Holland Netherlands" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Amsterdam to Leeuwarden via Lelystad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li>If you press "Bereken de route", which means calculate the route, you'll get some cool statistics regarding the route.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HijW69EYrrI/U8PEyxqkxEI/AAAAAAAABEs/ND6Gly3K8Bw/s1600/2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LF routes holland cool" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HijW69EYrrI/U8PEyxqkxEI/AAAAAAAABEs/ND6Gly3K8Bw/s1600/2.jpg" height="426" title="Stats bike route" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">160 km trip from Amsterdam to Leeuwarden. Better do this in 2 hops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
</ol>
<h4>
Cycling the LF routes</h4>
<ol>
<li>Go to this website: <a href="http://www.nederlandfietsland.nl/en/long-distance-cycle-routes/gps-tracks" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.nederlandfietsland.nl/en/long-distance-cycle-routes/gps-tracks</a> </li>
<li>Here you can find a list of all LF routes with GPS tracks </li>
</ol>
<h4>
Biking from the Netherlands to another country</h4>
If you are planning a long-distance bicycle tour from the Netherlands (going to another country), you'll have to do some research with regards to the path to the other country you'll take.<br />
<br />
More info coming soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0Amsterdam, Niederlande52.3702157 4.895167899999933152.2151142 4.5724443999999327 52.5253172 5.2178913999999335tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-78966209353192730652014-07-22T11:51:00.004+02:002014-09-08T11:58:08.779+02:00ECF EuroVelo Update<b><i>Please read the previous post too. <a href="http://biking-through-europe.blogspot.com/2014/07/ideas-for-long-distance-cycling-in.html" target="_blank">Click here. </a></i></b><br />
<br />
I have sent an e-mail to the ECF and asked them about the massive
amount of unrealised EuroVelo routes. Their response consisted of a
definition of a realised route, an explanation why some routes are
called non-realised even though they meet all requirements, and an answer
to my question whether they need help with putting up EU signposts.<br />
<h4>
What is the 'realised route' definition</h4>
You
can call a part of a route realised if: "1. Detailed information
available on any website; and 2. Signed with (at least) national signs;
and 3. Minimum 50 km (meeting the first 2 criteria)." The stretches of
road towards which I have pointed them DO meet all these requirements,
which brings me to the next point.<br />
<h4>
Why are some routes non-realised even though they meet all of the requirements</h4>
"...we
try to update our database as often as possible, but it is also
possible that we missed some developments. Some of our coordinators are
more responsive than others." I have already figured this one out
beforehand. Maybe it sounds a bit stereotypical but some bureaucrats are
ok with being lazy. I will keep an eye out for EV4 and EV6, so we can
track the work being done on this project.<br />
<h4>
Why I cannot help with putting up EU signposts</h4>
Question to ECF: can I help putting up signposts? <br />
<br />
"No...signposting
is the result of a long and complex process (involving EuroVelo members
but also local public authorities and/or local organizations) and
according to the countries and/or regions, signs can be different. That
is why this work is done by our national coordinators and/or partners."<br />
<br />
This
means that the signposting work has to be coordinated by the same
non-responsive bureaucrats (see last paragraph). If you have actually
cycled these routes, you will notice that the infrastructure is fine the
way it is. <i><b>The problem does not lie with bicycle paths not meeting requirements.</b></i> The slow and tedious bureaucratic process is the cause of there not being enough signposts or the website not being updated.<br />
<h3>
How individuals and/or companies are so far up ahead of the ECF, it actually becomes embarrassing</h3>
Nowadays,
most people are carrying a GPS tracker in the form of a smartphone. I
did some research and found the following website: <a href="http://www.bikemap.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.bikemap.net/</a><br />
<br />
Here
you can make a route and export that route as GPX file. GPX files can
be imported in most GPS navigation systems (eg. an app on your
Smartphone). That is just great. Not only does this program make use of
national bicycle paths, it also enables you to export a GPX file. You do
not even have to carry around maps and pieces of paper to navigate your
way through Europe.<br />
<br />
You can see how it works on the following pictures:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1yoRz_kQbE/U84zhh-moXI/AAAAAAAABFo/wKGajbo-gZk/s1600/bikemap1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bikemap.net wins hard" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1yoRz_kQbE/U84zhh-moXI/AAAAAAAABFo/wKGajbo-gZk/s1600/bikemap1.jpg" height="262" title="EuroVelo vs Bikemap.net" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">God this is so embarrassing. Look at how extensive this site is in comparison to the bureaucratic monstrosity.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6h5-wdgfro/U84zicHKxJI/AAAAAAAABFw/itnTX6BPscQ/s1600/bikemap2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bikemap export GPS data" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D6h5-wdgfro/U84zicHKxJI/AAAAAAAABFw/itnTX6BPscQ/s1600/bikemap2.jpg" height="286" title="Export GPS GPX KML data bikemap" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the possibility of downloading GPS data. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com1Passau, Deutschland48.5667364 13.43194659999994748.482691900000006 13.270585099999947 48.6507809 13.593308099999946tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-80116466077400181692014-08-10T13:05:00.003+02:002014-09-08T11:58:03.554+02:00Buying a bike: how to purchase a fitting bicycle<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">What to take into account when buying a bike?</span></span></h3>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>Where do you live? Flat, rural, steep, urban, ... areas?</li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">How often do you use it?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Short or long distance cycling?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Low budget or a good investment?</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">Which bicycle is ideal for you: A small tutorial</span></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">I will show you bicycles with a specific kind of person. I'll start with a hybrid bike.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="a-size-large a-spacing-none" id="title">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://c/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"><b>Why should you buy a Hybrid Bicycle</b>Schwinn Discover Men's Hybrid Bike (700C Wheels)</span></span></a></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81OpTS7+yLL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81OpTS7+yLL._SL1500_.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US">Hybrid bikes are a mix of road bikes, touring bikes and mountain bikes. This bicycle has 21 gears, a sturdy frame and a luggage carrier. This means that it is suited for commuters, trekkers and occasional bikers. At the moment this bike costs </span></span></span><span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice">$281, which makes this bicycle a real bargain.</span><br />
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice">Click on the blue title to read more about the bicycle.</span><br />
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"></span><br />
<h4>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W8LG1S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004W8LG1S&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=RRQFEQ6JLFQFG36G" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W8LG1S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004W8LG1S&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=RRQFEQ6JLFQFG36G" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:HyphenationZone>21</w:HyphenationZone>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>DE</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Normale Tabelle";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What
should you consider when you buy a bike</span></a></span></b></span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W8LG1S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004W8LG1S&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=RRQFEQ6JLFQFG36G" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></a></span></b></span></h4>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W8LG1S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004W8LG1S&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=RRQFEQ6JLFQFG36G" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Takara Kabuto Single Speed Road Bike</a></span></b></span><br />
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81DvRDVVjFL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81DvRDVVjFL._SL1500_.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice">A sturdy speed road bike for agile and fast movement through the big city. It's steel frame and fork and strong kenda tires are ideal for commuters. The prices at this time are between </span><br />
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice">$194.26 - $308.77.</span><br />
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FFUAXY8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00FFUAXY8&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=X7HIS4RJZPDN5AYS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Buying a bike: how to purchase a fitting bicycle<br /><br />Diamondback Bicycles 2014 Recoil Full Suspension Mountain Bike with 29-Inch Wheels</span></a></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81VsrCCWboL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81VsrCCWboL._SL1500_.jpg" height="347" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice">The cost-benefit ratio when it comes to bicycles. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="feature" data-feature-name="featurebullets" id="featurebullets_feature_div">
<div class="a-section a-spacing-medium a-spacing-top-small" id="feature-bullets">
<ul class="a-vertical a-spacing-none">
<li><span class="a-list-item">RECOIL 6061-T6 Aluminum 4" Trail Frame</span></li>
<li><span class="a-list-item">SR XCT 100mm travel Fork/Kindshock Coil Rear Shock</span></li>
<li><span class="a-list-item">Shimano Acera rear derailleur w/SLM-310 8spd Rapid-fire shifters</span></li>
<li><span class="a-list-item">32h Diamondback SL-7 Double wall Rims</span></li>
<li><span class="a-list-item">Tektro IO Plus Mechanical Disc Brakes</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<span class="a-size-medium a-color-price" id="priceblock_ourprice"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">For which purposes is the </span><span class="hps">Recoil</span> <span class="hps">29</span> <span class="hps">developed</span><span class="">?</span> </span></h4>
<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"></span><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">The recoil</span> <span class="hps">29 is a</span> <span class="hps">great bike</span> <span class="hps">for the beginner</span> <span class="hps">mountain bikers</span> or <span class="hps">someone</span> <span class="hps">who wants to travel the world with a sturdy bicacle</span><span class="hps"></span><span class="hps"></span><span class="hps"></span><span class="hps"></span><span class="hps"></span>. The <span class="hps">29</span><span class="atn">-</span>inch wheels of recoil 29 are the best when it comes to the cost-benefit factor. T<span class="hps">he</span> <span class="hps">Recoil</span> <span class="hps">29</span> <span class="hps">is</span> <span class="hps">a bike will bring you lots of excitement</span> <span class="hps">and its features will amaze you every single trail you take</span><span class="hps"></span>.</span><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"> </span><br />
<h4>
<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">What</span> <span class="hps">is</span> <span class="hps">so good about</span> <span class="hps">29 inch</span> <span class="hps">wheels</span>? </span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"></span></h4>
<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">29"</span> <span class="hps">wheels is the favourite format of mountain bikers around the world</span><span class="hps"></span>. </span><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">Driving on</span> <span class="hps">obstacles with ease</span> <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">help smooth out</span> <span class="hps">the</span> <span class="hps">trace.</span> <span class="hps">In addition</span><span class="">, traction and</span> <span class="hps">flat</span> <span class="hps">available</span> <span class="hps">from</span> <span class="hps">the speed of a</span> <span class="hps">wheel size,</span> <span class="hps">and you have a</span> <span class="hps">set of tires</span> <span class="hps">that</span> <span class="hps">will</span> <span class="hps">convert</span> <span class="hps">all the tracks</span> <span class="hps">in a fun</span> trail.</span><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"> </span><br />
<h4>
<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">Why</span> <span class="hps">do I need full suspension</span>? </span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"></span></h4>
<span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">Mountain biking is</span> <span class="hps">a matter of freedom</span> <span class="hps">and anticipation</span> <span class="hps">of what you</span> <span class="hps">might find in</span> <span class="hps">the next round of</span> <span class="hps">the track.</span> <span class="hps">Sometimes what</span> <span class="hps">you find is</span> <span class="hps">a minefield</span> <span class="hps">of roots and</span> <span class="hps">rocks.</span> <span class="hps">The four</span> <span class="hps">inches of travel</span> <span class="hps">on</span> <span class="hps">the decline in</span> <span class="hps">pre</span> <span class="hps">help</span> <span class="hps">suck</span> <span class="hps">some of these</span> <span class="hps">surprises</span>, sections of <span class="hps">rough</span> <span class="hps">trails can</span> <span class="hps">dish out</span>, <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">help you enjoy</span> <span class="hps">safe</span> <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">in control,</span> <span class="hps">every minute of your</span> <span class="hps">trip.</span> <br /><br /><b><span class="hps">The specifications for the</span> <span class="hps">Recoil</span> <span class="hps">29</span> <span class="hps">include:</span></b> </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">Diamondback</span> <span class="hps">Recoil</span> <span class="hps">Full Suspension</span> <span class="hps">is</span> <span class="hps">sustainable</span> <span class="hps">Series</span> <span class="hps">6061</span> <span class="hps">T-6</span> <span class="hps">aluminum</span> <span class="hps">single pivot</span> <span class="hps">track frame</span> <span class="hps atn">with 4 "</span><span class="">travel</span> <span class="hps">suspension</span> <span class="hps">provides comfort</span> <span class="hps">and control</span> </span></li>
<li><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">Set</span> <span class="hps">SR</span> <span class="hps">XCT</span> <span class="hps">fork</span> <span class="hps">with</span> <span class="hps">100mm</span> <span class="hps">external</span> <span class="hps">preload</span> <span class="hps">and shock</span> <span class="hps">damping</span> <span class="hps">Kinshock</span> <span class="hps">Coil</span> <span class="hps">with</span> <span class="hps">oil</span> <span class="hps">enjoy the</span> <span class="hps">bumps on</span> <span class="hps">the track</span> </span></li>
<li><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">Shimano</span> <span class="hps">8-speed</span> <span class="hps">shifters</span> <span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">derailleurs</span> <span class="hps">to</span> <span class="hps">change</span> <span class="hps">smoothly without</span> <span class="hps">a hitch</span> <span class="hps">with</span> <span class="hps">three trays</span> <span class="hps">before</span> <span class="hps">mating</span> <span class="hps">to give you</span> <span class="hps">24 gears</span> <span class="hps">to choose</span> </span></li>
<li><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">Tektro</span> <span class="hps">mechanical</span> <span class="hps">provide plenty of</span> <span class="hps">stopping power</span> <span class="hps">in wet</span> <span class="hps">and dry conditions</span> </span></li>
<li><span class="" id="result_box" lang="en"><span class="hps">Twenty-nine</span>-inch <span class="hps">wheels</span> <span class="hps">with double</span> <span class="hps">wall rims</span> <span class="hps">and 32</span> <span class="hps">speed</span> <span class="hps">14</span> <span class="hps">gauge</span> <span class="hps">spokes</span> <span class="hps">are constructed from</span> <span class="hps">stainless steel</span> <span class="hps">tire</span> <span class="hps">29x2.2</span> <span class="hps">WTB</span> <span class="hps">Wolverine</span> <span class="hps">Comp</span> <span class="hps">set to provide</span> <span class="hps">miles</span> <span class="hps">and miles</span> <span class="hps">of durable performance</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;">Tags: Buying a bike: how to purchase a fitting bicycle. What should you consider when you buy a bike. Which bicycle is ideal for you? A small tutorial. How to buy the right bicycle? What to take into account when buying a mountain-bike? Purchasing a bicycle tour.</span></span></span> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-73760541893426342122014-08-10T13:39:00.001+02:002014-09-08T11:57:33.187+02:00Pitfalls when buying a bike: Mistakes people make when purchasing a bicycleThere are lots of common mistakes people make when buying their wheels online or in a store. I will share with you some of the common pitfalls when buying a bicycle.<br />
<br />
<i>Tags: mistakes when buying their wheels, How not to buy a MTB, How to not plan your trekking trip through Europe</i><br />
<br />
<h3>
Cycling comes in all flavour </h3>
<h3>
Type of person: The I-can't-drive-a-car-when-I-drink person</h3>
<i><u>Reason for having a </u></i><i><u><span class="ssens">two-wheeled vehicle</span>:</u></i> getting from - and to a party/pub/club<br />
<u><i>Mistake when buying a </i></u><u><i><span class="ssens">two-wheeled vehicle</span>: </i></u>Overpaying for its purpose<br />
<u><i>Location:</i></u> depends - people in the city are often close by a party. If you live in a rural area, you can spend a bit more on a decent bike. <br />
<br />
<i><u>My recommendation: </u></i>buy a second hand <span class="ssens">two-wheeled vehicle</span> from a flea market or a bike shop. If you are drunk, you can easily trash your bicycle or forget to put a lock on it. Try to get a velocipede with an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008A4YYHS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008A4YYHS&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=6LBQDYQQ3LPBIU6F" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AXA lock</a> attached to it. If you do not have an axa lock on it, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008A4YYHS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008A4YYHS&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=6LBQDYQQ3LPBIU6F" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">buy one here</a>.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tags: Difficulties when buying a bicycle, Choosing a bike: common mistakes</span></i><br />
<br />
<h3>
Type of person: The everything-has-to-be-safe person</h3>
<u><i>Reason for having a </i></u><u><i><span class="ssens">two-wheeled vehicle</span>:</i></u> sporadic excercise, planned bike trips, going to work (only during spring and summer; autumn/winter is too dangerous)<br />
<u><i>Mistake when buying a </i></u><u><i><span class="ssens">two-wheeled vehicle</span>:</i></u> getting fooled into buying a bike for 1000,00's of dollar.<br />
<i><u>Location: </u></i>depends on the location. Mostly subarban areas or cities.<br />
<br />
<i><u>My recommendation:</u></i> buy a new bike but don't go over the 500 dollar limit. It does not make sense to buy an expensive bike to ride it a few weeks a year. If you worry about your safety, buy equipment like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00012M5MS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00012M5MS&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=7IBX37VD2I46TP2U" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a helmet</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00766HCUM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00766HCUM&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=HSCBWT4POYM5EPZJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">knee / elow pads</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009R96YK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0009R96YK&linkCode=as2&tag=poliinbelg-20&linkId=MEINBQYE3GBVHUKD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">side mirrors</a>. However, safety mostly lies within your hands (in the way you behave) and that of the many other traffic participants.<br />
<br />
<i>Tags: Common mistakes when buying a velocipede</i>,<i> buying safety equipment, Pitfalls when buying a velocipede</i><br />
<br />
<h3>
Type of person: Travel-the-world-on-my-bike-person</h3>
<u><i>Reason for having a </i></u><u><i><span class="ssens">two-wheeled vehicle</span>:</i></u> adventure, low-budget travelling, various other purposes<br />
<u><i>Mistake when buying a </i></u><u><i><span class="ssens">two-wheeled vehicle</span>:</i></u> the common mistake is buying a second hand velocipede. You cannot trust second hand bike for long journeys. If you buy a second hand bike, be sure to exchange the wheels before trekking. Cycling a long distance can become very expensive if you have to buy tubes and tires all the time. I recommend buying spare parts on the internet.<br />
<br />
<u><i>Location:</i></u> Rough, steep, flat, hilly, urban, suburban, rural terrains<br />
<br />
<u><i>My recommendation:</i></u> buy a new bike with at least 21 gears. Make sure you buy spare-tubes and thick tires on the internet. If you buy a used bicycle, change the wheels before travelling. That way, you can be sure that they will last quiet some time. Do not forget to buy a good lock.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Tags: How to buy a good bicycle, Things to look out for when buying a bike, things to look out for when purchasing a bicycle</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-26358875604861496042014-06-23T20:14:00.000+02:002014-08-10T12:25:25.766+02:00IntroductionHello guys,<br />
<br />
today I've had a small taste of cycling a longer distance, but perhaps it's better to introduce myself before getting down to business. I'll share more about my first +50 km bike-tour through Germany (Bavaria) in my next post.<br />
<h4>
Who am I and where do I come from?</h4>
I am a 24 year old man living in Germany (Regensburg). My father is Austrian and my mother is Dutch, which allows me to express myself fluently in these 2 languages (I can also speak English and a bit of French). I was born in the Netherlands (nearby Amsterdam) and have lived there the first 10 years of my life. Our family has moved to Belgium when I was 10 years old, and we have lived nearby Antwerp for another 12 years before moving to Regensburg. The reason for moving to Germany was because of a Bavarian girl (my current girlfriend), which I have met on the train from Amsterdam to Antwerp.<br />
<br />
This short introduction makes it clear, that I am influenced by lots countries and therefore I feel rather European than anything else. If I had to choose though, I would be more inclined to call myself Dutch. For 22 years I have spoken Dutch and I identify myself the most with this country because of the laid-back, open and uncomplicated ways of (most) Dutch[wo]men.<br />
<br />
<h3>
What motivates me to travel through Europe per bike?</h3>
<ol>
<li>The Netherlands is a country where not having a bicycle is about as strange as Germans not owning a driver's licence. I really love cycling and I do not think it is a sport. It is a mean of transportation like any other.</li>
<li>Germany is not really a biking country, yet they have the nicest cycling routes. Cycle lanes in the city are nevertheless horrible in comparison to Dutch bike paths. </li>
<li>I like nature, as it is relaxing and a good break from life in the city. It is easier to experience nature on a bicycle because of the relatively slow speed and the possibility to stop at any point, at any time (unlike driving by car, train or bus).</li>
</ol>
If you want to know more about me, I might answer your questions in the comments. I do not promise to answer your inquiries, but I'll try.<br />
<br />
Tags: Planning Bicycle Tour Europe is easy, how to prepare for a Bike Trip through Europe, Bicycle equipment: what is needed, cycling lanes Germany. What should you consider when you
buy a bike. How to buy the right bicycle?<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0Regensburg, Deutschland49.0134297 12.10162360000003948.8468242 11.778900100000039 49.180035200000006 12.424347100000039tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-27183439436326467272014-07-08T14:25:00.002+02:002014-07-23T23:54:05.353+02:00Eupen to Regensburg. Day 2: Blankenheim to Koblenz<h3>
Getting ready to cycle another hop to Koblenz </h3>
Waking up at 08:30 and getting ready for breakfast, which is ready at 09:00. I've planned to take it easy today.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2712761-from-blankenheim-to-koblenz/#popup-gpsexport" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE GPS ROUTE FOR YOUR SMARTPHONE</a><br />
<br />
Some of the things I wanted to do different from yesterday: depart early, take plenty of breaks, maybe look at something that seems interesting on the way, and make plenty of photos. Unfortunately, I couldn't do these improvements to the extent I wanted to, due to the fact that this day started with an adverse surprise. My tire got flat again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VkKGtx_oEi4/U7vHascJUYI/AAAAAAAAAgg/eg5YxmrIRxU/s1600/IMAG0304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Street in Blankenheim" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VkKGtx_oEi4/U7vHascJUYI/AAAAAAAAAgg/eg5YxmrIRxU/s1600/IMAG0304.jpg" height="266" title="Blankenheim Gewerbepark" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the photo, you see me going to a tool shop in the 'Gewerbepark'. A Gewerbepark is an area where larger stores gather with the goal of keeping traffic out of the old town and having enough parking spaces. I wasn't cycling at the moment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGgLYyC3auQ/U7vHZpcSe2I/AAAAAAAAAgU/MmmEiBlXopE/s1600/IMAG0305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Seatcushion and bicycle tube 28 Profex" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MGgLYyC3auQ/U7vHZpcSe2I/AAAAAAAAAgU/MmmEiBlXopE/s1600/IMAG0305.jpg" height="426" title="Profex Auto Ventil Bike seat cushion" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at this picture. I've bought an Auto valve. Problem: I do not have such a pump. Arriving at the hotel again, I noticed that I've bought the wrong tube. <br />
<br />
The next photo is a second time at the tool shop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1HwnLIQAUg/U7vHZP5Qq7I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/6oVQ2qk2gQc/s1600/IMAG0306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mending bike-tire tube" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1HwnLIQAUg/U7vHZP5Qq7I/AAAAAAAAAgQ/6oVQ2qk2gQc/s1600/IMAG0306.jpg" height="426" title="Blue Peak Bicycle bike stand" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've made a repair-stand in front of the store. <br />
<br />
The tube has been replaced by a tube with the correct valve, a size 15 spanner has been purchased, and I've taken my baggage with me as well. Everything is set.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcXTs06RYiQ/U7vHgYFKY7I/AAAAAAAAAgo/sPZeCABWynE/s1600/IMAG0307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Spanner 15 and Bike-wheel" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcXTs06RYiQ/U7vHgYFKY7I/AAAAAAAAAgo/sPZeCABWynE/s1600/IMAG0307.jpg" height="640" title="Dislocated the wheel" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIP old tube.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1iutANuTkpg/U7vHmd7mHBI/AAAAAAAAAg4/7cZa1yJ1t0U/s1600/IMAG0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Repairing my bicycle outside the tool shop" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1iutANuTkpg/U7vHmd7mHBI/AAAAAAAAAg4/7cZa1yJ1t0U/s1600/IMAG0308.jpg" height="426" title="Outside the Tool Shop" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voila! Almost perfect. The reason for it not being perfect? Even though the valve is the correct type (Dunlop), it is not the correct size. I can't screw an additional sealing on the valve and I can barely close the bolt that holds the air inside the tube. Basically: it holds the air inside, doesn't release it, but not all parts can be used due to a lack of space. I can tell you beforehand that it will lead to an amazingly short durability.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLCorqRSGfs/U7vHjcXxZDI/AAAAAAAAAgw/1ibZ1RDoMmI/s1600/IMAG0309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="sign Rhineland Pfalz Welcome bird poop" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLCorqRSGfs/U7vHjcXxZDI/AAAAAAAAAgw/1ibZ1RDoMmI/s1600/IMAG0309.jpg" height="320" title="Rheinland Pfalz Birdpoo signpost" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The birds do not seem to accept their hospitality.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4n0cD4puacQ/U7vgJRfKGlI/AAAAAAAAAnw/-b467RAU4BI/s1600/Blankenheim-RheinlandPfalz.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Down the hill in 5 minutes time (probably more)" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4n0cD4puacQ/U7vgJRfKGlI/AAAAAAAAAnw/-b467RAU4BI/s1600/Blankenheim-RheinlandPfalz.jpg" height="290" title="Downhill from Blankenheim to Rheinlandpfalz" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only going downhill. Very nice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2h6mVS4M3c8/U7vHpkn7z1I/AAAAAAAAAhA/dD5MVAZcX6U/s1600/IMAG0312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Photo of road nearby Müsch" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2h6mVS4M3c8/U7vHpkn7z1I/AAAAAAAAAhA/dD5MVAZcX6U/s1600/IMAG0312.jpg" height="213" title="Dorsel in Rheinland Pfalz" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some scenes from Dorsel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jws6UvuuWAY/U7vHrJI-wsI/AAAAAAAAAhI/5CtbvnzHov0/s1600/IMAG0314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nürburgring left Dorsel" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jws6UvuuWAY/U7vHrJI-wsI/AAAAAAAAAhI/5CtbvnzHov0/s1600/IMAG0314.jpg" height="372" title="Street Dorsel Müsch" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Location: between Dorsel and Müsch. The sign says: UP Koblenz Mayen Nürburgring LEFT Dorsel. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSIM3uMq9uE/U7vHu70ugPI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/lPN0o8HCUus/s1600/IMAG0316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Field nearby Musch" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSIM3uMq9uE/U7vHu70ugPI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/lPN0o8HCUus/s1600/IMAG0316.jpg" height="213" title="Nothing going on in Dorsel" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dorsel scenery. Nothing going on there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KifRl9xF0vo/U7vHzwF7dCI/AAAAAAAAAhY/VrhE7xALB9c/s1600/IMAG0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sign-post of Müsch or Muesch" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KifRl9xF0vo/U7vHzwF7dCI/AAAAAAAAAhY/VrhE7xALB9c/s1600/IMAG0319.jpg" height="400" title="Entering Musch" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign of Müsch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IEq8mKbYp0Y/U7vH24dSLoI/AAAAAAAAAhg/BubnwYU5jfE/s1600/IMAG0320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rheinlandpfalz Müsch" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IEq8mKbYp0Y/U7vH24dSLoI/AAAAAAAAAhg/BubnwYU5jfE/s1600/IMAG0320.jpg" height="400" title="idyllic scenery in Müsch" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks so peaceful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOVbuDDsCoI/U7vH55PqKEI/AAAAAAAAAho/l-CHmkIzeV0/s1600/IMAG0321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Musch tourist area" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOVbuDDsCoI/U7vH55PqKEI/AAAAAAAAAho/l-CHmkIzeV0/s1600/IMAG0321.jpg" height="640" title="Fremdenverkehrsort Müsch" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FREMDENVERKEHRSORTS MÜSCH!! Sounds so German somehow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fGC1ZDapKo/U7vH-KD1PfI/AAAAAAAAAhw/DfJ7CZwSD2k/s1600/IMAG0323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Barweiler Welcomes its Tourists" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fGC1ZDapKo/U7vH-KD1PfI/AAAAAAAAAhw/DfJ7CZwSD2k/s1600/IMAG0323.jpg" height="266" title="Im staatlichen anerkennten Ferienort Barweiler" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome. The state recognises this is a holliday destination. Barweiler.<br />
<br />
Just so you know.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQDByNJtkFc/U7vgKItFaYI/AAAAAAAAAn8/EfqLQfHX50Y/s1600/NordrheinPfalz-Barweiler.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Chart of Cycle route to Koblenz Mayen Nürburgring" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQDByNJtkFc/U7vgKItFaYI/AAAAAAAAAn8/EfqLQfHX50Y/s1600/NordrheinPfalz-Barweiler.jpg" height="194" title="Bicycle map Rheinlandpfalz Barweiler Müsch Eifel" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The route from the border of NRW to Barweiler.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTlp3z1HD3U/U7vICTMuk7I/AAAAAAAAAh4/9fgikNOzy48/s1600/IMAG0327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bicyclepump buy" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTlp3z1HD3U/U7vICTMuk7I/AAAAAAAAAh4/9fgikNOzy48/s1600/IMAG0327.jpg" height="213" title="Bike pedal pump Good purchase backpack" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Already had to use the pump several times. Good purchase.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MyM_EZvPvgg/U7vIFMu0SbI/AAAAAAAAAiA/0W8-tKCrlds/s1600/IMAG0329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bauler Nürburgring" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MyM_EZvPvgg/U7vIFMu0SbI/AAAAAAAAAiA/0W8-tKCrlds/s1600/IMAG0329.jpg" height="640" title="Wiesemscheid" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZnwCBuX458/U7vIIMJxHWI/AAAAAAAAAiI/wTMMqPNySwE/s1600/IMAG0331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Motorcyclist cool move" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZnwCBuX458/U7vIIMJxHWI/AAAAAAAAAiI/wTMMqPNySwE/s1600/IMAG0331.jpg" height="320" title=""Rasen ist out"" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sign says: check this guy out!<br />
The motor-cyclist is doing a trick on his motorbike.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzONhYlz2rk/U7vIMU048dI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/fbzSJSvehhY/s1600/IMAG0334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Koblenz Nürburgring traffic sign" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzONhYlz2rk/U7vIMU048dI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/fbzSJSvehhY/s1600/IMAG0334.jpg" height="213" title="Cochem, Daun, Altenahr, Adenau, Ulmen or Kelberg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never heard of towns like Cochem, Daun, Altenahr, Adenau, Ulmen or Kelberg. Now I have.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-9ypTPh-zA/U7vIRIK6wFI/AAAAAAAAAig/xI2qzXTURh8/s1600/IMAG0341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Arena Racing Nürburg" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-9ypTPh-zA/U7vIRIK6wFI/AAAAAAAAAig/xI2qzXTURh8/s1600/IMAG0341.jpg" height="266" title="Nürburgring f-1 grand prix photo" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo is of a race track called after its city, 'Nürburgring'. I care so little about f-1 or grand prix, that I did not even bother to look at some race that was going on at the moment. I actually passed a spot where you could have seen something.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6w0Rwn3AOY/U7vIVoia_2I/AAAAAAAAAio/Xf7bsKoTUZg/s1600/IMAG0343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chart of area around Nürburg nearby Mayen" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6w0Rwn3AOY/U7vIVoia_2I/AAAAAAAAAio/Xf7bsKoTUZg/s1600/IMAG0343.jpg" height="425" title="Nürburgring Nordschleife Map" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvt0THNW-zU/U7vIXmazNRI/AAAAAAAAAiw/Q31gbmpzCV8/s1600/IMAG0345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nürburgring city" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvt0THNW-zU/U7vIXmazNRI/AAAAAAAAAiw/Q31gbmpzCV8/s1600/IMAG0345.jpg" height="266" title="Roundabout of Nürburg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Nürburg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gno3E9K0eJY/U7vIZ0hhXkI/AAAAAAAAAi4/RKoqWjvCrr8/s1600/IMAG0346.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Castle of Nürburg" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gno3E9K0eJY/U7vIZ0hhXkI/AAAAAAAAAi4/RKoqWjvCrr8/s1600/IMAG0346.jpg" height="400" title="The Nür-Fortress" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ6p_H0l43E/U7vIdZVQj4I/AAAAAAAAAjI/0S8rEcGCJ_E/s1600/IMAG0351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dottingen Reinlandpfalz" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ6p_H0l43E/U7vIdZVQj4I/AAAAAAAAAjI/0S8rEcGCJ_E/s1600/IMAG0351.jpg" height="400" title="Döttingen Center" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Döttingen city centre.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQJh4zPtbao/U7vIa0fbAkI/AAAAAAAAAjA/NfUtU64wg5E/s1600/IMAG0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Doettingen sight" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQJh4zPtbao/U7vIa0fbAkI/AAAAAAAAAjA/NfUtU64wg5E/s1600/IMAG0352.jpg" height="92" title="Döttingen panorama" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No idea how I got on this track.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sm7G4UNUcFY/U7vIeQaN17I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/t3XRNrSdpHU/s1600/IMAG0354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="going to Virneburg" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sm7G4UNUcFY/U7vIeQaN17I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/t3XRNrSdpHU/s1600/IMAG0354.jpg" height="400" title="Leaving Baar and entering Nitzermühle" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Baar, entering Nitzermühle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KlURvwlKwTU/U7vIfg821UI/AAAAAAAAAjY/TuLNQqX84Fo/s1600/IMAG0357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Metropolitan life in Nitzermuhle is hectic as always" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KlURvwlKwTU/U7vIfg821UI/AAAAAAAAAjY/TuLNQqX84Fo/s1600/IMAG0357.jpg" height="397" title="Nitzermühle" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-luXzmkRDuZ8/U7vInX49c8I/AAAAAAAAAjo/A9OiatDIKuc/s1600/IMAG0359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Virne Burg" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-luXzmkRDuZ8/U7vInX49c8I/AAAAAAAAAjo/A9OiatDIKuc/s1600/IMAG0359.jpg" height="266" title="The Virneburger Fortress" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virneburg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gyNKEooqhA4/U7vIvPfSSjI/AAAAAAAAAj4/3aFT3qGtm8k/s1600/IMAG0365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Taking a break" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gyNKEooqhA4/U7vIvPfSSjI/AAAAAAAAAj4/3aFT3qGtm8k/s1600/IMAG0365.jpg" height="266" title="Tired of cycling steep hill" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A break was necessary at this point. In front of me lies an incredibly steep hill and I was already quite tired.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKbb6FyEjq8/U7vIvou6-5I/AAAAAAAAAj8/ZkCj-JmPCLA/s1600/IMAG0366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="all the way up there" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fKbb6FyEjq8/U7vIvou6-5I/AAAAAAAAAj8/ZkCj-JmPCLA/s1600/IMAG0366.jpg" height="266" title="Cycling a steep hill" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll have to cycle all the way up there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CO7fZEV4XrY/U7vIxGQ00nI/AAAAAAAAAkI/K5SEsrhLvuY/s1600/IMAG0367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="From Blankenheim to Koblenz" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CO7fZEV4XrY/U7vIxGQ00nI/AAAAAAAAAkI/K5SEsrhLvuY/s1600/IMAG0367.jpg" height="400" title="Hirten view from mountain (rather a hill)" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice view of Hirten.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A6-HG0JN_k0/U7vIzSMKpbI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/PCmZ0KbkQ2o/s1600/IMAG0370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Arriving in Mayen soon" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A6-HG0JN_k0/U7vIzSMKpbI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/PCmZ0KbkQ2o/s1600/IMAG0370.jpg" height="280" title="Leaving Hirten" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Hirten, going to Mayen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FJLp6jl0Yk/U7vI1pI1YwI/AAAAAAAAAkY/lqiSJgB-d3Q/s1600/IMAG0371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Spa resort Kürrenberg Koblenz" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FJLp6jl0Yk/U7vI1pI1YwI/AAAAAAAAAkY/lqiSJgB-d3Q/s1600/IMAG0371.jpg" height="426" title="Erholungsort Kürrenberg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing Kürrenberg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWjpdxxcNHA/U7vJAKbbegI/AAAAAAAAAkw/8LUvs_IdZCU/s1600/IMAG0373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nürburgring Mayen" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dWjpdxxcNHA/U7vJAKbbegI/AAAAAAAAAkw/8LUvs_IdZCU/s1600/IMAG0373.jpg" height="400" title="Downhill fast no traffic Koblenz" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the point from where there are no more hills. It moves fast from here on out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H67mxWHmiYs/U7vI-IWy1rI/AAAAAAAAAko/pCf3ilhImZ4/s1600/IMAG0380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vulcano street of Koblenz and Germany" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H67mxWHmiYs/U7vI-IWy1rI/AAAAAAAAAko/pCf3ilhImZ4/s1600/IMAG0380.jpg" height="425" title="Ochtendung Koblenz Deutsche Vulkanstraße" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koblenz: 20 km; Nürburgring: 33 km (back)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JPJFFVo1pQ/U7vJEBYzihI/AAAAAAAAAk4/eKp4_dVP-dw/s1600/IMAG0381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stairs city bike" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JPJFFVo1pQ/U7vJEBYzihI/AAAAAAAAAk4/eKp4_dVP-dw/s1600/IMAG0381.jpg" height="400" title="Detour through the forest" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've made a small detour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6R_8GJPcTg/U7vJHpntCjI/AAAAAAAAAlA/5mdKG7tOZRc/s1600/IMAG0382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fields in Germany" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6R_8GJPcTg/U7vJHpntCjI/AAAAAAAAAlA/5mdKG7tOZRc/s1600/IMAG0382.jpg" height="266" title="Green Meadows Rheinlandpfalz" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sdx5bQz_tCk/U7vJKtpQYnI/AAAAAAAAAlI/JH8GZ3D_jYk/s1600/IMAG0384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Village nearby city Suburban life" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sdx5bQz_tCk/U7vJKtpQYnI/AAAAAAAAAlI/JH8GZ3D_jYk/s1600/IMAG0384.jpg" height="400" title="Suburb Koblenz Ochtendung" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The suburbs of Koblenz.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywiYjG8hiQI/U7vJOGW8DXI/AAAAAAAAAlY/7B8yHENr-Bo/s1600/IMAG0388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Architecture" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ywiYjG8hiQI/U7vJOGW8DXI/AAAAAAAAAlY/7B8yHENr-Bo/s1600/IMAG0388.jpg" height="266" title="Crazy looking church in Ochtendung" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What kind of crazy looking church is this?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCBjbpN8VLw/U7vJLF1tZJI/AAAAAAAAAlM/nUH8Y1CXzaw/s1600/IMAG0389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="going to Bassenheim" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YCBjbpN8VLw/U7vJLF1tZJI/AAAAAAAAAlM/nUH8Y1CXzaw/s1600/IMAG0389.jpg" height="640" title="Leaving Ochtendung" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0ygNjxyh1c/U7vJUdsFseI/AAAAAAAAAlg/-j_dkG55FKY/s1600/IMAG0390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="So much waste" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0ygNjxyh1c/U7vJUdsFseI/AAAAAAAAAlg/-j_dkG55FKY/s1600/IMAG0390.jpg" height="426" title="Ochtendung Bassenheim Plastic" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Between Ochtendung and Bassenheim lies this. So much plastic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeJERXIaJyM/U7vJWO7FSaI/AAAAAAAAAlo/z-WHrwPKMME/s1600/IMAG0392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Germany Koblenz" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IeJERXIaJyM/U7vJWO7FSaI/AAAAAAAAAlo/z-WHrwPKMME/s1600/IMAG0392.jpg" height="266" title="Field farm" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15MZzwO0r5c/U7vJX-COPOI/AAAAAAAAAlw/G2Gf3c0ZvuM/s1600/IMAG0396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Koblenz 10 km" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15MZzwO0r5c/U7vJX-COPOI/AAAAAAAAAlw/G2Gf3c0ZvuM/s1600/IMAG0396.jpg" height="640" title="Leaving Bassenheim sign" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koblenz 10 km</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BulPeS9gIko/U7vJcqMPQjI/AAAAAAAAAl4/cz-DzxK6AeQ/s1600/IMAG0404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Panorama Schrebergärten" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BulPeS9gIko/U7vJcqMPQjI/AAAAAAAAAl4/cz-DzxK6AeQ/s1600/IMAG0404.jpg" height="266" title="Koblenz from afar" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyAtr8W7-uo/U7vJhHViyiI/AAAAAAAAAmA/ozfcuBRlS78/s1600/IMAG0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Universitätsstadt Koblenz" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyAtr8W7-uo/U7vJhHViyiI/AAAAAAAAAmA/ozfcuBRlS78/s1600/IMAG0405.jpg" height="426" title="University City of Koblenz" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally reached the "University City Koblenz".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GPBRitNrQA/U7vgKODMWJI/AAAAAAAAAn4/UvnH4MobqVg/s1600/Barweiler-ehrenbreitstein.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ochtendung Bassenheim Trierer Straße, Helfensteinstraße" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GPBRitNrQA/U7vgKODMWJI/AAAAAAAAAn4/UvnH4MobqVg/s1600/Barweiler-ehrenbreitstein.jpg" height="333" title="Map from Barweiler to Koblenz via Herresbach Baar" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Barweiler to Koblenz.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-etyM6iLf91U/U7vJiY6e4XI/AAAAAAAAAmI/pt9wcUiTMNY/s1600/IMAG0406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Looking for a Hostel" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-etyM6iLf91U/U7vJiY6e4XI/AAAAAAAAAmI/pt9wcUiTMNY/s1600/IMAG0406.jpg" height="320" title="Entering Koblenz City" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cDuI2XEvlBg/U7vJo0b7pcI/AAAAAAAAAmY/_xsACkL3dRI/s1600/IMAG0414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Welterbe" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cDuI2XEvlBg/U7vJo0b7pcI/AAAAAAAAAmY/_xsACkL3dRI/s1600/IMAG0414.jpg" height="320" title="Unesco Koblenz" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8fHEBatIcA/U7vJq_phvpI/AAAAAAAAAmg/GFyhJsNOoBI/s1600/IMAG0415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Searching Ehrenbreitstein" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8fHEBatIcA/U7vJq_phvpI/AAAAAAAAAmg/GFyhJsNOoBI/s1600/IMAG0415.jpg" height="213" title="Nice Panorama Koblenz" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koblenz panorama.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VrW9C1LP1-o/U7vJt7xCNRI/AAAAAAAAAmo/FYSLEk6m9HY/s1600/IMAG0430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Im6uQJ4xVA8/U7vJwQxkesI/AAAAAAAAAmw/tGxaoX8YXmU/s1600/IMAG0431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dY_a1YcYJg/U7vJyoqLftI/AAAAAAAAAm4/Fb8RxYAo5Tg/s1600/IMAG0433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="in Eichenbreitscheid" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dY_a1YcYJg/U7vJyoqLftI/AAAAAAAAAm4/Fb8RxYAo5Tg/s1600/IMAG0433.jpg" height="320" title="8:30 and still looking for a room" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8:30</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDu3524ACCc/U7vJ2ItnQhI/AAAAAAAAAnI/TAwn5GMalZg/s1600/IMAG0435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ehrenbreitscheid" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDu3524ACCc/U7vJ2ItnQhI/AAAAAAAAAnI/TAwn5GMalZg/s1600/IMAG0435.jpg" height="266" title="Finally found an affordable room in Koblenz Eichbreitenstein" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the hotel window.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QTqNKaNYWlc/U7vZXZExoRI/AAAAAAAAAnY/UlzzcvgE0gI/s1600/IMAG0437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Creepy clowns laughing and crying" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QTqNKaNYWlc/U7vZXZExoRI/AAAAAAAAAnY/UlzzcvgE0gI/s1600/IMAG0437.jpg" height="318" title="The clown room" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The room where I'll sleep...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XLZ8UePEahQ/U8Mhq_FcQKI/AAAAAAAABEQ/bWNcGH_5Lic/s1600/Koblenzcreepyroom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Clownroom" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XLZ8UePEahQ/U8Mhq_FcQKI/AAAAAAAABEQ/bWNcGH_5Lic/s1600/Koblenzcreepyroom.jpg" height="358" title="The clowns are watching me" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... is really creepy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0Blankenheim, Deutschland50.4383846 6.638092599999936350.276453599999996 6.3153690999999359 50.6003156 6.9608160999999367tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-91891531589963235552014-07-07T15:53:00.002+02:002014-07-23T14:08:09.358+02:00Eupen to Regensburg. Day 1: Eupen to Blankenheim<h2>
Day 1: Eupen to Blankenheim</h2>
The day started out fine. My cell phone dropped on the train somewhere on my way to Eupen and the sim card dislocated. After reassembling the phone, it got an error message, saying that I have to put a sim card in my phone. Date and time were reset and I could not contact my girlfriend from that point onward.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'll explain the route using the pictures I have taken on my journey. Click the photos to enlarge.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJV4tnxlWzE/U7ujCBloWnI/AAAAAAAAAe8/suVspCG-lNs/s1600/eupen+to+blankenheim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cycling from Eupen to Frankfurt" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJV4tnxlWzE/U7ujCBloWnI/AAAAAAAAAe8/suVspCG-lNs/s1600/eupen+to+blankenheim.jpg" height="296" title="Day 1 biking from Eupen to Blankenheim" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the route I've taken on the first day. 64,7 km, starting with a massive, steady climb, somewhat flat stretches of road and towards a few steep hills.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2712729-from-eupen-to-blankenheim/#popup-gpsexport" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DOWNLOAD THE GPS FILE FROM BIKEMAP.NET !</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYwQ1y8t4TU/U7psZ4VgCaI/AAAAAAAAAY4/HDGhQK6qKF4/s1600/IMAG0184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Picture rails Maligne Bruxelles" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYwQ1y8t4TU/U7psZ4VgCaI/AAAAAAAAAY4/HDGhQK6qKF4/s1600/IMAG0184.jpg" height="213" title="Photo train Mechelen Brussel Eupen" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo of Mechelen from the train. Currently on my way to Brussel and then to Eupen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cG77JfuyG5Q/U7psbjEYziI/AAAAAAAAAZA/JK_gEWdxgwY/s1600/IMAG0185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bicycle compartment in Belgium always space" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cG77JfuyG5Q/U7psbjEYziI/AAAAAAAAAZA/JK_gEWdxgwY/s1600/IMAG0185.jpg" height="213" title="Bike on the train" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Belgium, there is always room for a bicycle on the most trains. A normal train has 1 or 2 big compartments where you can store quite a lot of bikes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3b5IZIEsh4A/U7pscHKDWAI/AAAAAAAAAZE/oWQvESki-xw/s1600/IMAG0192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Train-station Belgian Community of German Speaking Inhabitants" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3b5IZIEsh4A/U7pscHKDWAI/AAAAAAAAAZE/oWQvESki-xw/s1600/IMAG0192.jpg" height="213" title="Eupen Belgium train station" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The train station of Eupen. <br />
<br />
With only 19.000 inhabitants, the seat of the parliament of the German speaking community is located in this small city. This parliament represents 76,090 German speaking Belgians. <br />
<br />
<b>========Skip this part if you do not care about the Belgian political system========</b><br />
Belgium is a federal state, divided into language communities, namely the German -, French - and Dutch speaking community. On the same level in the hierarchy, there are 3 other communities with different policy fields based on territorium in stead of language: the Flemisch -, Walloon - and Brussels Regions.<br />
<br />
So now I'll explain where Eupen lies politically. Eupen is a MUNICIPALITY, so it has a mayor, a city hall and civic councillors. It lies within the PROVINCE of Liège, in the Walloon REGION, and as part of the GERMAN SPEAKING COMMUNITY. All the words in capital letters are all under the Belgian FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.<br />
<br />
A Province has very little political power; a Municipality has, more than a province does, authority in a range of subjects regarding local intrests; a Region (gewest) is responsible for economy, ecology, infrastructure, etc. within that region; a Language Community has authority in subjects that concern language and culture: cultural spending (theater, events, etc.), education (schools, r&d, university, ...) and social spending; and at the very top, you have the Federal level. Here everything of national interest is taken care of. Defense, economy, budgets of municipalities, provinces, regions and language communities, etc.<br />
<b>========Skip this part if you do not care about the Belgian political system========</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKKEmov6mGQ/U7psh2RMg2I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/gjvq6kS-g9M/s1600/IMAG0194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Photo of Cycling Map with park spaces as well" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKKEmov6mGQ/U7psh2RMg2I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/gjvq6kS-g9M/s1600/IMAG0194.jpg" height="425" title="Map Eupen Oberstadt Unterstadt" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a map. While I was looking at this map, I had absolutely not 1 single clou where I had to go. I just followed my instincts and cycled in some direction.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qc9v-eDAMTY/U7psir-M5wI/AAAAAAAAAZY/ICEHcRtGcH4/s1600/IMAG0195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Naturzentrum Haus Ternell Eupen Mützenich" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qc9v-eDAMTY/U7psir-M5wI/AAAAAAAAAZY/ICEHcRtGcH4/s1600/IMAG0195.jpg" height="266" title="Direction Monschau" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I knew that this was the right direction in theory.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWyI9UD1hAY/U7psk3RKGLI/AAAAAAAAAZg/Xske131Idl0/s1600/IMAG0199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cycle Route Monschau Venn u See" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWyI9UD1hAY/U7psk3RKGLI/AAAAAAAAAZg/Xske131Idl0/s1600/IMAG0199.jpg" height="266" title="Coffee Eupen" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinking a coffee and thinking about the path I could take.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzcmMrsn_gA/U7pssm2T38I/AAAAAAAAAZw/XnVcIevnEy0/s1600/IMAG0200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Snack before departure to Monschau Schleiden" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzcmMrsn_gA/U7pssm2T38I/AAAAAAAAAZw/XnVcIevnEy0/s1600/IMAG0200.jpg" height="213" title="Baguette Belgium Eupen Coffee" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't leave on an empty stomach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yk3IyQQGePA/U7psqdrAF3I/AAAAAAAAAZo/PiiDbooiUEM/s1600/IMAG0202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cycle path sounds about right" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yk3IyQQGePA/U7psqdrAF3I/AAAAAAAAAZo/PiiDbooiUEM/s1600/IMAG0202.jpg" height="640" title="The Venn und Seen Route" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venn und Seen Route. Sounds about right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_qHSZkhJ9U/U7psuZHrs-I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/lTVlrF2NaCw/s1600/IMAG0203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Belgian Shield-jungle" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_qHSZkhJ9U/U7psuZHrs-I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/lTVlrF2NaCw/s1600/IMAG0203.jpg" height="400" title="So many signs in Belgium" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the sign jungle. Not confusing or distracting at all.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IHCPtwRhoi0/U7umWhw8eMI/AAAAAAAAAfI/yMB7v74MMhg/s1600/Eupen+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Monschau Germany Border" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IHCPtwRhoi0/U7umWhw8eMI/AAAAAAAAAfI/yMB7v74MMhg/s1600/Eupen+map.jpg" height="228" title="Cycle-route hillstraße Bundesstrasse street uphill 495m Bendweg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red line is the Bundesstraße. I took this route.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Time: 13:31<br />
Location: Eupen (Hillstraße)<br />
<br />
Leaving Eupen at 13:31 from the Hillstraße, the way to Mützenich and Monschau was really a tiresome trail. The steep hill never ended. Little did I know that it was like that up to Wiesbaden. The amount of hills and the steepness decreases over time though.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gJj_7q03eg/U7pzc78lQ_I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/9LtJXMvpgD0/s1600/IMAG0204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Naturepark High Venn in the Eifel Region in Belgium" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0gJj_7q03eg/U7pzc78lQ_I/AAAAAAAAAaQ/9LtJXMvpgD0/s1600/IMAG0204.jpg" height="400" title="Naturpark Hohes Venn Eifel (not Germany)" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naturpark Hohes Venn is in Belgium. The white sign says: "Besonderes Schutzgebiet". It means: "specially protected area".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9HcQdr_paYk/U7pzeCQc8aI/AAAAAAAAAaY/YDmrag-bdqE/s1600/IMAG0215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Belgien verlassen" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9HcQdr_paYk/U7pzeCQc8aI/AAAAAAAAAaY/YDmrag-bdqE/s1600/IMAG0215.jpg" height="400" title="Passing sign of entering Belgium" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After leaving Belgium, I've made a photo looking back. I am now entering Mützenich. Mützenich is surrounded by Belgium.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3CoIH-yYA3U/U7um1BsvMCI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/DcPYsJ-0WK4/s1600/M%C3%BCtzenich-Monschau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Belgium surrounding German town" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3CoIH-yYA3U/U7um1BsvMCI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/DcPYsJ-0WK4/s1600/M%C3%BCtzenich-Monschau.jpg" height="192" title="Mützenich exclave country border" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look at the left side of the google map screenshot, you'll notice the black border. This is the country border. Now look at the right side of the map. Do you notice there being 2 lines? The area between these borders is Belgian territory. Hence Mützenich is a German land that is surrounded by Belgium.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53qC3QJTUYY/U7pzbj1WHpI/AAAAAAAAAaI/1nNZqRqXICo/s1600/IMAG0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Exhaustive steepness stretch of Bundesstrasse" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53qC3QJTUYY/U7pzbj1WHpI/AAAAAAAAAaI/1nNZqRqXICo/s1600/IMAG0216.jpg" height="400" title="So much road" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steepness is ok but still exhaustive over time. From Eupen to Monschau it was only uphill like on this photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFmeH_nigr0/U7pzlO-0CwI/AAAAAAAAAag/fPSxqWpqXrg/s1600/IMAG0218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Naturpark Monschau" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFmeH_nigr0/U7pzlO-0CwI/AAAAAAAAAag/fPSxqWpqXrg/s1600/IMAG0218.jpg" height="266" title="Map of Mützenich Hohes Venn" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here a map of Mützenich.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EAWXy5r-fNk/U7pzmjudkNI/AAAAAAAAAao/GsoNqDI5rRo/s1600/IMAG0223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Städteregion Aachen" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EAWXy5r-fNk/U7pzmjudkNI/AAAAAAAAAao/GsoNqDI5rRo/s1600/IMAG0223.jpg" height="320" title="Small Village Mützenich Stadt Monschau" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the small village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRoInw5DAlQ/U7p3q_yFuXI/AAAAAAAAAa0/7EQMTEQaPSs/s1600/IMAG0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Muetzenich" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRoInw5DAlQ/U7p3q_yFuXI/AAAAAAAAAa0/7EQMTEQaPSs/s1600/IMAG0220.jpg" height="320" title="Entering Germany" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This appeared after the previous sign.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6V8LBmKu28/U7p3sPpc8mI/AAAAAAAAAbE/aWLWapZ8oqw/s1600/IMAG0221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Luftkurort Monschau Festspiel stadt Mützenich Aachen" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6V8LBmKu28/U7p3sPpc8mI/AAAAAAAAAbE/aWLWapZ8oqw/s1600/IMAG0221.jpg" height="400" title="Herzlich wilkommen! Sign Germany" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luftkurtort Monschau. Every region wants to have something to promote themselves with. There are lots of trees here and only little traffic, so they call it an Oxygen Health Resort </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u6BuQqCzEqE/U7p3q8fun6I/AAAAAAAAAa4/h-k7ldDDW_M/s1600/IMAG0224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gemeinde Europas Monschau" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u6BuQqCzEqE/U7p3q8fun6I/AAAAAAAAAa4/h-k7ldDDW_M/s1600/IMAG0224.jpg" height="400" title="Bourg-St-Andeol Monschau Partner village" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monschau is a European village, so it seems.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDW1n9ODN5A/U7p3vojBwhI/AAAAAAAAAbM/_1_-Y0zyucg/s1600/IMAG0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Potatoes are sold here appearantly" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDW1n9ODN5A/U7p3vojBwhI/AAAAAAAAAbM/_1_-Y0zyucg/s1600/IMAG0226.jpg" height="266" title="Kartoffeln zu verkaufen in Monschau" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Kartoffeln zu verkaufen"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQqfIm8k4CY/U7p32Vs-raI/AAAAAAAAAbY/h5qKK70ex2M/s1600/IMAG0236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bitburger beer glass" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQqfIm8k4CY/U7p32Vs-raI/AAAAAAAAAbY/h5qKK70ex2M/s1600/IMAG0236.jpg" height="213" title="A beer in a German roadhouse wirtshaus" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bitburger at a German roadhouse (Wirtshaus)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-fxG19qeFU/U7p316GDQJI/AAAAAAAAAbU/jmXBR5nqQE8/s1600/IMAG0240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="After Monschau" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-fxG19qeFU/U7p316GDQJI/AAAAAAAAAbU/jmXBR5nqQE8/s1600/IMAG0240.jpg" height="320" title="Höfen 1987 - 2001 Entering sign post" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Höfen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ixjmt5h3KqY/U7p35sIg4JI/AAAAAAAAAbk/ZHIhWvS7pYs/s1600/IMAG0247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Natures reserve Eifel in Germany Perfect for biking up and downhill" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ixjmt5h3KqY/U7p35sIg4JI/AAAAAAAAAbk/ZHIhWvS7pYs/s1600/IMAG0247.jpg" height="266" title="Nationalpark Eifel" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign says: "Nationalpark Eifel".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSIj8VLAhUs/U7p395nno3I/AAAAAAAAAbs/mrRfyysxveQ/s1600/IMAG0252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sign to Schleiden" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSIj8VLAhUs/U7p395nno3I/AAAAAAAAAbs/mrRfyysxveQ/s1600/IMAG0252.jpg" height="640" title="Koblenz Schleiden Trier Gemünd Herhahn Dreiborn Vogelsang" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zD22u7ynFL8/U7p4A75_s_I/AAAAAAAAAb0/nCwCsrKk3Go/s1600/IMAG0253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Village in NRW before Schleiden on my way to Blankenheim" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zD22u7ynFL8/U7p4A75_s_I/AAAAAAAAAb0/nCwCsrKk3Go/s1600/IMAG0253.jpg" height="400" title="Schöneseiffen sign Kreis Euskirchen" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and my tire deflated again in Schöneseiffen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Damaged my bicycle tube again appearantly (currently in Schöneseiffen)</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zNQRFaLIuqo/U7p4FdW7ypI/AAAAAAAAAb8/fbgJ6T6p5tQ/s1600/IMAG0254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deflated tire punctured a hole Schöneseiffen" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zNQRFaLIuqo/U7p4FdW7ypI/AAAAAAAAAb8/fbgJ6T6p5tQ/s1600/IMAG0254.jpg" height="266" title="Damaged tube" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Schöneseiffen, I saw a man outside watering his crops. I approached him and asked him for a fork or spoon, explaining him it is needed to detach the tire from the rim. His very first response was to ask me if I wanted to sit down in his garden and drink a cup of coffee. His wife, who I did not notice at first, was sitting in the shades, enjoying the weather and a cup of coffee. After we've all introduced ourselves, his wife and I both poured ourselves a cup and chatted a bit, while he continued watering his vegetables. Half an hour or so has passed until I've requested a fork or spoon once more, as they've both seemed to have forgotten the reason of me sitting there. She fetched me 2 spoons and I got started right away, mainly because I haven't had a single clou how long it would take for this to work. It actually got fixed relatively quick and he offered me a beer, which I gladly accepted. After we finished our beers, he offered me a second beer, which I turned down, saying I still have to cycle quite a distance and wouldn't want the beer to be a negative influence. I've thanked myself and said good bye to the hospital pair from Schöneseiffen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bpz8RFWc6Jw/U7uv4WYwSNI/AAAAAAAAAfg/-1gUw7NtKU4/s1600/H%C3%B6fen-Sch%C3%B6neseiffen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Naturpark Eifel Euskirchen" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bpz8RFWc6Jw/U7uv4WYwSNI/AAAAAAAAAfg/-1gUw7NtKU4/s1600/H%C3%B6fen-Sch%C3%B6neseiffen.jpg" height="249" title="Monchau Hoefen höfen Schöneseiffen" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ascend: 83m; descend: 16m; distance: 11,5 km; estimated time: 39 minutes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeJPJEShH0o/U7p4LB42sBI/AAAAAAAAAcE/Buq8QJZ0Qcs/s1600/IMAG0255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Entering village called Schleiden" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeJPJEShH0o/U7p4LB42sBI/AAAAAAAAAcE/Buq8QJZ0Qcs/s1600/IMAG0255.jpg" height="400" title="Schleiden schild sign Euskirchen" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Currently not experiencing any problems. Everything is running smooth. Already reached Schleiden.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hVYg8DTLz5I/U7p4RDg38OI/AAAAAAAAAcU/DhiD5uBwmBM/s1600/IMAG0257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="World cup fever" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hVYg8DTLz5I/U7p4RDg38OI/AAAAAAAAAcU/DhiD5uBwmBM/s1600/IMAG0257.jpg" height="266" title="Schleiden town centre with lots of flags" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schleiden town centre.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x1XovKDpW6w/U7p4UhSMwdI/AAAAAAAAAcc/8XPjV7_X0cQ/s1600/IMAG0259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Olef river stream flow creek" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x1XovKDpW6w/U7p4UhSMwdI/AAAAAAAAAcc/8XPjV7_X0cQ/s1600/IMAG0259.jpg" height="400" title="The almighty magnificent OLEF" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The almighty, magnificent stream called 'The Olef' </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5s1QRAXzQU/U7uw8w9lROI/AAAAAAAAAfo/F3x2C9UZQBI/s1600/Sch%C3%B6neseiffen-Schleiden+olef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="World-renowned stream Olef" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S5s1QRAXzQU/U7uw8w9lROI/AAAAAAAAAfo/F3x2C9UZQBI/s1600/Sch%C3%B6neseiffen-Schleiden+olef.jpg" height="428" title="Descend bike route schleiden Schöneseiffen" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I've passed the world-renowned stream 'Olef'. A moment I will look back to years from now. Distance (4,3 km) on map is from Schöneseiffen to Schleiden.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rv8lhlqLZd8/U7p4YOtnEpI/AAAAAAAAAck/1VOVTNuNkqo/s1600/IMAG0262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Going to Blankenheim" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rv8lhlqLZd8/U7p4YOtnEpI/AAAAAAAAAck/1VOVTNuNkqo/s1600/IMAG0262.jpg" height="400" title="Leaving Schleiden" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think it stated "Blankenheim 18". You cannot tell the number of km because of the reflection on the sign. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-juVe8w9_SYo/U7qJ0H2-rdI/AAAAAAAAAdA/_II7CXBXMPQ/s1600/IMAG0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Exhaustive ride amazing view Euskirchen-Schleiden" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-juVe8w9_SYo/U7qJ0H2-rdI/AAAAAAAAAdA/_II7CXBXMPQ/s1600/IMAG0263.jpg" height="213" title="A nice photo of Schleiden from the mountain I've mounted" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was mounting a steep hill again. Exhaustive ride but amazing view of Schleiden.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cHvx8uzK9_U/U7qJztZsljI/AAAAAAAAAc8/hNmwhKSuTcw/s1600/IMAG0264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Biking to Blankenheim" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cHvx8uzK9_U/U7qJztZsljI/AAAAAAAAAc8/hNmwhKSuTcw/s1600/IMAG0264.jpg" height="213" title="Schleiden Sunshine View" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on the photo to enlarge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENquObEK2PE/U7qJx-1r-eI/AAAAAAAAAc0/7RYdWu0v4_A/s1600/IMAG0265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=""The weather is sweet" Biking through Europe" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENquObEK2PE/U7qJx-1r-eI/AAAAAAAAAc0/7RYdWu0v4_A/s1600/IMAG0265.jpg" height="213" title=""Sun is shining"" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sun is shining, the weather is sweet"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dySXKU4_-EY/U7qJ4qsIIwI/AAAAAAAAAdM/D0k0Zbfd8XE/s1600/IMAG0267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mounting a steep mountain on city-bike" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dySXKU4_-EY/U7qJ4qsIIwI/AAAAAAAAAdM/D0k0Zbfd8XE/s1600/IMAG0267.jpg" height="320" title="Picture facing back on hill on bicycle" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made a picture facing back while biking. Very little traffic here. I wasn't scared or stressed to cycle here at all. I could imagine that some people would rather take the dirt roads through the forest, as traffic is a stress factor during rush hour or often-used and on regularly congested roads. I would have preferred the dirt roads, but couldn't because of time-pressure.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0dCGcyHvHo/U7qJ7AvnHvI/AAAAAAAAAdU/9EpBoAqCiWI/s1600/IMAG0268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Schleiden Euskirchen Kall" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0dCGcyHvHo/U7qJ7AvnHvI/AAAAAAAAAdU/9EpBoAqCiWI/s1600/IMAG0268.jpg" height="320" title="Koblenz trier" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If I had to reach Koblenz, I would have died on my way there...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ecgoZOOMeEU/U7qJ-p-wstI/AAAAAAAAAdc/mVsfjFuFqks/s1600/IMAG0274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cycling routes" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ecgoZOOMeEU/U7qJ-p-wstI/AAAAAAAAAdc/mVsfjFuFqks/s1600/IMAG0274.jpg" height="213" title="Blankenheim Koblenz" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If would stop at Blankenheim, it means that I had to do another 92 km tomorrow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXVYnWCJVJc/U7qKBvGBubI/AAAAAAAAAdk/s4l0hPF6enc/s1600/IMAG0276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gemeinde Kall Kreis Euskirchen" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXVYnWCJVJc/U7qKBvGBubI/AAAAAAAAAdk/s4l0hPF6enc/s1600/IMAG0276.jpg" height="400" title="Krekel" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Krekel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tp2RBRCV4PA/U7uzClwf8pI/AAAAAAAAAf0/MGAgfBIU7-8/s1600/Schleiden-Krekel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ahrstraße Kall Krekel" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tp2RBRCV4PA/U7uzClwf8pI/AAAAAAAAAf0/MGAgfBIU7-8/s1600/Schleiden-Krekel.jpg" height="360" title="Blankenheimer Strasse Schleiden map" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost there in Blankenheim.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Finally arriving in Blankenheim after fixing tire in Schöneseiffen</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mpWL__kwV-w/U7qKD6j3Q-I/AAAAAAAAAds/2uTdne1Apr8/s1600/IMAG0283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Blankenheimer Woods" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mpWL__kwV-w/U7qKD6j3Q-I/AAAAAAAAAds/2uTdne1Apr8/s1600/IMAG0283.jpg" height="320" title="Entering Blankenheim-Wald" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Blankenheim-Wald.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZtwVJy-JdM/U7qKItGXXRI/AAAAAAAAAd0/LEn5cSybGqU/s1600/IMAG0287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Köln Koblenz Blankenheim Euskirchen" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZtwVJy-JdM/U7qKItGXXRI/AAAAAAAAAd0/LEn5cSybGqU/s1600/IMAG0287.jpg" height="320" title="Blankenheimerdorf" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I took a right turn here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YD1zTFVNS7U/U7qKK5sWE6I/AAAAAAAAAd8/6HZ6pzwsdak/s1600/IMAG0290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wellness Blankenheim" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YD1zTFVNS7U/U7qKK5sWE6I/AAAAAAAAAd8/6HZ6pzwsdak/s1600/IMAG0290.jpg" height="320" title="Erholungsort Blankenheim Spa resort" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erholungsort is like a spa.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dqj32Iqtgy0/U7qKNSWl-DI/AAAAAAAAAeE/zwrurWK0jJU/s1600/IMAG0293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Altstadt Bl.Heim" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dqj32Iqtgy0/U7qKNSWl-DI/AAAAAAAAAeE/zwrurWK0jJU/s1600/IMAG0293.jpg" height="320" title="Old town of Blankenheim" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice old town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-quSGU_OANXg/U7qKSWBr8gI/AAAAAAAAAeM/pR2XgE42gt8/s1600/IMAG0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bl.Heim Tunnel" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-quSGU_OANXg/U7qKSWBr8gI/AAAAAAAAAeM/pR2XgE42gt8/s1600/IMAG0294.jpg" height="213" title="Tunnel Blankenheim" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gP3Jj_6opXk/U7qKSiwqWMI/AAAAAAAAAeU/CLko-G_Pzoo/s1600/IMAG0295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photos cycling from Eupen to Regensburg" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gP3Jj_6opXk/U7qKSiwqWMI/AAAAAAAAAeU/CLko-G_Pzoo/s1600/IMAG0295.jpg" height="213" title="Scenes from Blankenheim" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AZ1LcfEmW4/U7qKYOU88bI/AAAAAAAAAek/4lwgZua36Tg/s1600/IMAG0299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AZ1LcfEmW4/U7qKYOU88bI/AAAAAAAAAek/4lwgZua36Tg/s1600/IMAG0299.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I eventually found a good hotel for € 30,00 here and got up early the next day to go to Koblenz. Good thing I got up early, for there was an unpleasant surprise for me the next day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Last map to show you the last part of the route:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFmFs1BvVCM/U7u0y614FBI/AAAAAAAAAgA/9aHvw_50ZTc/s1600/Krekel-Blankeheim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kall Euskirchen" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zFmFs1BvVCM/U7u0y614FBI/AAAAAAAAAgA/9aHvw_50ZTc/s1600/Krekel-Blankeheim.jpg" height="200" title="Map from Krekel to Blankenheim" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cycled over the Bundesstraße. It seems that good alternatives were available. Oh well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Some general/route-specific tips and tricks for other cyclists:</h3>
<ol>
<li>Try to do some research with regards to the cycle paths through the eifel region. There are a bunch of them, yet I did not bother to do the research.</li>
<li>I had the feeling that I was faster over the asphalt of the Bundesstraße than I would have been through the forest dirt roads.</li>
<li>Do not make a plan solely based on the maximum number of km or miles you can cycle in your environment. 68 km doesn't seem like much, but you have to consider the fluctuations in altitude as well. Ascend: 881 m; descend: 656 m. For me that was quite tiring.</li>
<li>Plan a range of hotels beforehand. Send them an e-mail, saying that you might come at a certain time/date and if the hotel, pension or hostel is likely to be booked full. Try to estimate a range of maximum km you will cycle a day and look for hotels/hostels/pensions to your liking within that range.<br /><br />eg. I have estimated that I would at least get to Blankenheim (68km) and perhaps even to Mayen (118km). Mayen was really unrealistic looking back on it, but you will learn to estimate correctly after a few experiences. <br /><br />My sim card did not work anymore, resulting in me not being able to make a reservation the day itself anyway and having to book something on arrival.</li>
<li>Get up early the next day and make sure you really take it easy that day. If you are like me, you will probably overdo it the very first day.</li>
<li>Stretch a bit before sleeping.</li>
<li>If you have had problems with your tires during your trip or just before it, stay in a village or city for the night with a store where you can buy bicycle tubes. In a 'Baumarkt', 'Gartencenter' or a 'Fahrradgeschäft' (<i>research terms for a tool shop in the native language of the country you are in first</i>), you are likely to find a rubber tube. <br /><br />If you were to need such a store, be sure to also buy a spanner to dislocate the wheel. I've bought 14-15 size spanner for my bike. It is impossible to remove and insert the tube without removing the wheel first. Should this be your first incident, you can try plugging the hole in the tube. Before actually going on this trip, you will need a bicycle-repair-kit. You can buy these anywhere.</li>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0Eupen, Belgien50.6292029 6.03371110000000550.4679799 5.7109876000000046 50.7904259 6.3564346000000054tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-88709618343349094372014-06-28T12:46:00.001+02:002014-07-22T13:27:32.700+02:00City Night Line and Inter-City<h3>
City Night Line: why is "die Deutsche Bahn" making it hard to book a bicycle ticket? </h3>
The 25th of June, after I've written a post about booking a ticket, I've noticed a small problem in the booking process. All of the Inter-City trains for the next day were already booked full. I could've traveled without a bike but taking it with me was the point of it all. After looking at every possible connection I could have taken, I've found the following website.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_Fsn0pCXak/U667YKiM-ZI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/mNY61qRoAMM/s1600/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Site of CNL regarding transportation of a bike or tandem" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_Fsn0pCXak/U667YKiM-ZI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/mNY61qRoAMM/s1600/0.jpg" height="434" title="City Night Line Website Bicycle Transport" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Translated: "Bicycles are carried free of charge, but you have to have an international bicycle ticket."<br />
<br />
FREE but you have to buy a ticket from us.<br />
<br />
The text refers to a 'Bahnschalter' (ticket counter). You have to buy a ticket at the ticket counter (costs a fee!), which also implies that you have to reserve this ticket within Germany. A tourist who stays for 2 weeks has to make a reservation for this service. When it is booked full, he/she has to find another way to travel long distances. The only option that comes to mind would be to rent a car. <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Edit</span>: just found a long distance CNL reservation option <a href="http://www.citynightline.de/citynightline/view/en/info_buchung/zielgruppen/reisen_mit_rad_und_gepaeck_en.shtml" rel="nofollow">{click this}</a>. Call the number to reserve a spot on the train weeks beforehand. Booking on the internet is impossible at the moment though.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></b>
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"0180 6 99 66 33 (20 ct/Call for German landline calls, Calls from other networks and mobiles may cost more)."</span></span></b><br />
<br />
So basically you'd have to make a reservation per phone.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
Now I'll show you everything you'd have to watch out for. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0rho10Q2Kk/U667bjtaMyI/AAAAAAAAAXo/6GmPdWJ1ikI/s1600/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="searching train in Germany with possibility of carrying a bike" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0rho10Q2Kk/U667bjtaMyI/AAAAAAAAAXo/6GmPdWJ1ikI/s1600/2.jpg" height="558" title="Fahrradmitnahme transportation of bicycle angebotsberatung" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
I have marked the link to Angebotsberatung. They have hidden it a bit. A direct link can be found here: <a href="http://www.bahn.de/p/view/angebot/sparpreis/spartickets.shtml">http://www.bahn.de/p/view/angebot/sparpreis/spartickets.shtml</a>. You can find ticket at half the price.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you have looked up a connection, it is possible to check the box at "Fahrradmitnahme im Zug". Let's look for a connection.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KUEyjDkJ4YY/U667boLeL6I/AAAAAAAAAXg/vEDt9Qqmt94/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="City Night Line connection from München-Amsterdam centraal" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KUEyjDkJ4YY/U667boLeL6I/AAAAAAAAAXg/vEDt9Qqmt94/s1600/3.jpg" height="436" title="The CNL-Train from München Muenchen Munich to Amsterdam Central Station" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here you see the Sparangebote and the Normalpreis. Let's book the ticket by clicking "Verfügbarkeit prüfen".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLiwiDrHLjQ/U667bg-ma8I/AAAAAAAAAXs/99F0SQDD0vY/s1600/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ohne anmeldung buchen weiter" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLiwiDrHLjQ/U667bg-ma8I/AAAAAAAAAXs/99F0SQDD0vY/s1600/4.jpg" height="448" title="Jetzt einloggen und buchen Neu anmelden und buchen" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
After this step, it should've initiated the financial part. Instead, it showed me this:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2970596201249621307" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2970596201249621307" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MDkf_HXSvE/U667cPGtKNI/AAAAAAAAAXw/aDxgteZ_il0/s1600/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hinweis Bahn Bicycle Ticket Train Error Internet Booking" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MDkf_HXSvE/U667cPGtKNI/AAAAAAAAAXw/aDxgteZ_il0/s1600/5.jpg" height="292" title="leider ist für diese Fahrtmöglichkeit eine Buchung der Fahrradkarte im Internet nicht möglich" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
So this page is telling me that I can buy this without a bicycle ticket.<br />
<br />
The website is saying the following:<br />
<br />
"Hinweis <br />
<br />
Sehr gehrte Kundin, sehr geehrter Kunde, <br />
<br />
leider ist für diese Fahrtmöglichkeit eine Buchung der Fahrradkarte im Internet nicht möglich. Sie können ihr Ticket jedoch ohne Fahrradkarte jetzt buchen.<br />
<br />
<br />
"* Info on how to contact them *"<br />
<br />
Im Internet können Sie Fahrradkarten unter den folgenden Voraussetzungen buchen: <br />
<br />
Ihre ausgewählte Fahrt<br />
- enthält ausschließlich Züge, die die Fahrradmitnahme erlauben,<br />
- enthält einen Fernverkehrsanteil,<br />
<b>- enthält keinen Nachtreisezug,</b><br />
<b>- enthält ausschließlich innerdeutsche Strecken,</b><br />
- beginnt frühestens einen Tag nach dem Buchungstag"<br />
<h2>
Making sense of the Bahn train search tool </h2>
I'd have to ask one silly question at first: <b>Why did I check the box that asks me if I want to take my bike with me?</b><br />
<br />
On the internet, checking a box that is <i>telling me that I agree with something</i>, mostly has huge effects, as it is making me agree with 5 papers of dense judicial jargon. On the Bahn website, it has no other function than to filter out the ICE and Thalys. Anyway, the page is telling me that I cannot book a CNL-ticket or international tickets online. That doesn't only mean that I can't book a direct connection from Germany to the Nederlands over the internet. It also means that booking a bicycle ticket over the internet for a German night train is impossible as well. My question to the Deutsche Bahn is the following: why isn't there a possibility of booking tickets for international - and night trains over the internet? It would make things a lot easier for tourists.<br />
<br />
I was actually quite frustrated by this all, decided to take my train to Köln, and then to Mönchengladbach without buying a bicycle ticket.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0Regensburg, Deutschland49.0134297 12.10162360000003948.8468242 11.778900100000039 49.180035200000006 12.424347100000039tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-60244702957927017092014-06-25T11:09:00.000+02:002014-07-22T13:27:17.596+02:00Fixed it! Mended my bike, repaired my gear change and bought essential equipmentThe day of departure is coming closer and I presume that I have acquired all the essential equipment. I've bought a decent bicycle pump, repair-kit and a good lock.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, a friend and I have fixed my back-wheel, as 2 different spots on the tube were punctured. Afterwards we've also repaired my gear change, which didn't go into third gear. The only thing that needs to be done now, is for me to buy a ticket and get to Belgium.<br />
<br />
Here are some photos of the operating table.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-3oydEKe8w/U6qPER7g9eI/AAAAAAAAAGg/9q-KNDFE9ZY/s1600/IMAG0066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="photo disassembling the bicycle repairing cycle" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-3oydEKe8w/U6qPER7g9eI/AAAAAAAAAGg/9q-KNDFE9ZY/s1600/IMAG0066.jpg" height="640" title="Chainwheel chain wheel deconstructing a bike" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've made this picture to remember how the chainwheel looks before deconstructing the bike.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7jM7R2gx84/U6qPDUm67YI/AAAAAAAAAGY/XBmaX8anfBA/s1600/IMAG0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="gear change mending repairing tire change" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7jM7R2gx84/U6qPDUm67YI/AAAAAAAAAGY/XBmaX8anfBA/s1600/IMAG0065.jpg" height="426" title="Dislocating the back-wheel bike stand" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chair was used to hold the bike while we dislocated the backwheel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec3ND3yXN8I/U6qPOKPr8cI/AAAAAAAAAG4/b-kVs5IHjOU/s1600/IMAG0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bike ambulance repairing locating holes" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec3ND3yXN8I/U6qPOKPr8cI/AAAAAAAAAG4/b-kVs5IHjOU/s1600/IMAG0070.jpg" height="213" title="two spoons repair kit bicycle pump "size 15 spanner"" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let us hope that this thing is just a precaution, as I have no clou how to use this without having all of my tools with me.<br />
In theory, I would only need a pump (which I have), water to locate the hole, 2 spoons and this kit. However, we have dislocated the wheel with a (15) spanner and had a bucket of water to locate the hole. I do not have a spanner, nor will a carry a bucket from Eupen to Regensburg.<br />
<br />
Hmmm... Problems for later I guess?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh0gR4y23u0/U6qPKZn1_TI/AAAAAAAAAGo/63kY8GwnYUk/s1600/IMAG0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gear needed to fix a bicycle footpump pedalpump" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh0gR4y23u0/U6qPKZn1_TI/AAAAAAAAAGo/63kY8GwnYUk/s1600/IMAG0068.jpg" height="426" title="Repairkit pedal foot pump bike lock mountainbike citybike "Blue Peak"" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Repair-kit, bicycle pump and it has a lock. Everything that is needed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0Regensburg, Deutschland49.02243605530979 12.09063727187503948.855830555309787 11.767913771875039 49.189041555309792 12.413360771875039tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-82798293149219011672014-07-01T12:22:00.000+02:002014-07-22T13:26:09.134+02:00The Train from Regensburg to ...<h2>
Travelling without a bicycle train ticket from Regensburg to ??</h2>
The title ought to be "The Train from Regensburg to Mönchengladbach via Köln", but my plans have been altered. In my previous post, I've explained a few difficulties I've had with booking a bicycle ticket on the internet. Now I'll show you how everything went.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFCP_yPSB3E/U662bZIq0FI/AAAAAAAAAJE/H9WK37ySl5A/s1600/IMAG0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rgb Hbf Schild Bahnhof" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFCP_yPSB3E/U662bZIq0FI/AAAAAAAAAJE/H9WK37ySl5A/s1600/IMAG0073.jpg" height="266" title="Regensburg Hauptbahnhof Sign " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of my journey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Time: 8:40<br />
<h4>
Location: between Regensburg and Nürnberg (train)</h4>
<br />
I've tried to book the Inter City to Köln, which failed as it was full for the entire week. I also got an error message when booking a City Night Line ticket (+ bike ticket), stating that I could not buy a ticket online because it is impossible to book an international - or night ticket online. This really made me agitated because the error message came up at the very end of the booking process.<br />
<br />
Imagine looking for a possible connection for an hour or so. First looking at all the possible international long distance connections, which was impossible to book on the internet; after trying that, moving on to finding Inter City fares that are booked full; only to end up finding City Night Line trains that cannot be booked online, due to not being able to book bicycle tickets online for night trains (it was also a train from Munich to Amsterdam, so it was an international train ride as well).<br />
<br />
I am currently on the IC train to Köln without a bicycle ticket. Looking back on the whole situation, it actually makes good sense to have reservations, as the train went
from Passau to Hamburg with ONLY 20 reserved spots for bikes. To get a
coffee during the train ride, I've walked from front to back several times and they could easily
have had another bicycle compartment. The passenger seats in the train weren't even filled for 1/5th.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSwoyxZf8S8/U662cn1u4xI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/ukLCfvMxwGM/s1600/IMAG0075.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hauptbahnhof Regensburg Fahrrad" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WSwoyxZf8S8/U662cn1u4xI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/ukLCfvMxwGM/s1600/IMAG0075.jpg" height="266" title="Bicycle at Regensburg train station fahrradmitnahme" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've felt unprepared in comparison to other cyclists who got on the train in Regensburg. Some had carts with them or huge backpacks. No idea what they were carrying. Anyway, I had the coolest bike pump. That was for sure.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After carrying my bike inside the train and putting it in an empty spot, I've noticed how there are train tickets on most bicycles (Fernzug Fahrradkarten). My bike did not have such a ticket and I thought: "Well, the owner of this [my] bike might have forgotten to put the ticket up or he/she [I] could have been uninformed about this procedure," and I moved to a seat in the vicinity of my bicycle.<br />
<br />
Some info on the train itself: direct connection from Regensburg to Köln with a transfer to Mönchengladbach. From Mönchengladbach to Tilburg and afterwards to Belgium, I am improvising my route.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXciGqJDBYI/U662dRoR35I/AAAAAAAAAJY/5x-QNGNY6Lg/s1600/IMAG0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bike stands train Inter-city Passau - Hamburg" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXciGqJDBYI/U662dRoR35I/AAAAAAAAAJY/5x-QNGNY6Lg/s1600/IMAG0076.jpg" height="426" title="Bicycle compartment Intercity IC Regensburg-Köln" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out the window of the train, I am enjoying the German landscape. Really looking forward travelling through it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Time: 9:35<br />
<h4>
Location: Shortly after the train departed from Nürnberg</h4>
<br />
Other bicyclists got on the train and I am afraid that the bicycle department could be full from the next station onwards. Next stop is Würzburg and, if my fears turn out to be true, it could mean that people will start to claim their spots (including mine).<br />
<br />
<br />
Time: 10:30<br />
<h4>
Location: shortly after Würzburg</h4>
<br />
As I have feared, the reservations in the bicycle storage area are going to be a problem. I'd have to explain how a bicycle department looks in an IC for you to understand. There are 15-20 bike stands with a number assigned to it. The whole wagon itself is split right in the middle, separating the passenger - and bicycle compartment.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fAyuy7uBTJE/U662dxVoZBI/AAAAAAAAAJg/Z2sYpki9pNM/s1600/IMAG0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Inter city fahrradmitname räder" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fAyuy7uBTJE/U662dxVoZBI/AAAAAAAAAJg/Z2sYpki9pNM/s1600/IMAG0077.jpg" height="426" title="Nuremberg - Hanau Bicycle reservation train bike stand IC" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bicycle without a ticket on a spot reserved from Hanau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I sat in the passenger compartment when the conductor passed by and requested our tickets. He moved on, opened the door to the bicycles and started inspecting the tickets attached. The fact that he stood still at my bike for a while made me kind of panicky. I did not even leave Bavaria yet and I'd already have to get out.<br />
<br />
The conductor came back and requested all the travelers to show their Fahrradkarte, in case they have one. Being nervous and all, I told him that I did not carry a bike with me. Seconds after, I knew it was a bad idea. In stead of playing dumb or coming clean, I just denied the whole thing and decided to become a spectator in the mess I have created. He has left my sight for 10 minutes, came back with a piece of paper and walked straight to my bike. After I saw him examining my bicycle, I knew I had to approach him.<br />
<br />
I've explained him that it was impossible to book a City Night Line ticket on the internet and that booking this ticket failed as well (ofcourse I was aware of it being booked full). The conductor wasn't making a big deal out of it and examined his piece of paper again. He informed me that the spot where my bike stands, will be taken from the next station onwards. To my luck another spot is free until Koblenz, so we've moved my bike to the vacant stand and I've bought a bicycle ticket. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rypw_BpdYFo/U662keGVntI/AAAAAAAAALY/t4kW-8JS-iY/s1600/IMAG0093.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Moenchen Gladbach IC Bike fernzugticket" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rypw_BpdYFo/U662keGVntI/AAAAAAAAALY/t4kW-8JS-iY/s1600/IMAG0093.jpg" height="640" title="Bicycle ticket train conductor Inter City Koblenz Mönchengladbach" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New spot for my bike.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVIsVO-9cN8/U662k3kRnEI/AAAAAAAAALo/aBZJzSSeSuI/s1600/IMAG0094.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="inexplicable bike gadgets inadequacy as my bicycle is poorly equiped" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVIsVO-9cN8/U662k3kRnEI/AAAAAAAAALo/aBZJzSSeSuI/s1600/IMAG0094.jpg" height="640" title="Side-bags for a bike train compartment ultra-ergonomic-bicycle-handles" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new bike on my old spot. No idea what would've happened if I hadn't approached the conductor. <br />
<br />
A different note on the bike: look at the super serious attitude of the guy on my old spot. The ultra ergonomic handles, mega sturdy side-bags, some inexplicable gadgets under the seat, the sports bottle (probably filled with isostar), the bag on the steering wheel, etc. Makes me feel quite inadequate to be honest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com1Nürnberg, Deutschland49.45203 11.07674999999994749.1216025 10.431302999999946 49.7824575 11.722196999999948tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-7480305016234703952014-07-01T16:34:00.002+02:002014-07-22T13:25:04.235+02:00... Koblenz to MönchengladbachTime: 13:40<br />
Location: Koblenz and on the train to Mönchengladbach<br />
<br />
If I could've stayed on the train to Köln. The scheduled time of arrival in Mönchengladbach would have been 15:20. In stead, I arrived in Koblenz at 13:11 and managed to catch the direct train to Mönchengladbach at 13:18.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMHjNmKJVmg/U662mhabJSI/AAAAAAAAAM4/akHaSg0s4bo/s1600/IMAG0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The IC-train to Moenchengladbach via Cologne" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMHjNmKJVmg/U662mhabJSI/AAAAAAAAAM4/akHaSg0s4bo/s1600/IMAG0098.jpg" height="426" title="Blue Peak City-bike in IC train from Koblenz to Köln to Mönchengladbach" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Time: 15:08<br />
Location: Köln (train has a small delay here) <br />
<br />
Really tired at the moment. I haven't eaten anything decent because I did not carry enough cash with me on the train. Half of the items provided on the previous train were not available. A plastic-wrapped croissant was even an option to me, despite it being the least preferable, yet only affordable choice. Maybe the boredom is also contributing to feeling so tired. If only I would have taken a book with me on this trip...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SR1QlUMOHPo/U662nLb-XWI/AAAAAAAAAMc/4_U7kZjo0vw/s1600/IMAG0099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sicherheitsgurt für Fahrräder" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SR1QlUMOHPo/U662nLb-XWI/AAAAAAAAAMc/4_U7kZjo0vw/s1600/IMAG0099.jpg" height="426" title="Safety-belt for bikes" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Time: ca 16:00<br />
Location: Mönchengladbach Hauptbahnhof (outside)<br />
<br />
I had to wait until 16:20 and - to be honest - I was really tired of waiting. I've decided to cycle from Mönchengladbach to Venlo. This route was not part of my plan and, as often turns out, I've done something unplanned, which eventually backfired in a chain of events. Using google maps, I'll somewhat explain the route to Venlo.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pAXCfwKdOWU/U7KavYah1oI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/3je_GalOXgI/s1600/map+moenchengladbad+venlo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Biking through Europe map" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pAXCfwKdOWU/U7KavYah1oI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/3je_GalOXgI/s1600/map+moenchengladbad+venlo.jpg" height="556" title="Cycling from Mönchengladbach to Viersen, Boisheim, Breyell, Lobberich, Kaldenkirchen" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note: this was the ideal route. I could have made a few minor detours.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After cycling a bit through the city centre of M.Gladbach, I've taken the Bundesstrasse to Viersen and at some point turned left towards Dülken. At what point I've taken a left turn is unclear, as I did not have anything documented. If only I had charged my smart phone and prepared for this route. Anyway, I've passed Dülken, Boisheim, Breyell and Kaldenkirchen on my way to Venlo (34,3 km).<br />
<br />
In the Netherlands, I drank a beer and watched the World Cup match between Germany and the United States. After the game, I've decided to cycle towards Maastricht over Roermond. My decision was based on the premise that big cities have affordable hostels.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p604iblRD_s/U662qiG6KPI/AAAAAAAAANc/59vZruvqetc/s1600/IMAG0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sign of Reuver "Tot ziens!" See you later" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p604iblRD_s/U662qiG6KPI/AAAAAAAAANc/59vZruvqetc/s1600/IMAG0107.jpg" height="640" title="Municipality Beesel Reuver Dutch Town in Limburg" width="426" /></a></div>
Time: 21:18<br />
Location: the exact moment I left Reuver<br />
<br />
If you make pictures on a cell phone, it is possible to see the time it is created. This is ideal to determine my position and the time at the moment the picture was taken. My phone is still charged a bit, although it indicates it has less than 20 %.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzykPg0WGbE/U662siiJ2GI/AAAAAAAAAN0/MWtFEl6pOxo/s1600/IMAG0112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="handlebars" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzykPg0WGbE/U662siiJ2GI/AAAAAAAAAN0/MWtFEl6pOxo/s1600/IMAG0112.jpg" height="640" title="Handle-bars" width="426" /></a></div>
This is a typical dutch cycle path. Notice how perfect the asphalt is. Out of the 4 countries I've cycled extensively already, the Netherlands has the best paths.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQQ-2UXtyiE/U662s4eELMI/AAAAAAAAAOw/uX7MvS-GeBo/s1600/IMAG0113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sunset in Holland South-Limburg" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HQQ-2UXtyiE/U662s4eELMI/AAAAAAAAAOw/uX7MvS-GeBo/s1600/IMAG0113.jpg" height="640" title="Panorama in the Netherlands Limburg" width="426" /></a></div>
Look at this awesome panorama. Really different from Landkreis Viersen (Landkreis = constituency) even though it is only 35 km apart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pj8TgdglTVI/U662vk4MYAI/AAAAAAAAAO8/g-9Z6bMqeeA/s1600/IMAG0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bicycle lanes in the Netherlands" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pj8TgdglTVI/U662vk4MYAI/AAAAAAAAAO8/g-9Z6bMqeeA/s1600/IMAG0120.jpg" height="426" title="Dutch cycle paths" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can almost see the sign.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gphb7kDXH2A/U662wuNOsDI/AAAAAAAAAPA/m4E1c25Zk44/s1600/IMAG0122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Remunj sign" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gphb7kDXH2A/U662wuNOsDI/AAAAAAAAAPA/m4E1c25Zk44/s1600/IMAG0122.jpg" height="426" title="Roermond schild" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woohoo. Made it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Time: 21:28<br />
Location: Roermond<br />
<br />
I've finally reached Roermond and passed a sign saying 'Maastricht 79'. Being aware of the time (21:28), I knew I would have to peddle another 2,5 h without a taking a break to reach Maastricht. Not only would I be utterly exhausted, it would also be unlikely to still find an affordable room there. That being said, I have decided to take the train from Roermond to Maastricht. I hope I won't have to do this on my actual trip from Eupen to Regensburg.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ITEjVAQu0nE/U662yD9n9HI/AAAAAAAAAPY/eVGc1j6Qvh8/s1600/IMAG0125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Remunj Centrum Boukoul Asselt" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ITEjVAQu0nE/U662yD9n9HI/AAAAAAAAAPY/eVGc1j6Qvh8/s1600/IMAG0125.jpg" height="640" title="Roermond centrum geradeaus straight ahead rechtdoor" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8RpH_HmpVw/U662y3Jtk3I/AAAAAAAAAPo/qicU9OtH2gg/s1600/IMAG0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Signs entering a city where to go" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8RpH_HmpVw/U662y3Jtk3I/AAAAAAAAAPo/qicU9OtH2gg/s1600/IMAG0126.jpg" height="426" title="Roermond Remunj a73 n280 roermond 1000-9900 Woonboulevard" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OlvXm7zpW2g/U66205U6-6I/AAAAAAAAAQY/NA-aWiuBWi0/s1600/IMAG0131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holland WC Orange" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OlvXm7zpW2g/U66205U6-6I/AAAAAAAAAQY/NA-aWiuBWi0/s1600/IMAG0131.jpg" height="640" title="Dutch World Cup fever orange colour everwhere" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LCLkhPtD1tw/U66211EebVI/AAAAAAAAAQk/59RoImNtOUU/s1600/IMAG0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="City-centre remunj river stream" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LCLkhPtD1tw/U66211EebVI/AAAAAAAAAQk/59RoImNtOUU/s1600/IMAG0133.jpg" height="426" title="Bridge Roermond to City Center" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge going to the city centre of Remunj (Roermond).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HI2WAt-DYNM/U6622NYqtXI/AAAAAAAAAQg/tCwXYboJOzA/s1600/IMAG0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sign Remunj" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HI2WAt-DYNM/U6622NYqtXI/AAAAAAAAAQg/tCwXYboJOzA/s1600/IMAG0134.jpg" height="266" title="Train station roermond photo" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small side note: before reaching the station, I've looked for an affordable room in Roermond. Only expensive hotels and over-priced bed & breakfast could be found in Roermond.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLzjJU8HHBk/U7LCokqzNWI/AAAAAAAAAYo/xVo-O8JMv0M/s1600/map+venlo+roermond.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cycle route map Venlo Reuver Roer mond" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLzjJU8HHBk/U7LCokqzNWI/AAAAAAAAAYo/xVo-O8JMv0M/s1600/map+venlo+roermond.jpg" height="594" title="Kaldenkerkerweg venlo Reuver Roermond map" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venlo to Roemond (+24,6 km)<br />
58,9 km</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGv7nSdVSlk/U6623PrFEZI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/1xpmDqlb-3k/s1600/IMAG0136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Maastrich station hostels hotels" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGv7nSdVSlk/U6623PrFEZI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/1xpmDqlb-3k/s1600/IMAG0136.jpg" height="213" title="Before getting on the train to Maastricht" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before getting on the train.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8h7pT9dB-kQ/U6623vlJz3I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/kOOSOLfzSz0/s1600/IMAG0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Roermond compartment" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8h7pT9dB-kQ/U6623vlJz3I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/kOOSOLfzSz0/s1600/IMAG0137.jpg" height="213" title="Train bicycle space Maastricht" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the train to Maastricht. Time: 23:03</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A_mFLvqPEaQ/U6625GkC99I/AAAAAAAAARQ/K_0QY6xsVuk/s1600/IMAG0140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bridge Maastricht hostel the boat at the canal 28,00 euro per night" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A_mFLvqPEaQ/U6625GkC99I/AAAAAAAAARQ/K_0QY6xsVuk/s1600/IMAG0140.jpg" height="320" title="Stay Okay Hostel Bridge over river stream" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time: 23:36 in Maastricht. I was cycling over a bridge on my way to the "Stay Okay". Rooms cost 28,- per night, which is kind of pricey for a hostel but a good price for a single room. Not sure what I would have gotten.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9MZdqMN3SM/U6626gR_ZKI/AAAAAAAAARo/DL0fjrujeNc/s1600/IMAG0143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Searching for an ATM at Night Riemst" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9MZdqMN3SM/U6626gR_ZKI/AAAAAAAAARo/DL0fjrujeNc/s1600/IMAG0143.jpg" height="640" title="To Hasselt or Tongeren Hostel nearby Stay okay Maastricht" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I went to the hostel and asked if there was a vacant room. "Nope". Some school class was staying over, so the Stay Okay in Maastricht was booked full. The reception bloke recommended another "hostel" nearby and it wasn't really a hostel like you would expect. It wasn't a building, like most hostels are, but actually a shabby boat. Rooms were 35 €/night and it looked like I was going to stay here for the night. I couldn't pay with a normal bankcard here, so I had to look for an ATM nearby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zbrMOS2IgRA/U6626rpY5OI/AAAAAAAAASQ/PWyBqbmDgnA/s1600/IMAG0144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Entering Belgium Bicycle lane" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zbrMOS2IgRA/U6626rpY5OI/AAAAAAAAASQ/PWyBqbmDgnA/s1600/IMAG0144.jpg" height="640" title="Prov. Limburg Vlaanderen Vroenhoven Riemst" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In stead of taking the obvious choice, I let myself get side-tracked by looking for an ATM to pay for the night. I thought if I'd peddle a bit towards Tongeren, I'd soon find a bank. It was at the same time a long term strategy to start looking for a route to take the next day. The receptionist from the shabby boat assured me he was awake all night, which contributed to the thought that I could have gone a bit further along the road to Belgium without risking my chances on a room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GiGq1uAIA8Q/U6627t8c2KI/AAAAAAAAAR8/PtAzG8XqDkM/s1600/IMAG0147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Municipality passed on my bike route to Tongeren" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GiGq1uAIA8Q/U6627t8c2KI/AAAAAAAAAR8/PtAzG8XqDkM/s1600/IMAG0147.jpg" height="400" title="Entering Riemst Tonger 15km passed Belgium Flanders sign" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have already passed a a sign with "Tongeren 15", an "now entering Belgium/Flander" sign and a sign of a municipality called 'Riemst'.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Time: 0:39<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xumRrROLnJY/U6628syHzkI/AAAAAAAAASU/kAA37XBvGjc/s1600/IMAG0149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cycling lane along n79 in Limburg Belgium" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xumRrROLnJY/U6628syHzkI/AAAAAAAAASU/kAA37XBvGjc/s1600/IMAG0149.jpg" height="640" title="Tongeren Herderen Bilzen Vlijtingen Voeren Wezet" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tongeren straight ahead. Before going to Tongeren, I've decided to drink a beer first. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDcaZlkFd6k/U6629WkMMNI/AAAAAAAAASk/MVFy883FJ6k/s1600/IMAG0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Typical bar in Belgium" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDcaZlkFd6k/U6629WkMMNI/AAAAAAAAASk/MVFy883FJ6k/s1600/IMAG0151.jpg" height="426" title="Belgian Pub with a Flag" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the casual pub you'll see in Belgian villages. All the colours are sort of brownish and the tables are as wobbly as they look. The beer is very good though. It has to be mentioned that drinking Belgian's special beers is an overwhelming experience for those unfamiliar with strong beers. I drank a normal 'pintje' though (=lager).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n76CqldN2CA/U66292FYj7I/AAAAAAAAAS0/UgEUb3nmE4s/s1600/IMAG0152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pub or bar nearby Tongeren" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n76CqldN2CA/U66292FYj7I/AAAAAAAAAS0/UgEUb3nmE4s/s1600/IMAG0152.jpg" height="640" title=""cafe Reynaert" in Riemst nice Belgians there" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe Reynaert in Riemst I think.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7ejf02Qbjo/U662-vMz_KI/AAAAAAAAAS4/fnoQkgTtp-Q/s1600/IMAG0154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Limburgian? Limburger? Limburguese? town" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7ejf02Qbjo/U662-vMz_KI/AAAAAAAAAS4/fnoQkgTtp-Q/s1600/IMAG0154.jpg" height="320" title="Millen in Riemst" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millen (Riemst)<br />
<br />
Millen in Riemst in Limburg in Flandern - and as part of the Dutch language community - in Belgium </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Time: 1:10<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMdtwZpMEzc/U662_46R82I/AAAAAAAAATQ/p4vLD8O5_OI/s1600/IMAG0158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Limburgish Limburgian" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMdtwZpMEzc/U662_46R82I/AAAAAAAAATQ/p4vLD8O5_OI/s1600/IMAG0158.jpg" height="213" title="Genoelselderen Genoelsderen genoelseldereren funnyname sign" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Genoelselderen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Time 1:18<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-Qum3l9Cz0/U663BpLY1ZI/AAAAAAAAAT0/egK-0CnnE9g/s1600/IMAG0161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sign Limburg biking" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-Qum3l9Cz0/U663BpLY1ZI/AAAAAAAAAT0/egK-0CnnE9g/s1600/IMAG0161.jpg" height="320" title="Cycled to Tongeren from Maastricht" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reached Tongeren at: 1:38.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lXrneI36Cas/U7LCm2H577I/AAAAAAAAAYg/0cLoVMqvHqc/s1600/map+maastricht+tongeren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flanders, Wallonia, Germany, German Language Community" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lXrneI36Cas/U7LCm2H577I/AAAAAAAAAYg/0cLoVMqvHqc/s1600/map+maastricht+tongeren.jpg" height="328" title="Europe's strangest country vlaanderen Wallonie Deutschland Cycling through 3 countries in 1 day" width="640" /></a><br />
Last city that I'll reach today. Really tired at the moment. Arrived at 1:38, cycled 77,6 km (18,7 km + 58,9 km). Crossed 3 different borders. Now only boredom awaits.<br />
<br />
Time: 1:38<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qh7VVeVjxVg/U663CWv3s5I/AAAAAAAAAT8/0Ruutb7yB4E/s1600/IMAG0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Down hill entering the city on a bike" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qh7VVeVjxVg/U663CWv3s5I/AAAAAAAAAT8/0Ruutb7yB4E/s1600/IMAG0162.jpg" height="426" title="Tongeren at night downhill super fast" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Tongeren. You'll enter the city going downhill super fast.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RtO73vLhQQk/U663CsZbQEI/AAAAAAAAAUI/HATVDZAPn6g/s1600/IMAG0163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bike on train to Bruxelles Brussels" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RtO73vLhQQk/U663CsZbQEI/AAAAAAAAAUI/HATVDZAPn6g/s1600/IMAG0163.jpg" height="266" title="Time-table nmbs train belgium 5:30 Brussel transfer" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is really a bummer. Time: 1:43<br />
I actually took the train 20 minutes earlier than the one displayed here. The train at 5:30 went to Brussel, where I could transfer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSSZb0ZkUyg/U663CwoGKJI/AAAAAAAAAU4/fxNEK9px3zs/s1600/IMAG0164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Affordable hotel in tonger appartment pension rooms" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSSZb0ZkUyg/U663CwoGKJI/AAAAAAAAAU4/fxNEK9px3zs/s1600/IMAG0164.jpg" height="426" title="Church in Tongeren. Need to pass time because I can't find a Hostel." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did not bother to look for a hotel or hostel. It was not really worth it anymore. To pass time, I cycled a bit through the city.<br />
Nothing really going on anywhere besides on the Grand Square (Grote Markt), where a handful of pubs were open for the whole night. Here a picture of the church in Tongeren, the <span class="st">Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek<i> (German: Liebfrauenbasilika).</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yv-DW0-8boU/U663DBY5ttI/AAAAAAAAAUM/IJ0WShXqpL0/s1600/IMAG0165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Probably a Gallic warrior that has some connection to Tongeren" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yv-DW0-8boU/U663DBY5ttI/AAAAAAAAAUM/IJ0WShXqpL0/s1600/IMAG0165.jpg" height="640" title="Super hero statue with a special axe no idea" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some kind of super hero with a special kind of axe. No idea actually.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yaK0dg2QqSY/U663ENxyTAI/AAAAAAAAAUg/vALhBq1sVac/s1600/IMAG0167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Belgian Pint in Tongeren pub bar" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yaK0dg2QqSY/U663ENxyTAI/AAAAAAAAAUg/vALhBq1sVac/s1600/IMAG0167.jpg" height="640" title="Beer 'pintje' in Belgium 0,33cl good beer" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of another beer in a pub in Tongeren. I sat at a table, ordered a beer and charged my cell phone. At some point I finally succumbed to my need to sleep and, after what seemed like mere seconds, the bartender wakes me up. She has a mad expression and stares at me with contempt, as if I were a light-weight and a dishonor to her pub. Her stare seemed to indicate that it was time for me to go home. I drank another beer and left this pub.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dP2VdhPcWT0/U663FCUycaI/AAAAAAAAAU0/pWlnFJnhQfE/s1600/IMAG0169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Women website" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dP2VdhPcWT0/U663FCUycaI/AAAAAAAAAU0/pWlnFJnhQfE/s1600/IMAG0169.jpg" height="400" title="Statues Tongeren" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For details regarding this statue, you can browse the Tongeren website. There are so many statues in Belgium, that I just do not care. If you do take an interest in statues, feel free to use google. Good luck!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USdl1f3CwqY/U663FSqZsAI/AAAAAAAAAVE/2hOee_PlteQ/s1600/IMAG0170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Looks like the super hero statue" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USdl1f3CwqY/U663FSqZsAI/AAAAAAAAAVE/2hOee_PlteQ/s1600/IMAG0170.jpg" height="320" title="Tongeren Flag" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tongeren flag.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EwLp6kfPK5c/U663GWg4yJI/AAAAAAAAAVM/wenm7U7jarM/s1600/IMAG0172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Backpack station to Brussel and Antwerp" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EwLp6kfPK5c/U663GWg4yJI/AAAAAAAAAVM/wenm7U7jarM/s1600/IMAG0172.jpg" height="320" title="Trainstation in Tongeren Bicycle bikepump" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on a bench at the train station. This is incredibly boring, trust me. For my actual trip from Eupen to Regensburg, I have to take into account, based on what I've learned today, that not all cities have low budget hostels. Only in the bigger cities, you have a chance of finding something affordable. Next trip I'll plan hostels beforehand (hindsight note: I didn't do it).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RGaUdDXyAvw/U663G9fbrhI/AAAAAAAAAVU/X0jDPjKoz9Q/s1600/IMAG0173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bike in Station in Limburg" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RGaUdDXyAvw/U663G9fbrhI/AAAAAAAAAVU/X0jDPjKoz9Q/s1600/IMAG0173.jpg" height="320" title="Sleeping on train" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time: 4:54<br />
Train will come in 20 minutes. I got on the train and slept until the conductor woke me up in Brussel. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0Mönchengladbach, Deutschland51.1804572 6.442804099999989451.0211442 6.120080599999989 51.3397702 6.76552759999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-57800878793015124512014-07-09T12:28:00.002+02:002014-07-22T13:19:48.577+02:00Eupen to Regensburg. Day 3: Koblenz to Frankfurt<h2>
Information regarding the cycling route from Koblenz to Frankfurt am Main</h2>
After a surprisingly good night sleep without nightmares of clowns torturing me, I had breakfast and did research as to which route I should take from here on out. From Koblenz-Ehrenbreitstein, it seemed like the best idea to go to Koblenz-Pfaffendorf and to take the cycle path to Nassau (over Lahnstein and Bad Ems). The path leads alongside the Rhine up until the Rhine gets joined by a tributary (a sub river joining a main river), namely the 'Lahn'. If you are going to travel from Koblenz to Frankfurt, you'll have to go to Koblenz-Pfaffendorf , to Lahnstein along the Rhine, to Bad Ems along the Lahn, and then over Nassau and on the B260 to Wiesbaden/Mainz. This implies that the route from Nassau is over the Bundesstraße. There might be alternatives but I haven't looked at them yet.<br />
<br />
Here's a map for you to look at. I drew a bit on it to make it easier to understand. Might do that more from now on.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fno72emysu8/U70Uybv-60I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/W-Wzpk_XsaI/s1600/Koblenz-nassau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="To Bad-ems and Nassau cycle route map" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fno72emysu8/U70Uybv-60I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/W-Wzpk_XsaI/s1600/Koblenz-nassau.jpg" height="250" title="Koblenz to Lahnstein next to the Lahn" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The path to Lahnstein and Nassau have good bike signs. However, if you lose track, you will have a hard time finding it again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The next map explains the rest of the route.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JeSGkMb8W38/U75fVX4UisI/AAAAAAAAAo8/lj9Y8ON1YMA/s1600/From+Koblenz+to+Frankfurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Biking path from Mainz to Frankfurt" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JeSGkMb8W38/U75fVX4UisI/AAAAAAAAAo8/lj9Y8ON1YMA/s1600/From+Koblenz+to+Frankfurt.jpg" height="281" title="Cycle route from Koblenz to Badems to Nassau to Wiesbaden to Mainz" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see, the B260 is quite long and leads all the way up to Wiesbaden. I would really like to find an alternative for this stretch of road in particular. Not only because the street is actually made for cars and not for bikes, also because the change in altitude (suddenly peaking on 543 m before getting down on the 66m again) seems like something you can bypass with a slightly different route.<br />
<br />
In Wiesbaden, you can already see the Frankfurt bicycle signs stating that it is only more 40 km to go. Tip: once you've lost the trail, it could be gone for a while. I have lost it and it took me a while before I could get back on track. I think that my detour was about 6 km.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0Ywsq0WhGw/U76bgybBg_I/AAAAAAAAA_8/gxgWIG-h1qQ/s1600/Frankfurtdetour.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Map "Frankfurt am Main"" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0Ywsq0WhGw/U76bgybBg_I/AAAAAAAAA_8/gxgWIG-h1qQ/s1600/Frankfurtdetour.png" height="268" title="Detour Industry Frankfurt" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Flat tire AGAIN and 20 km to Frankfurt</h4>
About 20 km before Frankfurt, I've gotten a flat tire AGAIN. This was just <b>unbelievable</b>. Before going on this trip, I've patched my old bicycle tube and it was good to go. I've already cycled over 70 km with the patched tire from Mönchengladbach to Tongeren, and on the first day of the 6-day trip, the tube got a hole again (in Schöneseiffen). Fixed it that day and the next day it got deflated again. I've bought a new one tube in Blankenheim (beginning of day 2), cycled 2 full days (day 2 and day 3) and the new bicycle tube got punctured as well. <br />
<br />
Now you have to imagine cycling the full 110 km from Koblenz (almost) to Frankfurt and doing the last 20 km by foot, carrying a bike which has a flat tire once a day on average. Me not hurling this bicycle into the Main was a true test of self control. Anyway, I walked to the city centre of Frankfurt am Main and arrived at the train station at 1:00AM. On my way there, I saw groups of youngster smoking pot in the park, which seemed like fun, but I was too tired. Moving further towards the train station of Frankfurt, things started to look more grim, as I saw - in stead of young people drinking beer and smoking pot - a thin, hollow-cheeked womed who - as far as I could tell from a short glance - was smoking crack or crystal meth.<br />
<h3>
Impressions, photos, routes and experiences</h3>
My condition today was optimal. The stiffness of my muscles is in sharp contrast with yesterday, as everything felt unstrained and relaxed. I did not have to patch or change a tube in the morning, nor did I have to take the train to somewhere. I just got up, showered, ate, got ready to leave and left the hotel at something like 10:00 AM.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PNzBCO470s/U75y98vog5I/AAAAAAAAApM/F-CMeyaH2a8/s1600/IMAG0440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="KO-Pfaffeldorf Rhein" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PNzBCO470s/U75y98vog5I/AAAAAAAAApM/F-CMeyaH2a8/s1600/IMAG0440.jpg" height="320" title="Koblenz Pfaffendorf Rhine" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving from Ehrenbreitstein to Ko-Pfaffendorf.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UhP_bAPiWoQ/U75zA3yZCjI/AAAAAAAAApc/03X0JOGavqE/s1600/IMAG0441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rhein Koblenz" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UhP_bAPiWoQ/U75zA3yZCjI/AAAAAAAAApc/03X0JOGavqE/s1600/IMAG0441.jpg" height="426" title="Towards and then along the Rhine" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going towards the Rhine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t92QDX_o8Oo/U75zK-1sh0I/AAAAAAAAAps/hRdY9myewcA/s1600/IMAG0443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="entering KO-Horchheim" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t92QDX_o8Oo/U75zK-1sh0I/AAAAAAAAAps/hRdY9myewcA/s1600/IMAG0443.jpg" height="320" title="Leaving KO-Pfaffendorf" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Pfaffendorf and entering Horcheim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXrEsMTaR2s/U75zK9iTCgI/AAAAAAAAApw/phJdiRTNe3k/s1600/IMAG0444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Photo Koblenz from afar" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXrEsMTaR2s/U75zK9iTCgI/AAAAAAAAApw/phJdiRTNe3k/s1600/IMAG0444.jpg" height="266" title="Koblenz panorama" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at Koblenz from afar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i22RJjNGLcI/U75zNXa7_0I/AAAAAAAAAp8/p-mpIK6i2EM/s1600/IMAG0445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ehren Breit Stein Burg" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i22RJjNGLcI/U75zNXa7_0I/AAAAAAAAAp8/p-mpIK6i2EM/s1600/IMAG0445.jpg" height="426" title="Fortress Ehrenbreitstein" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you see fortress Ehrenbreitstein.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvbMOiSqAAw/U75zRz6f7VI/AAAAAAAAAqE/cK0_hJQZC3s/s1600/IMAG0446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="RHein Koblenz" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HvbMOiSqAAw/U75zRz6f7VI/AAAAAAAAAqE/cK0_hJQZC3s/s1600/IMAG0446.jpg" height="213" title="The RHine" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rhine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pigx2rAGAEE/U75zZIHGytI/AAAAAAAAAqc/BrItFwDjd54/s1600/IMAG0449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rhein KO-Pfaffendorf" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pigx2rAGAEE/U75zZIHGytI/AAAAAAAAAqc/BrItFwDjd54/s1600/IMAG0449.jpg" height="426" title="Rhine River Koblenz" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am now looking in the direction I should go (more or less). If I would have looked to the right, I'd see Koblenz.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Elz8v0d5rqs/U75zthN3O6I/AAAAAAAAArM/6pnAuZds2oA/s1600/IMAG0455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Biking From Koblenz to Frankfurt" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Elz8v0d5rqs/U75zthN3O6I/AAAAAAAAArM/6pnAuZds2oA/s1600/IMAG0455.jpg" height="425" title="Cycling along the Rhine" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cycling along the Rhine is actually quite nice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rw8QUTg0fA8/U75z4KAzshI/AAAAAAAAArs/e7-WvnSI-08/s1600/IMAG0459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The stream in Lahnstein" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rw8QUTg0fA8/U75z4KAzshI/AAAAAAAAArs/e7-WvnSI-08/s1600/IMAG0459.jpg" height="426" title="From the Rhine to the Lahn" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stream you see here is the 'Lahn'.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ion-S3FRxmo/U75z-tryF5I/AAAAAAAAAr8/7a0mpgtBWoM/s1600/IMAG0461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="After a few km it got better" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ion-S3FRxmo/U75z-tryF5I/AAAAAAAAAr8/7a0mpgtBWoM/s1600/IMAG0461.jpg" height="426" title="Bicycle paths are terrible here" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The state of the paths here are not perfect but that's ok. After a few km it got better.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jP1U3lxzhHo/U750EwVTzrI/AAAAAAAAAsE/zNTutSBjfqs/s1600/IMAG0462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bad villages are beautiful" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jP1U3lxzhHo/U750EwVTzrI/AAAAAAAAAsE/zNTutSBjfqs/s1600/IMAG0462.jpg" height="426" title="Lahnstein to Bad-ems" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am currently on my way to Bad Ems.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6DiHuTqL8F4/U750IkZMbyI/AAAAAAAAAsM/Y7E6epa50R0/s1600/IMAG0463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Biking paths through lots of greenery" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6DiHuTqL8F4/U750IkZMbyI/AAAAAAAAAsM/Y7E6epa50R0/s1600/IMAG0463.jpg" height="213" title="Nature cycle routes" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of nature surrounding you here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pyfO2Baf44g/U750LUstK5I/AAAAAAAAAsU/fvUapCigVkI/s1600/IMAG0464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Camp Nassau Lahn Caravans tents tourism" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pyfO2Baf44g/U750LUstK5I/AAAAAAAAAsU/fvUapCigVkI/s1600/IMAG0464.jpg" height="426" title="Bad ems Lahnstein Camping" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also lots of caravans and tents as well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z72EQfCeNLo/U750RCyoHRI/AAAAAAAAAsc/ru-DuYRuiQw/s1600/IMAG0465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Friedrichssegen" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z72EQfCeNLo/U750RCyoHRI/AAAAAAAAAsc/ru-DuYRuiQw/s1600/IMAG0465.jpg" height="426" title="Friedland Miellen Cycling" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure if this is Friedland, Miellen or Friedrichssegen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HNMZSN2PcuY/U750XlfFtTI/AAAAAAAAAsk/x7Vp6sPUX40/s1600/IMAG0466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Friedland Mielen" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HNMZSN2PcuY/U750XlfFtTI/AAAAAAAAAsk/x7Vp6sPUX40/s1600/IMAG0466.jpg" height="320" title="Friedrichssegen" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This could be either Friedland, Miellen or Friedrichssegen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1MqO746yiE/U750Ykk5qOI/AAAAAAAAAss/aKM-ctMZ0go/s1600/IMAG0467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Koblenz Camping Holiday destination" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U1MqO746yiE/U750Ykk5qOI/AAAAAAAAAss/aKM-ctMZ0go/s1600/IMAG0467.jpg" height="320" title="Rheinlandpfalz Caravan tourism" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took a while to cycle passed all the caravans. Appearantly a favoured holliday destination.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VY4GVMWGCqg/U750goWqB9I/AAAAAAAAAs8/YaSeXXh9-7c/s1600/IMAG0469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nassau bad ems" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VY4GVMWGCqg/U750goWqB9I/AAAAAAAAAs8/YaSeXXh9-7c/s1600/IMAG0469.jpg" height="640" title="miellen Village" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just arrived in Miellen (sign left)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMKkWIUAFCU/U750zXEJ-yI/AAAAAAAAAtc/mXAAqXJXxr8/s1600/IMAG0473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Church "Bad-Ems"" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMKkWIUAFCU/U750zXEJ-yI/AAAAAAAAAtc/mXAAqXJXxr8/s1600/IMAG0473.jpg" height="213" title="Kirche Bad Ems" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just entered Bad Ems.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8gxbwtHfS-Y/U7501xa3hdI/AAAAAAAAAtk/9PcWa4dfhYM/s1600/IMAG0474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bad ems Hotels Restaurants spas resorts" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8gxbwtHfS-Y/U7501xa3hdI/AAAAAAAAAtk/9PcWa4dfhYM/s1600/IMAG0474.jpg" height="425" title="The Beatles Museum" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What Bad Ems has to offer: hotels, restaurants, resorts and ... The Beatles Museum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rM2zzYtCaoo/U7504qyqBxI/AAAAAAAAAts/zR5HSMQS830/s1600/IMAG0475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Spa with tradition badems" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rM2zzYtCaoo/U7504qyqBxI/AAAAAAAAAts/zR5HSMQS830/s1600/IMAG0475.jpg" height="425" title="Wellness and leasure resort" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome! Spa with tradition - Wellness and leasure resort.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ml1oXpFW8RM/U750-d-w7II/AAAAAAAAAt8/Z3kSGPUKLyc/s1600/IMAG0477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hauptstrasse Bad-ems" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ml1oXpFW8RM/U750-d-w7II/AAAAAAAAAt8/Z3kSGPUKLyc/s1600/IMAG0477.jpg" height="266" title="Bad Ems Main street" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T6s-63rH62g/U751D9AmfrI/AAAAAAAAAuM/JBxkq2k3Guo/s1600/IMAG0479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Badems" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T6s-63rH62g/U751D9AmfrI/AAAAAAAAAuM/JBxkq2k3Guo/s1600/IMAG0479.jpg" height="266" title="Street Bad ems" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnUjynCHRx8/U751GpIa83I/AAAAAAAAAuU/7dCVEhaPqgg/s1600/IMAG0480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lahn" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnUjynCHRx8/U751GpIa83I/AAAAAAAAAuU/7dCVEhaPqgg/s1600/IMAG0480.jpg" height="266" title="City between Nassau and Koblenz" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdwZTP2IUzA/U751LliZOAI/AAAAAAAAAuc/w5rd-SGiRYY/s1600/IMAG0481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="in Rheinlandpfalz nearby Koblenz" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HdwZTP2IUzA/U751LliZOAI/AAAAAAAAAuc/w5rd-SGiRYY/s1600/IMAG0481.jpg" height="213" title="Bad Ems at the Lahn"" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bad Ems at the Lahn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wvJJxn0nU9Y/U751MxnN6qI/AAAAAAAAAuk/JjN_cgT7DYE/s1600/IMAG0482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nassau Koblenz Wiesbaden" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wvJJxn0nU9Y/U751MxnN6qI/AAAAAAAAAuk/JjN_cgT7DYE/s1600/IMAG0482.jpg" height="213" title="Bridges Lahn "Bad Ems"" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-uUBxKgS8s/U751TwZZDVI/AAAAAAAAAus/bhHTTplYbEQ/s1600/IMAG0483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Small break" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-uUBxKgS8s/U751TwZZDVI/AAAAAAAAAus/bhHTTplYbEQ/s1600/IMAG0483.jpg" height="213" title="Reachin Nassau" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making a small break shortly after Bad Ems, before reaching Nassau.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ensVz_Rm0WI/U751ap00s3I/AAAAAAAAAu0/ZGUJT7pnm8I/s1600/IMAG0484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="to Nassau" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ensVz_Rm0WI/U751ap00s3I/AAAAAAAAAu0/ZGUJT7pnm8I/s1600/IMAG0484.jpg" height="213" title="Bad ems" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VP_wexzdh4A/U751dv3NHCI/AAAAAAAAAu8/qh14QeNu4jc/s1600/IMAG0485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Biking Route" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VP_wexzdh4A/U751dv3NHCI/AAAAAAAAAu8/qh14QeNu4jc/s1600/IMAG0485.jpg" height="213" title="Cycle path to Nassau" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cycle path from Bad Ems to Nassau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqKG9r10OS8/U751sHOf5OI/AAAAAAAAAvc/svAt2WPOeVY/s1600/IMAG0489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rhine-Lahn-District Schild Sign" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqKG9r10OS8/U751sHOf5OI/AAAAAAAAAvc/svAt2WPOeVY/s1600/IMAG0489.jpg" height="400" title="Rhein-Lahn-Kreis Nassau" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Nassau<br />
Rhein-Lahn-Kreis"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFJctqN0JCk/U7510mpaYuI/AAAAAAAAAvs/L9cfIojAWdM/s1600/IMAG0491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sign post Schild Distances" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFJctqN0JCk/U7510mpaYuI/AAAAAAAAAvs/L9cfIojAWdM/s1600/IMAG0491.jpg" height="213" title="Koblenz 25km; Bad Ems 9km - Wiesbaden 45km; Holzhausen 14km; Singhofen 5km" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koblenz 25km; Bad Ems 9km - Wiesbaden 45km; Holzhausen 14km; Singhofen 5km</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qmi7kcdrWg/U7515S_NGkI/AAAAAAAAAv0/k3MFE_BGgeM/s1600/IMAG0492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Had to take a break before reaching Singhofen" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qmi7kcdrWg/U7515S_NGkI/AAAAAAAAAv0/k3MFE_BGgeM/s1600/IMAG0492.jpg" height="213" title="Singhofen up ahead" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On my way to Singhofen, there was a really steep hill up ahead. I had to take a break somewhere in the middle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VFYkmmWOMbY/U752ImqZ39I/AAAAAAAAAwM/qleG70gdYKI/s1600/IMAG0495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="cycling flat land once more" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VFYkmmWOMbY/U752ImqZ39I/AAAAAAAAAwM/qleG70gdYKI/s1600/IMAG0495.jpg" height="426" title="Lonely tree" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After climbing the hill, I've reached flat land again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FE__071l0t0/U752LeZKJpI/AAAAAAAAAwU/oniYjE-b-Kg/s1600/IMAG0496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tree bike" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FE__071l0t0/U752LeZKJpI/AAAAAAAAAwU/oniYjE-b-Kg/s1600/IMAG0496.jpg" height="425" title="World turned around" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to flip the photo but it somehow looks cool.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIBNl1CbalM/U752TOfFTLI/AAAAAAAAAws/2xtJNhC45d4/s1600/IMAG0499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="had something to eat and drink" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BIBNl1CbalM/U752TOfFTLI/AAAAAAAAAws/2xtJNhC45d4/s1600/IMAG0499.jpg" height="213" title="Took a break" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Took a break and had something to eat/drink...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3HjCv9vNA8/U752Wxtn5AI/AAAAAAAAAw0/cdyPiOE7fFs/s1600/IMAG0500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rhein-Lahn-Kreis Sign Schild" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3HjCv9vNA8/U752Wxtn5AI/AAAAAAAAAw0/cdyPiOE7fFs/s1600/IMAG0500.jpg" height="320" title="Singhofen" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... before reaching Singhofen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TeP97PG9atU/U752aEwaFJI/AAAAAAAAAw8/Vn291Jx78v4/s1600/IMAG0501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sign Wiki entry name" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TeP97PG9atU/U752aEwaFJI/AAAAAAAAAw8/Vn291Jx78v4/s1600/IMAG0501.jpg" height="320" title="Wiesbaden Niedertiefenbach Lollschied" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have never heard of towns like Niedertiefenbach (population: 210) and Lollschied (population: 209) but appearantly, they deserve a city name, a reference on a sign and a wiki entry (google it).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4fMLaADdVJs/U752czXXpoI/AAAAAAAAAxE/Vg52OOGxBUQ/s1600/IMAG0502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Downhill afterwards" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4fMLaADdVJs/U752czXXpoI/AAAAAAAAAxE/Vg52OOGxBUQ/s1600/IMAG0502.jpg" height="400" title="After Singhofen hills" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Singhofen, there were a few hills like this up ahead. Downhill in 21st and going up in 4th or so.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SB0bKX2tGpI/U752lPJYmKI/AAAAAAAAAxU/3QuBYahXV3g/s1600/IMAG0503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Over the top" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SB0bKX2tGpI/U752lPJYmKI/AAAAAAAAAxU/3QuBYahXV3g/s1600/IMAG0503.jpg" height="320" title="Over the hill" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going over the hill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oRYiGd_LzGU/U752iHMjOtI/AAAAAAAAAxM/ztUH-RvPXbs/s1600/IMAG0504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Full-speed down the hill" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oRYiGd_LzGU/U752iHMjOtI/AAAAAAAAAxM/ztUH-RvPXbs/s1600/IMAG0504.jpg" height="213" title="21st gear downhill" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And back down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5z4FJSqgIY/U752nlCrTBI/AAAAAAAAAxc/jMCKN2vbUu4/s1600/IMAG0505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Holzhausen an der Haide" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5z4FJSqgIY/U752nlCrTBI/AAAAAAAAAxc/jMCKN2vbUu4/s1600/IMAG0505.jpg" height="320" title="Reaching Holzhausen a.d.H." width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reaching Holzhausen a.d.H. (Holzhausen an der Haide)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tix7QXo_Mrg/U752r3Rvn3I/AAAAAAAAAxk/O2sXPsem_Wg/s1600/IMAG0506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wander routes bicycle path lanes" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tix7QXo_Mrg/U752r3Rvn3I/AAAAAAAAAxk/O2sXPsem_Wg/s1600/IMAG0506.jpg" height="320" title="Naturpark Nassau" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never thought I would end up doing the H1 wander route almost 4x with a bicycle in my hand at the end of the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EqJpw_vW_qk/U7520pK4dAI/AAAAAAAAAxs/DT7vGN_1fNs/s1600/IMAG0507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Haide" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EqJpw_vW_qk/U7520pK4dAI/AAAAAAAAAxs/DT7vGN_1fNs/s1600/IMAG0507.jpg" height="400" title="Limesturm in Holzhausen" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No idea what the Limesturm is. Did not bother looking for it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFMHzNB7JkQ/U753Bq6skgI/AAAAAAAAAyE/TFSDIGHK-zU/s1600/IMAG0511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bullet holes sign of the state of Hessen" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFMHzNB7JkQ/U753Bq6skgI/AAAAAAAAAyE/TFSDIGHK-zU/s1600/IMAG0511.jpg" height="266" title="Welcome to Hessen Gunshot" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CLICK THE PICTURE TO ENLARGE! There are bullet holes in the sign of Hessen. Seriously.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Kll8ij-H-0/U753QYavcsI/AAAAAAAAAys/ACMNq0g0fdo/s1600/IMAG0515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Eltville am Rhein" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Kll8ij-H-0/U753QYavcsI/AAAAAAAAAys/ACMNq0g0fdo/s1600/IMAG0515.jpg" height="400" title="Martinsthal stadt Taunus" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving in Martins' thal. Part of Eltville am Rhein.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpWC8KZapj0/U753Tv53gWI/AAAAAAAAAy0/8iQXQGJ3mm0/s1600/IMAG0516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Grapes" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpWC8KZapj0/U753Tv53gWI/AAAAAAAAAy0/8iQXQGJ3mm0/s1600/IMAG0516.jpg" height="266" title="Wine from Martinsthal" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine grapes in Martinsthal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GoYUWdtVxaw/U753cdb_qbI/AAAAAAAAAzM/FQn0axaY12w/s1600/IMAG0519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Reserve Nature" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GoYUWdtVxaw/U753cdb_qbI/AAAAAAAAAzM/FQn0axaY12w/s1600/IMAG0519.jpg" height="266" title="Hessen Spaziergänger Naturfreunde" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nI1JT0wdteI/U753eYsofsI/AAAAAAAAAzU/hGPiHW2jz9s/s1600/IMAG0520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hessen Martinsthal" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nI1JT0wdteI/U753eYsofsI/AAAAAAAAAzU/hGPiHW2jz9s/s1600/IMAG0520.jpg" height="213" title="Reservat Reserve Nature Natur" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KpJpdBlTwiI/U753iR6vfqI/AAAAAAAAAzc/XD5Rhd4jmTw/s1600/IMAG0521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Martinsthal" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KpJpdBlTwiI/U753iR6vfqI/AAAAAAAAAzc/XD5Rhd4jmTw/s1600/IMAG0521.jpg" height="426" title="Map text Hessen wasser natures reserve" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FmTe0zqrhXE/U753lse56wI/AAAAAAAAAzk/eTZzBNwyOWg/s1600/IMAG0522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FmTe0zqrhXE/U753lse56wI/AAAAAAAAAzk/eTZzBNwyOWg/s1600/IMAG0522.jpg" height="266" title="Nature reserve in Martinstal in Hessen" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature reserve.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqIXz_2F8IA/U753oyx5hpI/AAAAAAAAAzs/iY7z5d-Ao_Y/s1600/IMAG0523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wiesbaden Mainz" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqIXz_2F8IA/U753oyx5hpI/AAAAAAAAAzs/iY7z5d-Ao_Y/s1600/IMAG0523.jpg" height="213" title="A small port in Schierstein" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port in Wiesbaden Schierstein I think.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMf19CLEAZ0/U753uLkhV8I/AAAAAAAAAz0/dFhXAWdjC7A/s1600/IMAG0524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Biebrach" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BMf19CLEAZ0/U753uLkhV8I/AAAAAAAAAz0/dFhXAWdjC7A/s1600/IMAG0524.jpg" height="320" title="Biebrich part of Wiesbaden city" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiesbaden stadtteil Biebrich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfXlljyhixg/U7539neccSI/AAAAAAAAA0c/hMwKrCf3EZI/s1600/IMAG0529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lost both tracks" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfXlljyhixg/U7539neccSI/AAAAAAAAA0c/hMwKrCf3EZI/s1600/IMAG0529.jpg" height="320" title="Bicycle Route 15 and path 3" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Route 3 and Route 15. I will lose both of em.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jEabG9Uk_lY/U754BMlriQI/AAAAAAAAA0k/ELPTQ5Uvx0I/s1600/IMAG0530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="State capitol of Hessen" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jEabG9Uk_lY/U754BMlriQI/AAAAAAAAA0k/ELPTQ5Uvx0I/s1600/IMAG0530.jpg" height="400" title="Landeshauptstadt Wiesbaden Stadtteil Mainz-Kastel" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FYI: Wiesbaden is the state capitol of Hessen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4yPRiJZIig/U754LW37tdI/AAAAAAAAA08/GbrWDLZv58k/s1600/IMAG0533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wies baden Mainz to Frankfurter" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u4yPRiJZIig/U754LW37tdI/AAAAAAAAA08/GbrWDLZv58k/s1600/IMAG0533.jpg" height="320" title="Route3 Route15 Bicycle path from Wiesbaden to Frankfurt am Main" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still on the right track.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wHYso2jPN2A/U754PeYR2oI/AAAAAAAAA1E/bGnuZ4R94TI/s1600/IMAG0534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wiesbaden looking into a distance" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wHYso2jPN2A/U754PeYR2oI/AAAAAAAAA1E/bGnuZ4R94TI/s1600/IMAG0534.jpg" height="426" title="Mainz from afar" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Mainz from Wiesbaden.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5r_kPI-jllU/U754b0ozHEI/AAAAAAAAA1k/CeuZCUxc7p0/s1600/IMAG0538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bikepath-3" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5r_kPI-jllU/U754b0ozHEI/AAAAAAAAA1k/CeuZCUxc7p0/s1600/IMAG0538.jpg" height="320" title="Eurovelo route 15" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still not lost.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shDmU-2eoZI/U754uCdb-uI/AAAAAAAAA2M/gzjI8GUmHGQ/s1600/IMAG0543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="City Center Biebrich Höchst Hocheim MZ-Kastel" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shDmU-2eoZI/U754uCdb-uI/AAAAAAAAA2M/gzjI8GUmHGQ/s1600/IMAG0543.jpg" height="426" title="Confusing Bicycle signs direction Frankfurt" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think that everything went wrong from this point. There should have been a direction with "Frankfurt Hbf" or "Frankfurt Center".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9PfnL3xXKA/U754z6kG9UI/AAAAAAAAA2U/lTNR5NZVk4c/s1600/IMAG0544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9PfnL3xXKA/U754z6kG9UI/AAAAAAAAA2U/lTNR5NZVk4c/s1600/IMAG0544.jpg" height="266" title="Bike path" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuBsr6nzmjg/U7543myXkAI/AAAAAAAAA2c/0oDmOUU393s/s1600/IMAG0545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xuBsr6nzmjg/U7543myXkAI/AAAAAAAAA2c/0oDmOUU393s/s1600/IMAG0545.jpg" height="213" title="Bicycle route" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyX88ZCbB8g/U7546L8_47I/AAAAAAAAA2k/b4DVN94LnW8/s1600/IMAG0546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyX88ZCbB8g/U7546L8_47I/AAAAAAAAA2k/b4DVN94LnW8/s1600/IMAG0546.jpg" height="213" title="Biking through Europe" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B1XlVUtsMEA/U755ROMFxNI/AAAAAAAAA3U/GBkNKXFnXno/s1600/IMAG0552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bicycling through Germany" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B1XlVUtsMEA/U755ROMFxNI/AAAAAAAAA3U/GBkNKXFnXno/s1600/IMAG0552.jpg" height="213" title="Cycling through Europe" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbX8Bnuv1Ss/U755e_FvGYI/AAAAAAAAA30/bkXeiApmw2s/s1600/IMAG0556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mainz Koblenz" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbX8Bnuv1Ss/U755e_FvGYI/AAAAAAAAA30/bkXeiApmw2s/s1600/IMAG0556.jpg" height="213" title="Bridge old Frankfurt Wiesbaden" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IJKxvK5TwNo/U755mO0ZCiI/AAAAAAAAA4E/5vsvBYtsgCk/s1600/IMAG0558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hocheim am main" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IJKxvK5TwNo/U755mO0ZCiI/AAAAAAAAA4E/5vsvBYtsgCk/s1600/IMAG0558.jpg" height="213" title="Bonifatius-route Hochheim" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgmM-Kn0J-g/U755rUGioCI/AAAAAAAAA4U/6r0062PheH0/s1600/IMAG0559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flörsheim Horcheim" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgmM-Kn0J-g/U755rUGioCI/AAAAAAAAA4U/6r0062PheH0/s1600/IMAG0559.jpg" height="213" title="Bonifatius Route Hochheim am Main" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyoNQ51VN_8/U7550C89V0I/AAAAAAAAA4s/_2R9qbwOzSo/s1600/IMAG0563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyoNQ51VN_8/U7550C89V0I/AAAAAAAAA4s/_2R9qbwOzSo/s1600/IMAG0563.jpg" height="213" title="Bonifatius-Route Hochheim am Main" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrN53fC0GiM/U7556sIswpI/AAAAAAAAA40/IakmUe3r1R8/s1600/IMAG0564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bonifacius" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrN53fC0GiM/U7556sIswpI/AAAAAAAAA40/IakmUe3r1R8/s1600/IMAG0564.jpg" height="213" title="Bonifatius path through Hochheim Frankfurt" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NvsWWKVFVSM/U756DqeSLjI/AAAAAAAAA5M/tF3kzbQGMPI/s1600/IMAG0567.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Rhein Main" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NvsWWKVFVSM/U756DqeSLjI/AAAAAAAAA5M/tF3kzbQGMPI/s1600/IMAG0567.jpg" height="320" title="Main Taunus Regionalpark RheinMain" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_qoidbVaukc/U756Gkt3XbI/AAAAAAAAA5U/eJv1eSKzcPs/s1600/IMAG0568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nearby Frankfurt River" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_qoidbVaukc/U756Gkt3XbI/AAAAAAAAA5U/eJv1eSKzcPs/s1600/IMAG0568.jpg" height="213" title="Arriving in Flörsheim am Main" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving in Flörsheim.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwv0hPYGJ9Q/U756Lch1m0I/AAAAAAAAA5k/0QEFqhQhtdY/s1600/IMAG0570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qwv0hPYGJ9Q/U756Lch1m0I/AAAAAAAAA5k/0QEFqhQhtdY/s1600/IMAG0570.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcoWjUhgnBI/U756SHMsjiI/AAAAAAAAA5s/oQoXHMUHUoA/s1600/IMAG0571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TcoWjUhgnBI/U756SHMsjiI/AAAAAAAAA5s/oQoXHMUHUoA/s1600/IMAG0571.jpg" height="640" title="Weilbach in Flörsheim am Main-Taunus-Kreis" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weilbach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48LZj39c7ZU/U756Sd3ThGI/AAAAAAAAA50/Dj5cNz52dmI/s1600/IMAG0572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Flat bike-tire once more" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-48LZj39c7ZU/U756Sd3ThGI/AAAAAAAAA50/Dj5cNz52dmI/s1600/IMAG0572.jpg" height="213" title="Deflated tire again" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have inflated the tire several times already...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BcarZDtu7ig/U756UzM_c5I/AAAAAAAAA58/RyK223VR5To/s1600/IMAG0573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Frankfurt industry am Main Bike route" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BcarZDtu7ig/U756UzM_c5I/AAAAAAAAA58/RyK223VR5To/s1600/IMAG0573.jpg" height="320" title="F-Höchst" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had no idea this was the wrong direction.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eg4o6dKeQK4/U756bj4LKyI/AAAAAAAAA6E/rhuYCBjB5lo/s1600/IMAG0574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hocheim" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eg4o6dKeQK4/U756bj4LKyI/AAAAAAAAA6E/rhuYCBjB5lo/s1600/IMAG0574.jpg" height="320" title="Hattersheim am Main Taunus Kreis" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrong,wrong, wrong...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_9R69xFQrk/U756dfYZpqI/AAAAAAAAA6M/LKEtYvUFMK8/s1600/IMAG0575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tube deflated" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_9R69xFQrk/U756dfYZpqI/AAAAAAAAA6M/LKEtYvUFMK8/s1600/IMAG0575.jpg" height="213" title="Still Flat" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still walking with a flat tire...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpTgpi4lDsY/U756sbwghsI/AAAAAAAAA60/nhqX5h-ti0Q/s1600/IMAG0580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Partner cities in Frankfurt" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gpTgpi4lDsY/U756sbwghsI/AAAAAAAAA60/nhqX5h-ti0Q/s1600/IMAG0580.jpg" height="640" title="Entering Frankfurt by foot" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dE-tlzQgUgo/U7565xzS_TI/AAAAAAAAA7c/cAFV5z-F91c/s1600/IMAG0585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Still not magically inflated for no reason" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dE-tlzQgUgo/U7565xzS_TI/AAAAAAAAA7c/cAFV5z-F91c/s1600/IMAG0585.jpg" height="213" title="Still flat" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YiLg46aBOY/U756_fffNQI/AAAAAAAAA7k/scMleaZFFX0/s1600/IMAG0586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Should have known" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2YiLg46aBOY/U756_fffNQI/AAAAAAAAA7k/scMleaZFFX0/s1600/IMAG0586.jpg" height="213" title="Seat cushion waste of money" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note: look at the seat. That seat cushion was a total waste of money and I should have known it beforehand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rO5D4uStnrc/U757BTGtCpI/AAAAAAAAA7s/Yet7t8UWk00/s1600/IMAG0587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="tired" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rO5D4uStnrc/U757BTGtCpI/AAAAAAAAA7s/Yet7t8UWk00/s1600/IMAG0587.jpg" height="320" title="Dirt-road to Frankfurt" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the dirt-road.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oIUwZ_4d8xM/U757DBJ3MuI/AAAAAAAAA70/uxIPnvAxQ3M/s1600/IMAG0588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cloud factories" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oIUwZ_4d8xM/U757DBJ3MuI/AAAAAAAAA70/uxIPnvAxQ3M/s1600/IMAG0588.jpg" height="213" title="Producing clouds for everyone to enjoy" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appearantly Frankfurt also has cloud factories. Look at the factory on the left, producing clouds for everyone to enjoy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JxQoVgz7dk4/U757Hh5YGCI/AAAAAAAAA78/TowOPDTx3QA/s1600/IMAG0589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wow factories" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JxQoVgz7dk4/U757Hh5YGCI/AAAAAAAAA78/TowOPDTx3QA/s1600/IMAG0589.jpg" height="266" title="Industry Frankfurt Radweg Tourism" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bicycle tour around the industrial area of Frankfurt. No joke.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EbGMyjvnqk/U757MarEczI/AAAAAAAAA8M/lL6hXSj9w08/s1600/IMAG0591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Still walking" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EbGMyjvnqk/U757MarEczI/AAAAAAAAA8M/lL6hXSj9w08/s1600/IMAG0591.jpg" height="320" title="Road along factory wall" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still walking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qjZdgjWbwZ8/U757Sk10AwI/AAAAAAAAA8c/-e1EClzTTMM/s1600/IMAG0593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nordwest Frankfurt" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qjZdgjWbwZ8/U757Sk10AwI/AAAAAAAAA8c/-e1EClzTTMM/s1600/IMAG0593.jpg" height="213" title="Werksmauer" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9IOGGWQs94/U757aESmDXI/AAAAAAAAA8s/MC3-odvnix0/s1600/IMAG0595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9IOGGWQs94/U757aESmDXI/AAAAAAAAA8s/MC3-odvnix0/s1600/IMAG0595.jpg" height="213" title="Werksmauer" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8zJuYPMJzQ/U757g6unjCI/AAAAAAAAA88/sB-8boMgd8s/s1600/IMAG0597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kelkheim" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8zJuYPMJzQ/U757g6unjCI/AAAAAAAAA88/sB-8boMgd8s/s1600/IMAG0597.jpg" height="320" title="Stadtmitte Höchst Industrie" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tC8BDcwnGIc/U757lNBXaII/AAAAAAAAA9E/xqqWUpdxapg/s1600/IMAG0598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Path8" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tC8BDcwnGIc/U757lNBXaII/AAAAAAAAA9E/xqqWUpdxapg/s1600/IMAG0598.jpg" height="320" title="Bicycle route 8" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HB-R55fDjIM/U757ps0hJBI/AAAAAAAAA9M/vnkVwJ5vZ_I/s1600/IMAG0599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Höchst" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HB-R55fDjIM/U757ps0hJBI/AAAAAAAAA9M/vnkVwJ5vZ_I/s1600/IMAG0599.jpg" height="320" title="Street-art Frankfurt" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mwMezAFBHDg/U757vZ-7OkI/AAAAAAAAA9U/X0n-0lsOeNY/s1600/IMAG0600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Underground" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mwMezAFBHDg/U757vZ-7OkI/AAAAAAAAA9U/X0n-0lsOeNY/s1600/IMAG0600.jpg" height="320" title="Tunnel bike Frankfurt" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-Qdzy2-ZyI/U7573AkIDdI/AAAAAAAAA9k/LE61EpcC_vc/s1600/IMAG0602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Traffic Frankfurt" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-Qdzy2-ZyI/U7573AkIDdI/AAAAAAAAA9k/LE61EpcC_vc/s1600/IMAG0602.jpg" height="213" title="Frankfurt at night Main" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzAwF47rNS4/U758AhHdhqI/AAAAAAAAA98/6An7KMhKEl0/s1600/IMAG0605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="R10 route" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zzAwF47rNS4/U758AhHdhqI/AAAAAAAAA98/6An7KMhKEl0/s1600/IMAG0605.jpg" height="320" title="So dark. No more battery" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No more battery. I think it was R10 again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pshdjquovKM/U758HcPfXFI/AAAAAAAAA-U/OfWQibazWiU/s1600/IMAG0608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Arriving in Frankfurt Train Station" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pshdjquovKM/U758HcPfXFI/AAAAAAAAA-U/OfWQibazWiU/s1600/IMAG0608.jpg" height="320" title="r3 r10 r8" width="213" /></a></div>
<h4>
Arriving at the train station</h4>
What a beautiful arrival in
Frankfurt! First I've somehow lost the cycling path, then my tire got
punctured, and finally a lady salutes me by torching her pipe filled
with junk. I would've gone to Bavaria the next day (probably from
Frankfurt to Würzburg) and if I had to bet on the wheel holding out
after mending it, my odds would've looked bad. That being said, I took
the first train home and aborted the last 2-3 days of the trip. If
nothing went wrong, I could have cycled from Frankfurt to Würzburg,
Würzburg to Nürnberg, Nürnberg to Regensburg.<br />
<br />
Looking for a train connection to Regensburg, I've only found the following:<br />
from Frankfurt to Würzburg<br />
Würzburg to Nürnberg<br />
Nürnberg to Neustadt<br />
Neustadt to Regensburg (arrival 12:00)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DkPfbj-KHic/U758MtzcNNI/AAAAAAAAA-k/AlfNUzAywDs/s1600/IMAG0610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Foot leg photo" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DkPfbj-KHic/U758MtzcNNI/AAAAAAAAA-k/AlfNUzAywDs/s1600/IMAG0610.jpg" height="320" title="Muscle unable to relax calves" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was trying to relax this muscle. Impossible.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GrIc8QR0igo/U758VqlZlrI/AAAAAAAAA-0/kVa2Kli7pT0/s1600/IMAG0612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Over Würzburg, Nürnberg, Neustadt" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GrIc8QR0igo/U758VqlZlrI/AAAAAAAAA-0/kVa2Kli7pT0/s1600/IMAG0612.jpg" height="320" title="Bike train to Regensburg From Frankfurt" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reached Frankfurt Bahnhof and did the last part of the route per train. I did not want to bother with that tire again. I'll do that before the next time I'll make a massive trip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zv2TkzKSBRE/U758XkoTNyI/AAAAAAAAA-8/Hx9hNaeaFZU/s1600/IMAG0613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nürnberg Nürburg" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zv2TkzKSBRE/U758XkoTNyI/AAAAAAAAA-8/Hx9hNaeaFZU/s1600/IMAG0613.jpg" height="320" title="Gemünden Würzburg Hanau" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If only this were the last train I took that day... I got home at 12:00.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com1Koblenz, Deutschland50.3569429 7.588995899999986250.1948164 7.2662723999999859 50.5190694 7.9117193999999866tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-67466694513180713492014-07-11T17:21:00.002+02:002014-07-22T13:18:33.159+02:00How to plan your bicycle tour through Europe: Germany<h2>
Planning a bicycle trip through Europe (Deutschland und Österreich) </h2>
<br />
Problems that will arise when planning your long distance tour through Europe lie within the fact that you are travelling through different countries, where different policies/resources with regards to biking paths are available. I will try to show you various ways of planning a trip through the many different countries Europe has to offer.<br />
<br />
Let's start with Germany! I'm going through this process step by step, so you can replicate the process for other destinations using the data and resources provided.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Step 1: Get a crude estimation of your bicycle trip through the European continent</h3>
<br />
A crude estimation starts with a city/area to start and finish. Where to start and finish is ofcourse depending on various factors (time, location, difficulty, etc.). Throughout this tutorial on how to plan a bicycle trip through Europe, I will use a fictitious couple as an example. They don't have children and live in Regenstauf, Bavaria. Let's call the man Fritz and the woman Claudia.<br />
<br />
Fritz and Claudia both have 3 weeks vacation and are planning to make a bicycle trip. The trip should be low-budget, sportive (enduring) and without much steep hills. They wish to see big, historic cities and want to enjoy the countryside as well.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Step 1.1: Time</h4>
An important factor that plays a role in deciding where to go is time. Plan carefully how long and when you are going on a bicycle trip.<br />
<h4>
Step 1.2: Location </h4>
The location is related to time. If you do not have lots of time, you cannot waste it on getting somewhere far away. That's why you can look for a nice destination closer at home. If our couple, Fritz and Claudia, would be short on time, they'd look for the closest city (Regensburg) nearby and cycle from there on out.<br />
<h4>
Step 1.3: Bike route</h4>
Knowing the starting location, you can try to make a carefull estimation. I will show you how to estimate correctly using examples of our fictional couple from Regenstauf.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9hHQOt5gFVg/U7_ybs86ViI/AAAAAAAABBE/I3ImltNVKYU/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9hHQOt5gFVg/U7_ybs86ViI/AAAAAAAABBE/I3ImltNVKYU/s1600/1.jpg" height="348" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see from the map, there are lots of possible destinations from Regensburg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0Yduba5tJ4/U7_ycKfLchI/AAAAAAAABBI/LVPED76XdP8/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0Yduba5tJ4/U7_ycKfLchI/AAAAAAAABBI/LVPED76XdP8/s1600/2.jpg" height="340" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've picked Vienna, Austria and entered it on Google maps. If you look at the map, I've written DONAU. The Danube flows through Regensburg and I know that there are always cycle paths nearby a river.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you know anything about Regensburg, you know that a big river, namely the Donau, flows through it. This is a big advantage when it comes to cycling, as the changes in altitude are smaller alongside a river. There are also bicycle lanes next to most of them, which means that you will not be confronted all too often with car traffic.<br />
<br />
That being said, you will notice that the suggested road is not alongside the Danube. By clicking on the road, you'll see a dot appear, which you can hover over the desired stretch of road.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzaLiwj5DVY/U7_0dGJUr5I/AAAAAAAABBY/Jkv-GzSTsOc/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YzaLiwj5DVY/U7_0dGJUr5I/AAAAAAAABBY/Jkv-GzSTsOc/s1600/3.jpg" height="344" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, I corrected the road a bit and it shows 20 km more. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
Step 1.4: Accommodation</h4>
Look at the altitude of your ride, estimate the amount of km you will reach in a particular day based on the altitude, and try to find hotels/hostels around the maximum amount of km you'll manage to cover. Example: Fritz and Claudia think they can reach 80 km on their first day to Vienna.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7kRKaPPJuk/U7_2iP4odsI/AAAAAAAABBk/iQ7oTemUu1k/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7kRKaPPJuk/U7_2iP4odsI/AAAAAAAABBk/iQ7oTemUu1k/s1600/4.jpg" height="260" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fritz and Claudia estimate that they will reach Deggendorf in one day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now zoom in on the destination (not too close!). Make sure you still see some surrounding villages. Follow the instructions on the second picture.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cfAagLJk0c/U7_38JY7KjI/AAAAAAAABBw/U9rILETyE1k/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cfAagLJk0c/U7_38JY7KjI/AAAAAAAABBw/U9rILETyE1k/s1600/5.jpg" height="280" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you see Deggendorf. Press X and enter 'hotel' in the Google Maps search field.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4zoGwu2iA1g/U7_39J3EUwI/AAAAAAAABB4/pe4hawy8Pp4/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4zoGwu2iA1g/U7_39J3EUwI/AAAAAAAABB4/pe4hawy8Pp4/s1600/6.jpg" height="348" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voila! Lots of hotels nearby Deggendorf. You can make a list of hotels with the best prices and call them the day itself. Maybe call 2 hotels beforehand and ask if there are still rooms vacant for the day you will be arriving. Just to be sure.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now that Fritz and Claudia have estimated their first day and the route itself, they can really start to plan the trip itself.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Step 2: Planning the route (more accurately)</h3>
Seeing that I've taken a German pair taking a route through Germany and Austria, I'll have to use the resources from these countries. Good thing that I speak German, as that means that I can provide you with the information needed to look for biking routes.<br />
<br />
Needed websites:<br />
German: <a href="http://www.adfc.de/deutschland/alle-routen/uebersicht-aller-routen-aus-deutschland-per-rad-entdecken" rel="nofollow">Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club ADFC (German Cyclist’s Association)</a><br />
Austrian: <a href="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/Donauradweg.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.fahr-radwege.com/Donauradweg.htm </a><br />
<br />
<h4>
Step 2.1: Accurate route through Germany (Regensburg - Passau)</h4>
<h4>
From Regensburg to Passau</h4>
Open the website of the ADFC. It is a direct link to a map with all the cycling routes through Germany. If you see the map (see picture below), you can look for cycling routes nearby. Hover over a number to see the road litten up. I've found the "Donauradweg", which goes from 'Schwarzwald' (Donaueschingen) to Passau (Passau is on the Austrian border). To make sure that the path passes a city nearby, I click on the route and press 'Sehenswert' on the next page (see screenshot).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X5ziw0gS1jk/U7__8r6zaZI/AAAAAAAABCI/rO0LvRVtEqg/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X5ziw0gS1jk/U7__8r6zaZI/AAAAAAAABCI/rO0LvRVtEqg/s1600/7.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think Regensburg is around here. Click it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ta4wAqk4m38/U8AAswiKy2I/AAAAAAAABCQ/9Stl013D7ZU/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ta4wAqk4m38/U8AAswiKy2I/AAAAAAAABCQ/9Stl013D7ZU/s1600/8.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then click on Sehenswert and look on the list. If there is a name of a city or town nearby, you can take this 'fahrradweg' (bicycle lane).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Seeing that our pair will depart from Regensburg, this bike path is ideal, as it goes passed the city.<br />
<h4>
Step 2.2: Accurate route through Austria (Passau - Vienna)</h4>
<h4>
From Passau to Wien (Vienna)</h4>
I've googled a bit and found a website where you can find maps of different stages of the route. If you want to do some research yourself with regards to the resources available, enter the following keywords in the search field: Radwegen Oesterreich .<br />
<br />
On www.Fahr-radwege.com you can find the Donauradweg from Passau to Vienna. The good thing about this website is that you can download the route from Passau to Vienna in 5 different stages:<br />
<table border="0" style="width: 540px;"><tbody>
<tr><th scope="col"><div align="center">
<img src="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/ButtonStreckenabschnitt.jpg" height="20" width="135" /></div>
</th>
<th scope="col"><div align="left">
<a href="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/DonauradwegPassauMauthausen.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Passau - Mauthausen</a></div>
</th>
<th scope="col"><div align="left">
125 km</div>
</th>
<th scope="col"><a href="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/DonauradwegPassau-Mauthausen.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/ButtonPDFklein.jpg" height="20" width="75" /></a></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="col"><div align="center">
<img src="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/ButtonStreckenabschnitt.jpg" height="20" width="135" /></div>
</th>
<th scope="col"><div align="left">
<a href="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/DonauradwegMauthausenPersenbeug.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mauthausen - Persenbeug</a></div>
</th>
<th scope="col"><div align="left">
64 km</div>
</th>
<th scope="col"><a href="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/DonauradwegMauthausen-Persenbeug.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/ButtonPDFklein.jpg" height="20" width="75" /></a></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="col"><img src="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/ButtonStreckenabschnitt.jpg" height="20" width="135" /></th>
<th scope="col"><div align="left">
<a href="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/DonauradwegPersenbeugKrems.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Persenbeug - Krems</a></div>
</th>
<th scope="col"><div align="left">
62,8 km</div>
</th>
<th scope="col"><a href="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/DonauradwegPersenbeug-Krems.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/ButtonPDFklein.jpg" height="20" width="75" /></a></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="col"><img src="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/ButtonStreckenabschnitt.jpg" height="20" width="135" /></th>
<th scope="col"><div align="left">
<a href="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/DonauradwegKremsTulln.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Krems - Tulln</a></div>
</th>
<th scope="col"><div align="left">
49,9 km</div>
</th>
<th scope="col"><a href="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/DonauradwegKrems-Tulln.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/ButtonPDFklein.jpg" height="20" width="75" /></a></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="col"><img src="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/ButtonStreckenabschnitt.jpg" height="20" width="135" /></th>
<th scope="col"><div align="left">
<a href="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/DonauradwegTullnWienDonauinsel.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tulln - Wien Donauinsel</a></div>
</th>
<th scope="col"><div align="left">
36,3</div>
</th>
<th scope="col"><a href="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/DonauradwegTulln-Wien.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/ButtonPDFklein.jpg" height="20" width="75" /></a></th></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The list above is from <a href="http://www.fahr-radwege.com/Donauradweg.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.fahr-radwege.com/Donauradweg.htm</a> .<br />
<br />
<h4>
Step 2.3: Merge both routes and research minor detours</h4>
You can merge both routes together and start looking for activities on your way to your destination. For example, Fritz's uncle lives 20 km north from Passau. Maybe he'd like to pay him a visit. If he would like that, he'd have to adjust the route they are willing to take.<br />
<br />
Using google maps (bike directions), he can plan his detour like this:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9xf4nPVcnE/U8Ey7o9PTzI/AAAAAAAABCg/SsPwd888bpk/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9xf4nPVcnE/U8Ey7o9PTzI/AAAAAAAABCg/SsPwd888bpk/s1600/9.jpg" height="336" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He knows where his path is, as he just has to follow the Donau (blue line on the map). The normal route would go straight through Passau, but Fritz wants to go passed Ruderting. He using a point somewhere next to the danube and looks for directions to Ruderting.<br />
<br />
Result from that point, it is 34,8km to Ruderting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-btDJ9VehmsI/U8E0DXsZ0lI/AAAAAAAABCo/0UC5ab5KHhY/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-btDJ9VehmsI/U8E0DXsZ0lI/AAAAAAAABCo/0UC5ab5KHhY/s1600/11.jpg" height="336" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Ruderting back on the road to Wien is another 13,7 km.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFRWHMsIQ5Q/U8E0EiNp9SI/AAAAAAAABCw/3j-W1pF8fCk/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFRWHMsIQ5Q/U8E0EiNp9SI/AAAAAAAABCw/3j-W1pF8fCk/s1600/10.jpg" height="350" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you would have gone to Passau in one go, it would be 35,8 km. The detour would only imply an extra 12,7 km. Fritz will do this detour, as it will only cost him a short hour more.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Step 3: Making choices for your bicycle trip</h3>
Give yourself some thought regarding the following questions.<br />
<ul>
<li>Should I sleep in a Tent, Hostel, Hotel or Pension? </li>
<li>When to book, where to book and how to book? </li>
<li>What are the preferred minimum/maximum prices for rooms?</li>
<li>Where to eat (restaurant, outside, park, riverside, etc), what to eat (snack, breakfast, dinner, lunch) and when to eat (at what time in which city, town or region)?</li>
<li>Should we be booking and planning everything <b>beforehand</b> (reserving every hotel at every hop), <b>semi-spontaneous</b> (booking only the first [few] day[s]) or <b>spontaneous</b> (only pre-gathering information regarding hotels in a certain vicinity)?<br /><br />I think this question is extra important, as it might change the whole idea of a trip. I'll give some examples of how the way you book influences your whole trip. If you are staying in a tent, it is very spontaneous where you'll stay. You can plan campings beforehand but that would be taking all of the adventure out of it.<br /><br />Should you stay in hotels, then I'd recommend booking your rooms semi-sponteously. You can book the first 2 days and can book day 3 on day 1. That way, you have the flexibility to estimate the distance you can cover in 2 days. eg. you are a lot faster than you'd imagined at first. That could mean that you want to book the next hotels a bit further along the road as initially planned. If you haven't planned everything beforehand, you are able to increase or decrease the distance you travel per day. That is a huge advantage over people thoroughly planning everything.<br /><br />The fully spontaneous type makes lists of hotels in a vicinity or where he might get in one day at every hop. He/she takes note of the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. While cycling the tour, this type of person will contact some of the hotels per phone, asking if there is still a vacant room. Ofcourse the hotels/hostels/pensions he/she'll contact will be based on the estimation of the km that will be covered that day. Having access to a German (and Austrian) 3G network is a huge advantage, as it allows you to look up possible hotels in real-time.</li>
<li>Packing everything you might need (like a stereotypical woman) or just the bare essentials (like a stereotypical male)? </li>
<li>Bicycle gear; what is needed (only repair kit + pump or also an extra tire/tube?)</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0Regensburg, Deutschland49.0134297 12.10162360000003948.8468242 11.778900100000039 49.180035200000006 12.424347100000039tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2970596201249621307.post-218392053240948382014-06-24T12:45:00.001+02:002014-07-22T11:59:52.102+02:00Goal: From Eupen to RegensburgTime to seperate the boys from the men. If 80 km is possible in one day (I could have gone further to be honest), then it is also possible to spread 645 km over a week or so. The thing I noticed today, is that even though it was exhaustive, I do not have sore muscles today. I feel quite fit. There is just one thing that bothers me today, and that is that I've forgotten to put sunlotion on yesterday. Oh well...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCR-x2QRgbo/U6lMSkWidvI/AAAAAAAAAFY/IZipFNGISug/s1600/Goal+from+eupen+to+regensburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Biking through Europe" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCR-x2QRgbo/U6lMSkWidvI/AAAAAAAAAFY/IZipFNGISug/s1600/Goal+from+eupen+to+regensburg.jpg" height="251" title="From Eupen to Regensburg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The plan is to:<br />
<ol>
<li>take my bike on the train to my mother in Belgium.</li>
<li>I'll stay there and spend some time with my mom.</li>
<li>Subsequently I will take the train to Eupen.</li>
<li>After arrival, I will depart on my bike in Eupen with Regensburg as the ultimate goal.</li>
<li>As I am a spontaneous kind of guy, I will not plan beforehand where I will rest and sleep.</li>
<li>I will document the whole trip with pictures, videos and a log.</li>
<li>My experiences will be shared with the world on this blog, as it might be useful to people who are also interested in biking through Europe.</li>
<li>IF there are problems on my way to Regensburg, I COULD take the train to Regensburg. However, I can only come up with a few unlikely reasons why I would do that. A sprained ankle, an accident or another unexpected occurance one can't foretell.</li>
</ol>
<br />
Sometime next week, I will travel to Belgium between Sunday the 29th of June 2014 and <strike>Tuesday the 1st of July 2014</strike> [edit] Monday the 30th of June. I am already very exciting about this and I will equip myself necessary utensils. <strike>I'll buy my ticket today, after I've done some research with regards to the cheapest and best ticket (bicycle on train, best price, etc.).</strike> Edit: I will have to negotiate a good time to travel with my girlfriend. We are invited to a birthday party and it would be cool, if I could stay long enough to party before departing to Belgium. It will still be Sunday or Monday.<br />
<br />
Note: as you can see from the crossed text, I am quite flexible. Never make plans you cannot change!<br />
<br />
I've also made a picture of my bicycle, as it might be interesting for you to see my gear. I do not really care about a good bike. The important thing is that the bike is sturdy and comfortable.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBWvNrs4mLY/U6lTrBLE5DI/AAAAAAAAAFs/71mVe4jvLkY/s1600/IMAG0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hole in biketire" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBWvNrs4mLY/U6lTrBLE5DI/AAAAAAAAAFs/71mVe4jvLkY/s1600/IMAG0064.jpg" height="426" title="Flat tire deflated punctured bicycle tube" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, I have a flat tire. I will fix it today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyLcYOXCttg/U6lTq3psHMI/AAAAAAAAAFo/7_E2oqlMAIc/s1600/IMAG0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="cycle gear low quality spirit is what counts" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyLcYOXCttg/U6lTq3psHMI/AAAAAAAAAFo/7_E2oqlMAIc/s1600/IMAG0063.jpg" height="426" title="blue peak cheap rusty bike" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bike actually looks quite good on this picture. It is quite bad though in comparison to the real cyclists' bikes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The difference between me and 'real' cyclists is that I am not wearing a helmet, nor do I have special clothing, gear (reflectors EVERYWHERE, odometer, heart rate monitor, etc.) or other things that are totally redundant. Yesterday, I wore a jeans with a normal t-shirt and it did not bother me at all. I would have preferred trainers, yet I did not have them in Eschenbach. I find it ridiculous to think that this special gear is needed to ride a bike. The Germans, from what I can tell, are really taking cycling too serious. "Oh, you can't ride a bike without a helmet. That is waaaay too dangerous." or "Wearing special clothing makes me go faster and makes me look like a pro-biker." or "Aren't you having X brand? Are you tired of living? What if the wheel suddenly dislocates while you are going 20 km/h?". Do not forget that reflexes have to be trained. I think that too much (or any) protection also gives a false sense of security. While being overly protective on a bike, it is possible for these people to drive 230 km/h on the 'Autobahn' while talking on the cellphone.<br />
<br />
My point being: the thing that is needed to be safe on a bike is COMMON SENSE. Just be cautious in the way you cycle and you'll be fine. Ofcourse there are fools on the road and even though you are cautious, other people who aren't can be a danger to you. But isn't this danger the same for all traffic participants?<br />
<br />
Common sense also means that, if you are going downhill from a mountain and forest with sharp rocks, trees and other objects, a helmet and additional protection do make sense. <b><u>I have no problem with protection but there is a discussion going on in Germany about bikers being obligated to wear a helmet. </u></b><br />
<br />
Nuff said. I'll fix my bike tube now<strike> and buy a ticket for next week</strike>. You'll be kept up to date.<br />
<br />
Cheers mates. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12081047636368259957noreply@blogger.com0Eupen, Belgien50.6292029 6.03371110000000550.4679799 5.7109876000000046 50.7904259 6.3564346000000054