... Koblenz to Mönchengladbach

Time: 13:40
Location: Koblenz and on the train to Mönchengladbach

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.

Time: 15:08
Location: Köln (train has a small delay here)

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...

Time: ca 16:00
Location: Mönchengladbach Hauptbahnhof (outside)

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.

Note: this was the ideal route. I could have made a few minor detours.

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).

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.

Time: 21:18
Location: the exact moment I left Reuver

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 %.

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.

Look at this awesome panorama. Really different from Landkreis Viersen (Landkreis = constituency) even though it is only 35 km apart.

I can almost see the sign.

Woohoo. Made it.

Time: 21:28
Location: Roermond

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.

The bridge going to the city centre of Remunj (Roermond).

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.

Venlo to Roemond (+24,6 km)
58,9 km

Before getting on the train.

On the train to Maastricht. Time: 23:03

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.

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.

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.

I have already passed a  a sign with "Tongeren 15", an "now entering Belgium/Flander" sign and a sign of a municipality called 'Riemst'.

 Time: 0:39

Tongeren straight ahead. Before going to Tongeren, I've decided to drink a beer first.

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).

Cafe Reynaert in Riemst I think.

Millen (Riemst)

Millen in Riemst in Limburg in Flandern - and as part of the Dutch language community - in Belgium

 Time: 1:10

Genoelselderen

 Time 1:18

Reached Tongeren at: 1:38.

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.

Time: 1:38

Entering Tongeren. You'll enter the city going downhill super fast.

This is really a bummer. Time: 1:43
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.

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.
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 Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek (German: Liebfrauenbasilika).

Some kind of super hero with a special kind of axe. No idea actually.

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.

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!

Tongeren flag.

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).

Time: 4:54
Train will come in 20 minutes. I got on the train and slept until the conductor woke me up in Brussel.

Goal: From Eupen to Regensburg

Time 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...

The plan is to:

1. take my bike on the train to my mother in Belgium.
2. I'll stay there and spend some time with my mom.
3. Subsequently I will take the train to Eupen.
4. After arrival, I will depart on my bike in Eupen with Regensburg as the ultimate goal.
5. As I am a spontaneous kind of guy, I will not plan beforehand where I will rest and sleep.
6. I will document the whole trip with pictures, videos and a log.
7. 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.
8. 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.

Sometime next week, I will travel to Belgium between Sunday the 29th of June 2014 and Tuesday the 1st of July 2014 [edit] Monday the 30th of June. I am already very exciting about this and I will equip myself necessary utensils. 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.). 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.

Note: as you can see from the crossed text, I am quite flexible. Never make plans you cannot change!

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.

As you can see, I have a flat tire. I will fix it today.

This bike actually looks quite good on this picture. It is quite bad though in comparison to the real cyclists' bikes.

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.

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?

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. I have no problem with protection but there is a discussion going on in Germany about bikers being obligated to wear a helmet.

Nuff said. I'll fix my bike tube now and buy a ticket for next week. You'll be kept up to date.

Cheers mates.

From Eschenbach i.d. Oberpfalz to Schwandorf

Going on an unprepared trip through Bavaria

I've spent a night in Eschenbach i.d. Oberpfalz and, for reasons unknown, I have decided to take a bike of a friend and cycle all the way home the next day. There wasn't really anything that needed to be done today, so I've given in to the impulse and got on the bike. The route "From Eschenbach i.d. Oberpfalz to Schwandorf" was more or less a spontaneous trip without much preparation.

80 km is the biggest trip I've taken up until now. Using the pictures I have made on my way to Schwandorf, I can explain the route I have taken. Neither the quality nor the quantity of pictures was optimal. The sole purpose of these pictures was for me to remember the trip, as I easily forget details to a story.

For my next trip, which I have already planned, I will put more focus on pictures and I will write more about the route itself. The long-term plan is to map good routes, to make recommendations for cyclists (hostels, hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing spots) and to take notes of the routes I am taking.

This was the route I've taken. I am not sure if this was the exact route, but it is a good estimation.

This is a picture I've taken on my way from Eschenbach to Weiden.

This picture was taken while biking passed the 'Schießlweiher'. The German word 'weiher' means pond.

Schießlweiher in Schwarzenbach.

Somewhere between Schwarzenbach and Weiden...

I do not have a nice bike, as you can see from the rust on the handlebar. Then again, people who assume that one needs expensive and high quality gear to ride a bike over long distances are taking things too seriously.

A cycling road between Schwarzenbach and Weiden. Right through the forrest with some small changes in altitude.

Here you can see that the path leads next to the 'Bundesstraße'. A Bundesstraße is a road with a 100 km/h speedlimit. Cyclists are allowed to cycle there as well, even though it is quite dangerous.

DETOUR: if you are cycling over Weiden, you are making a detour as I did. To plan this tour without a detour, please take a look at the bottom of the page. I have made a quick tutorial for a different route.

This is somewhere between Weiden and Luhe. I am not sure where it is but I am guessing that it is in 'Rothenstadt'.

Landscape.  Boring.

If I am not mistaken, this is on the way from Luhe to Wernberg-Köblitz. 10 minutes after taking this picture, I've gotten a flat tire. Had to walk for half an hour until I've found a farm, where I have asked the farmer if he had something to inflate my tires. Fortunately he did.

On this picture, I have found the beautiful 'Naabtalradweg'. Naab is a small river, tal means 'valley' and Radweg means cycleway. I am guessing that this is Oberköblitz. Not sure though.

I can tell from this picture that I was on the right side of the Naab. That means that this would probably be 'Unterköblitz'.

Between Unterköblitz and Iffelsdorf.

This is pretty much proof of how awesome the Naabtalradweg is. The road is not always like this. Sometimes it is a dirt road, sometimes it is pavement like this and sometimes it is old asphalt.

What kind of shock would it be for a Syrian refugee to be looking upon this green paradise.Walking or cycling for hours passed so much vertile land.

The sign says "Iffelsdorf".

A field like any other. I guess that is corn, right?

I am almost in Nabburg.

A stork. No idea why this was so interesting at the time. The stork was picking a fight with a tractor (which was left of the stork and not visible on this picture).

Bad ass stork doing his thing.

Entering Nabburg. My tire has almost deflated once more and I was already close to riding on the rim. This made it clear that I would not reach Regensburg without fixing my tire.

Doesn't Nabburg look nice?

After inflating for the second time, I was biking towards Stulln.

The road. As you can tell, I have a knack when it comes to taking pictures.

I already see the Stulln sign. Woohoo.

Getting closer...

And I've reached Stulln.

This is a Gasthof in Stulln. The people here gave me directions and let me use their bicycle pump. It was really needed, as it was deflated for the third time.

Because of the friendly people here, I'll give them some publicity.

They offer rooms and a cold beer (or Radler, which is beer with lemonade). The people are nice and this stop is perfect for cyclists. I was really in a hurry because my bicycle tube was running out of air in short intervals. That being said, I have not taken any pictures of the following villages I have passed: Grafenricht, Schwarzenfeld, Irrenlohe and Richt. I have asked a farmer in Richt once more if he got a tool to inflate my bicycle tube. 

Even though it was only 4,6 km, I did not reach the destination without fully deflating my tube.

The sign says: "Fischgarten Schwandorf".

I think this is from Richt to Schwandorf.

Almost there...

I have finally reached the trainstation and I took the train to Regensburg.

I would have cycled all the way to Regensburg, if it wasn't for the bike giving up on me.

DETOUR INFORMATION (not cycling via Weiden)

For people cycling over Grafenwöhr (US army base), Freihung and Amberg, I'd recommend taking another route. I'll explain step by step how you can take this detour:

Step 1: open google maps to find a good estimation

To learn more about using google maps and planning an estimation of a cycling trip, visit this page.

You should take note of the cities you'll pass: Grafenwöhr, Hütten, Kaltenbrunn, Freihung, Größschönbrunn, Ammersricht, Amberg, Kümmersbruck, Lengenfeld, Theuern, Ensdorf, Rieden, Vilshofen, Schmidmühlen, and so forth.

Step 2: look for actual bicycle paths

Do not try to look for German tourist sites like this. You can click on the map on the right and it will open the map you see below. I think it only shows the circular bike tours. I am not interested in any of that. The only time I cycle and end up on the same spot is when I'm lost. It never happens deliberately.

I have noticed that it doesn't show neither the Naabtalradweg, nor Donauradweg. The Five Rivers route is the one we need though.

In stead of the tourist website, I use this website. You do not have to know German the use it the way I do. Just follow the instructions below the screenshots.

After opening the link to ADFC, you should hover over Regensburg (#67). If the corrects route lights up, you can click it and another window opens.

Route 67 consists of 3 paths along a river. You'd have to look at all three of them to see if the bicycle lane is nearby your estimation of the route.

A new page opens with details of the cycle lane. Now click on 'Sehenswert' (points of interest) to see which POI's this bicycle route passes . The cities are always mentioned there.

You can see some familiar cities on the list of the Fünf-Flüsse-Radweg ("Five Rivers Route"), like Regensburg (destination), Kallmünz (look on the last google map I've posted) and ofcourse Amberg.

You can take the bicycle lane from Amberg to Regensburg.

Other Related Keywords:

Wernberg, unterköblitz, Richt, ettmannsdorf, Krondorf, Schwandorf, bike lane, Schwarzenfeld, Irrenlohe, Schwarzenbach, Stulln, luhe, wildenau, rothenstadt, naabtalradweg, naabtalradfahrweg, naabtalfahrradweg, oberköblitz