ECF EuroVelo Update

Please read the previous post too. Click here.

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.

What is the 'realised route' definition

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.

Why are some routes non-realised even though they meet all of the requirements

"...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.

Why I cannot help with putting up EU signposts

Question to ECF: can I help putting up signposts?

"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."

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. The problem does not lie with bicycle paths not meeting requirements. The slow and tedious bureaucratic process is the cause of there not being enough signposts or the website not being updated.

How individuals and/or companies are so far up ahead of the ECF, it actually becomes embarrassing

Nowadays, most people are carrying a GPS tracker in the form of a smartphone. I did some research and found the following website: http://www.bikemap.net/

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.

You can see how it works on the following pictures:

God this is so embarrassing. Look at how extensive this site is in comparison to the bureaucratic monstrosity.

Even the possibility of downloading GPS data.

Departure: tomorrow at 6:22

I have done the things I needed to do today, such as packing the little things I carry and booking my ticket. I am fully equiped and ready to take the train to Belgium. My train will depart tomorrow at 6:22 from Regensburg to Mönchengladbach. From Mönchengladbach, I'll cross the Dutch border with another ticket, as I cannot book my ticket in one go due to differing policies of Germany and the Netherlands regarding the transportation of a bike (I've tried to book it but it failed).

I will keep you guys up to date.

Cheers mates. 

Edit: everything went different as planned

Fixed it! Mended my bike, repaired my gear change and bought essential equipment

The 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.

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.

Here are some photos of the operating table.

I've made this picture to remember how the chainwheel looks before deconstructing the bike.

The chair was used to hold the bike while we dislocated the backwheel.

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.
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.

Hmmm... Problems for later I guess?

Repair-kit, bicycle pump and it has a lock. Everything that is needed.

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.