On Friday, the fourth edition of the Trans Balkan Race (TBR) started: 1,380km with around 30,000 metres of climbing await the participants. I have a bitter-sweet past with the TBR: I failed in the race itself and injured my hand nerve, which is still with me today. But I was also physically and mentally not…
About two years ago, Markus Weinberg told me that he and his team were currently working with regional tourism marketing agencies on a beautiful gravel route in East Saxony and that I should take a look at it when I got the chance. Last year it was officially presented as ‘Rockhead – Craft your Gravel…
Note: Rose provided me with the test bike at my request. Thanks again! With the Hobo, Rose has an interesting bike concept to offer that is somewhat overshadowed by the gravel trend. The Hobo is actually intended as an everyday & leisure bike. It comes with a flat bar and a variable front wheel carrier,…
I don’t often go to bike shows, but this year I decided to finally visit Cyclingworld in Düsseldorf. Mainly because I wanted to meet some people again, or at all, who I’ve only known digitally or haven’t seen for a long time. In addition, Cyclingworld has quickly gained a reputation for being a worthwhile trade…
I’ve had the idea of riding the Hackenpedder route for a while now, especially as it’s right on my doorstep and is a wonderful training and preparation route for the challenges of the year. The Hackenpedder is available in a 1,000 km version and a short version of around 680 km. I opted for the…
Note: Tailfin provided me with the bag for testing at my request. For me, top tube bags are one of the best ‘inventions’ of bikepacking. Not only do I utilise the space on the top tube to store things, but I also have direct access to them while riding. I’ve been using top tube bags…
A few days ago was my birthday and I turned 50. And normally I’m someone who can’t be surprised by almost anything. As I don’t celebrate my birthdays anyway, I wasn’t expecting a few friends to secretly get together and give me an unforgettable birthday Overnighter present. At the Gravity Festival, I had loosely agreed…
Note: The Suicycle bike shop in Hamburg contacted me and offered me a demo sample of the SON Ladelux for testing. Of course I did so and then returned it. Thanks again for that! A note in advance: I am not an expert when it comes to electrical voltage, power, lumens or lux. For me,…
It’s always good to start the new year with positive things. With nice bikes, for example. And as I do every year, I have found a few bikes that I think are very interesting and beautiful for bikepacking and cycle touring that I would like to introduce to you. Veloheld Iron Last year, I was…
While the first part of the evaluation covered the type questions, type of bike, wheel sizes, tyres and brakes, we are now delving deeper. Because now we are looking at gears, drivetrain, bearings, saddle and bags. And once again, please note: due to the multiple answer options for some questions, the total is more than…
Overnighters are good for body, mind and soul and should also be covered by health insurance. But above all, overnighters are possible all year round. Of course, it’s much more pleasant in summer when it’s light and warm for a long time. But you can also do Overnighters in winter. However, it is advisable to…
First of all, I would like to thank you for your active participation, without which this survey would not have turned out so well. 518 people took part, providing some very interesting insights and information. Thank you also for the many motivating comments! It makes me very happy to provide inspiration and support with my…
I’m sure many of you have seen pictures of Bespoked in Dresden in your Instagram timelines over the last few days. And that these may also have generated Fomo (Fear of Missing Out). Let me tell you: rightly so! I’m a rather sceptical person when it comes to bike fairs. There are usually too few…
Note: At my request, Schwalbe provided me with the tyres for testing via the German ‘Pressedienst Fahrrad’. Tyres are always an individual thing: where one person is not at all satisfied, another has no problems at all and is delighted. That’s why test reports like this one should always be seen through an individual lens….
World tour Schleswig-Holstein – that sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Because here in the north we have something very special: there are several places here that are named after faraway countries or large cities. I’ve had the idea of travelling around the world through Schleswig-Holstein for some time. The reason for this was an article in…