For a few days in the summer of 2023, I set out on my first bicycle trip with light luggage and hardly any new gear. I’d been considering where to go for a long time, but in the end, I planned the route spontaneously. Since my old racing bike has profiled tyres but a rather heavy gear ratio, the Alps – my favourite destination – were unfortunately out of the question. I needed flatter terrain. I toyed with the idea of travelling to northern Germany’s low mountain ranges, but I couldn’t make up my mind. Then, I unexpectedly got a few days off and was asked to go on a ride to northern Bavaria – the decision was made for me. I spontaneously planned a route from the northeast of Bavaria to my home in the southwest, adding stops with friends and family – et voilà, I’d planned my first long bike Tour.

My goal was to try out travelling on two wheels and gain experience. My set-up had to be light and I didn't want to buy any new equipment. I borrowed a seat pack from a friend, but it didn't fit my bike, so he loaned me his bike instead. I tied a dry bag to the handlebars with two straps and I was ready. Since I was travelling without camping equipment, the two bags were easily enough for me.

I wanted to explore my limits and challenge myself a little, but without being overwhelmed. My gut feeling told me what was possible for me, even though I’d never ridden for several consecutive days before, let alone done 100 kilometres (60 mi) or 1,000 metres (3,280 ft) in elevation gain in one day. For my first trip on the bike, it was important to me not to push myself too hard and ruin my motivation.

I let komoot pick out the route, added my desired stage destinations and took a rough look at it. Overall, it worked well. After the trip, I improved the route a little in places. I cycled from Münchberg in Upper Franconia to Kaufbeuren in the Allgäu. For this Collection, I’ve extended it to cross Bavaria from border to border.

The route leads through a good mix of low mountain ranges and river valleys, which keeps the journey exciting but also allows for relaxation. I liked the combination of asphalt and gravel with only a few road sections. Overall, the route was very calm and I had the popular river cycle paths almost to myself when the weather was bad and mid-week. It was a bit busier around Nuremberg, but that was it.

Spring to autumn is the ideal period to ride this route. I recommend checking where you can find supermarkets and restaurants in advance, as it’s difficult to find food in some sections.

So, if like me, you want to go on a bike trip but find it hard to decide: make it easy for yourself and just give it a try.