There are cyclists who only ride when the sun is shining — and there are those who don't let the weather stop them. My wife and I definitely belong to the second category. Our decision to cycle the Rhine Cycle Route from Mainz to Cologne in three stages proved to be a challenge, but that's exactly what made the tour an unforgettable adventure.
This year, we tried something new: my wife on her Velociped e-bike and me on my road bike. Despite my initial skepticism, this combination proved to be advantageous — especially on wet and slippery paths. The Rhine Cycle Route showed itself from its best side, which benefited both types of bikes. And we weren't the only ones: along the way, we encountered several couples with exactly the same setup.
Our adventure began with drizzle and a temperature of 8 degrees Celsius – a real test of endurance. The cycle paths took us through gray but nevertheless impressive river landscapes. The damp cold crept through our clothes, but the picturesque vineyards compensated us for the hardships. After a short stop in Bacharach for some hot tea, we reached St. Goar, where the imposing Rheinfels castle ruins towered above our destination. A hot shower and a good meal were the perfect way to end the day.
The second stage took us right through the romantic Middle Rhine Valley. The rain had stopped, but the temperatures continued to drop. Equipped with thermal underwear and double socks, we enjoyed the route, passing castles and the legendary Loreley. The icy wind challenged us more than the kilometers themselves. Once we arrived in Bad Breisig, we rewarded ourselves with a visit to the soothing Roman thermal baths and a hearty meal at Steakhouse 3.0 Am Kamin.
On the last day, spring finally showed its face: the sun came out! The flat route to Cologne took us through Bonn, where we rewarded ourselves with a coffee in the sun. The last few kilometers demanded our last reserves of energy, but the sight of Cologne Cathedral made us forget all our tiredness. To top it all off, we enjoyed a festive dinner at Yen Sushi - right next to our hotel, because we couldn't have walked much further anyway.
Despite the unpredictable weather, the infrastructure was excellent: warm drinks and hearty meals, many cafés and restaurants. The diversity of the landscape - from the castles of the Middle Rhine Valley to the vibrant atmosphere of Cologne - made every stage worthwhile. While my wife was particularly enthusiastic about the historic castles, I was proud to have mastered the route in these conditions. We will take a closer look at the castles on sunnier days - perhaps next year.
Our bike tour from Mainz to Cologne was a challenge - but that's exactly why it was such a success. Instead of letting the weather deter us, we embraced the route in all its rugged beauty. The combination of physical activity, cultural highlights, and unpredictable conditions made the tour an unforgettable experience.
Next time, we would be happy to have a few days of sunshine – or at least less rain.
But one thing is certain: next year we'll continue from Cologne to Arnhem!
