Tags: Bike

Yesterday, I had the feeling I needed to do just another bike ride this year. It was just a bit over zero degrees outside and quite foggy, but thinking I have warm clothes, I tried it anyway. The clothes also kept me warm, but what I underestimated was how cold my feet would get, as I used the same shoes and socks as I use when it’s 30 degrees outside. With cold feet and also a bit of cold hands at the end (even though I had warm gloves, apparently not warm enough), the last 10 kilometers were quite exhausting, but I’m glad I did it. Next time, I should only go if it’s a bit warmer, or I need to buy warmer socks or shoes.

For no apparent reason, I wasn’t in the best mood for the last few days, but today I planned to do a bike ride, and it paid off, as it often does. Riding while the sun is already setting is nice.

I usually do my bike tours after work or on the weekend during the day. Yesterday, I did it in the evening. It was very nice, and some views (sadly, the camera on my bike phone isn’t that great) felt quite epic. I also managed to drink enough carbohydrates to not feel weak, but unfortunately it made me sleep badly afterward.

Some time ago I resubscribed to Komoot Premium using some tricks to get it cheaper. But I don’t use Komoot to track my rides or even manage them there (OsmAnd is still my favorite app for that!); I just use it to plan them, especially on the PC. The biggest advantage: It suggests to me places I haven’t seen before, like this little castle. Today’s bike tour was great. ☺️

I took my bike out for a short ride again yesterday. The last days it was rainy and stormy, but yesterday, there was a bit of sun again. Also wind, but I took it relaxed. Nature also really calmed me down. I haven’t really realized sunset is so late, and I can still easily start a short ride in the evening.

I planned a bikepacking trip for the coming weekend, but I am not really sure if I overestimate my power, if I will eat enough, and if I will be able to put up the tent on my own. 😅

I watched so many YouTube videos on bikepacking in the recent years that I really need to try a multi-day trip (just two days for now, lol) with a tent on my own.

Two years ago, I went from Kassel to Braunschweig (215 km) in three days but slept in cozy hotels and reached the day’s destination already by noon. This year will be harder with more than 100 km per day (224 km in total). And just in case something goes wrong, there will always be train stops nearby.

Theoretically, I could also just take the train home overnight and continue my route on the next day. But that would destroy the adventure…

If you have any tips, feel free to tell me. 😊

Upgrading the valves on my bike to Clik valves is a real game changer. Straightforward to use and fixes a few annoying issues with the previous Presta valves (for example, accidentally unscrewing the valve while removing the pump). Another cool thing: there are conversion kits from Schwalbe available for both Presta and Dunlop valves, so I can also upgrade my other bike and my fiancé’s bike. Inflating tires is now a piece of cake!