5 Reasons to Cycle Germany

Everyone knows that some of the best beer and wine in the world comes from the country of Germany. But this amazing country offers so much more than world-class beverages. Ancient castles and formidable structures offer testimony to the country’s rich history while quaint restaurants offer exquisite dining and nightclubs provide the opportunity to relax, unwind and mingle with the locals. Friendly old villages welcome visitors with which they share their ancient traditions and unique culture. And with ample countryside and varying beautiful terrain, outdoor activities abound in Germany, from skiing to hiking and everything in between. One of the best ways to experience all that this lovely country has to offer is by cycling it.

Here are five reasons to get on your bike and cycle Germany.

Zwinger

One of the country’s most famous landmarks, this Dresden palace was commissioned by the great Augustus the Strong in the early 1700’s. This huge structure features 6 pavilions all connected by large galleries and a massive Crown Gate as its entrance, the palace’s best known feature. The exquisite statues on the gate were beautifully designed to represent the four seasons. Inside the palace are several museums featuring world famous works of art and ancient weaponry. It’s an incredible monument to behold and provides an excellent example of the country’s rich culture.

The Frauenkirche Church

Also located in Dresden, this Lutheran church, sometimes referred to as “Church of Our Lady” was originally constructed in 1726 but was sadly destroyed during WWII. For 40 years the ruins remained untouched until 1994, when plans were begun to reconstruct the old cathedral using its original building plans. Old was combined with new as original charred stones that were salvaged from the ruins were mixed with new, lighter ones to create a unique and historical recreation of the original church. Construction finished in 2005, and now this incredible building is completely restored and open to be admired by visitors.

Saxon Switzerland

Outdoor enthusiasts delight in this mountainous region, which offers excellent climbing opportunities amidst the impressive 1,000 peaks. The region also offers a beautiful national park that is home to an absolutely breathtaking botanical garden, Pflanzengarten Bad Schandau. The park also features several medieval castles and other ancient structures to visit, dating back as far as the Dark Ages. It’s a unique opportunity to commune with nature and experience fascinating historical finds at the same time.

Dresden Elbe Valley

A former UNESCO World Heritage Site, this lovely valley extends over 20 kilometers and is ideally located along the River Elbe. This area features fabulous landscapes, quaint villages and interesting works of architecture. The Pillnitz Castle and the nearby Blue Wonder Bridge, which stretches some 920 feet in length over the Elbe River, exhibit some of the country’s most impressive engineering and architectural feats. And the Katholische Hofkirche, a Roman Catholic Church, was once the place of worship for the former royal court. There is enough sightseeing, culture and history in this valley to please any visitor.

German Cuisine

Aside from the beautiful countryside and historical finds, Germany is also home to some of the most delicious cuisine in the world. Different regions feature varying styles, ingredients and dishes and offer a lovely contrast from one area to the next. Bravaria’s dishes are based around flour and Knödel, featuring unique plates like liver Knödel soup, Bierwurt sausage and Fleischplfanzerl, which are flat pan-fried dumplings made of minced meat while the Lower Saxon area uses potatoes in many of their meals, as well as kale, asparagus and a variety of fish dishes. Staple foods in Germany tend to be meat, fish and (of course) beer. One thing is for sure, you haven’t experienced Germany until you’ve tasted its delectable food.

Germany is by far one of Europe’s most interesting places to visit. Offering everything from mesmerizing landscapes to ancient artifacts to age-old traditions and delicious local fare, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country. And with a terrain that practically begs to be ridden, cycling through Germany is one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences one can have. What are you waiting for? Grab your bike, bring your camera and don’t forget your appetite!

A Little About the Giro d'Italia

The Giro d’Italia, more commonly known as “The Giro”, is one of the three Grand Tours, road bicycling races, held in May/early June. This three week long race travels primarily throughout Italy, but has ventured into neighboring countries from time to time. On May 13, 1909, 127 cyclists raced through the streets of Milan for the 1^st Giro d’Italir. Only 49 riders finished the 2448 kilometers with Italian Luigi Ganna winning overall. Over the next 100 years and 93 editions of the Giro, Italy riders would be victorious the majority of time.

Throughout the years many records have been made and broken, but some have stood the test of times. A few interesting Giro bests include:

· Most Giro d'Italia victories = 5 by Alfredo Binda, Fausto Coppi, and Eddy Merckx

· Smallest margin of victory = Fiorenzo Magni wins by 11 seconds over Ezio Cecchi

· Longest Giro d'Italia = 4,337 km in 1954

· Shortest Giro d'Italia = 2,245 km in 1909

· Most Giro stage victories = Mario Cipollini with 42 wins

· Most victories by country = Italy with 66 victories

A name that is always associated with the Giro is Alfredo Binda. Previously mentioned, he holds the record for the most Giro wins. That is not all the records he holds though. Binda has also won the most stage victories, 12, in one Giro and holds the record for the most consecutive stage wins, 8. He has won 41 total Giro stages in his career. Binda proved to be such an untouchable Giro contender that after his 4^th win the race organizers paid him not to race the following year so other riders could have a chance to win the pink leaders jersey. He returned for a few more years and one more tour win before he was forced to retire after a nasty fall in the 1934 Giro. Needless to say, Binda will always be remembered as a talented cyclist.

The Giro is, needless to say, a difficult race and certainly gets riders as well as spectators anxious for the following grand tour, Le Tour de France.

Don't Leave Home Without These

5 Essentials Every Cyclist Should Remember

Ask any cycling enthusiast and they’ll tell you that enjoying a good ride is one of the most incredible and exhilarating experiences on earth. The challenge of a good route, the feel of the wind on your face, your adrenaline pumping, and the opportunity to see fantastic sights and landscapes along the way. True cyclists know that biking isn’t just a recreational activity; it’s a way of life. They’ll also tell you there are certain important things to always keep in mind in order to remain safe and enjoy a comfortable, healthy ride. That said, here are 5 essentials that every cyclist should remember.

Safety – Road ID and Cell Phone

As with any sport, your safety and wellbeing should be your first priority when cycling. It’s certainly our number one concern. As such, every rider should carry a cell phone with them while riding. If riding in a different country, such as France, and you don’t have international cell phone access, be sure to carry a list of emergency phone numbers on you. Road ID is an excellent way to carry your information. This is an accessory that can be worn on your wrist, ankle or shoe and is engraved with whatever pertinent information you choose.

Comfort – Seat and Pedals

Next to safety, your second most important concern when riding (especially long distances or rough terrain) is your comfort. Use a familiar, comfortable seat that has been broken in and is suited for your body. Believe us – your behind with thank you! You’ll also want to be sure to use pedals and shoes that you are used to. Some people prefer clip less, cages or flat pedals – and to each his own. Go with what you like and what makes riding most comfortable for you. Our tours allow you the flexibility of bringing your own saddles and pedals, making the rides even more customized to your needs.

Maintenance – Tools

In a perfect world every ride would go off without a hitch. You’d never get a flat tire or experience mechanical issues with your bike and you’d always reach your destination without incident. Unfortunately, things may go wrong during your ride so you have to be prepared to handle problems as they arise. For instance, flats are common but are easy to fix with the right tools. Be sure you pack the following items in your seat bag, just in case:

· Patch kit

· Spare tube

· CO2 inflator

· Presta-Schrader Adapter

It may also be a good idea to bring a mini multi-tool that functions as a screwdriver and a wrench just in case you need to make adjustments to your bike.

Health – Water and Snacks

The key to a good ride is staying hydrated and energized. Carrying an ample supply of water with you during your ride is essential as is bringing along a few snacks. We recommend bringing a nutrition bar or a GU pack to keep you energized during your ride. Nutrition and hydration are important and can give you that extra boost you need to make it up that tough climb or over challenging terrain. Conversely, it can break you if ignored so don’t forget to bring the fuel your body needs.

Navigation – GPS or Road Book

We provide detailed route/road books on all of our tours, which include color coded information, color maps, highlighted routes, orientation points and easy to follow directions. Everything you need to keep you on the right track. Additionally, we also provide GPS units which can give even more detailed information such as turn by turn directions, vertical profile, distance, and speed. Simply hopping on your bike and seeing where it takes you can certainly be an exciting adventure, but if you have a specific destination in mind or want to make sure you can find your way back, road books and GPS units are great tools to have. We certainly think so, which is why we provide both on all of our tours.

Of all the outdoor activity choices in the world, cycling is by far one of the most invigorating and enjoyable. It allows you to enjoy nature, exercise your body, challenge yourself and experience a variety of sights and destinations in a way that simply can’t be matched. If you’re planning a cycling adventure, be sure to consider the above tips so that your ride will be safe, comfortable and memorable for all the right reasons.

Czech Beer Fest

Na Zdravie!

May 12 marks the kick-off for Czech Republic’s 2011 Beer Festival. This famous festival is be open Mon – Sun 12 pm to 12 am until May 28. For 17 days, festival attendees will have the opportunity to try over 50 brands of Czech beer.

A little bit about what to expect at the festival: There will be 200 men and women servers dressed in Czech national costumes. The three tents, which each hold a capacity up to 10,000 people, will have a stage with entertaining programs and different top chefs making the local gastronomy. This event is said to be the largest gastronomical event of 2011! To speed up the purchasing process, the festival has its own currency, tolar. With so many beers to try, you will want plenty of tolar in hand.

Immerse yourself in the Czech culture and enjoy a nice pint of their many traditional beers. It’s all about meeting new people, enjoying the unique atmosphere and having a good time.