Sometimes things turn out differently than you think. In recent years, one particular highlight has almost always stood out from my personal cycling season. A stage ride with friends to Mont Ventoux in France, a multi-day tour through Austria, a long weekend in South Tyrol with a ride up the Stelvio Pass. This year, it became clear quite early on that there would be no room for a special highlight in the season for professional and private reasons. Not good prospects for a special racing bike moment of the year.
Road cycling can be a lonely sport
So the cycling year bobbled along, training ride after training ride and once again made me realise that road cycling can be a pretty lonely sport. Most of us know this. Cycling partners with whom you can go on a regular tour are a rare species. The date and time often don't fit, not to mention the chance of being able to set off spontaneously and at the same time. Then one person is always travelling exactly 1.5 km/h too fast to make it fun, while the other is 1.5 km/h too slow for their own comfortable pace. And unfortunately, you have to admit that racing cyclists can often be somewhat stubborn or at least inflexible contemporaries. As a result, many of them are very often travelling alone.
To be fair, this doesn't always have to be a disadvantage. Especially if you have a lot on your plate at work or with your family, you'll enjoy the time alone on your bike, where you can let your thoughts wander and enjoy the ride without someone constantly wanting something from you.
Fond memories: a wonderful tour with friends
Nevertheless, I was delighted when a friend suggested combining a visit to my home with a road bike tour in the Lake Constance hinterland. In order to be able to show my friends a nice tour, I pondered a little, clicked through my Strava recordings and finally lined up my favourite home laps and training rides. On a beautiful August morning, the four of us set off on a 105-kilometre ride to nearby Switzerland, to the Seerhein, to Stein am Rhein, over the Schienerberg and through Radolfzell. It was a wonderful day on the bike. Lots of laughter, a carefree atmosphere, a relaxed ride through a varied holiday landscape. I have fond memories of the tour - and it's my road bike moment of 2023.
Thomas Musch
Publisher
