Happy Bicycle Encounter on Father`s Day 2012

 On Father`s Day 2012, my son and I went on a bicycle tour in the Rhine valley near Königswinter.

We  met this happy group of fathers on a special fun  vehicle for a cycling group which is for rent in the Wied valley.  As they were just having a break for an ice-cream when we came by, they bought us our cones of ice-cream, too.
  They were from a local carnival association. Thank you, boys!

Here in Germany, the originally Christian holiday of Ascension Day has lost much of its religious value. By popular observance it has been changed into a Father`s Day, which is a day for men to join in such rough activities as drinking beer, possibly one glass more than is prudent, or going out for a sport or adventurous journey.

You may also go to my last year experience: For Father`s Day: My Brompton folding bike mounted on a Hercules W 2000 motor bike with sidecar - then cycling down from Margaretenhöhe to the Rhine in the Nature Park Siebengebirge at Königswinter near Bonn

Folding Bike Tour along the Rhine: Bonn-Koblenz-Bacherach

Bicycle trail along the Rhine, formerly a towing path, near Boppard

This posting will answer the question whether our two day  Brompton Folding Bike tour over 146 kilometers along the river Rhine from Bonn to Koblenz and Bacherach was a good experience.






Before going into details:  Why did I take my folder in the first place?  Why not a touring bike? 

Mural mosaic showing how Rhine ships used to be towed 

I have two simple reasons: first, travelling with my 7 year old son I wanted to be on a small wheeler similar to his children`s bike in order to be at an equal height with him, and second, the folding bike is practical and free of charge when riding the train back home after the two day trip.

View from the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein when a Rhine ship is turning into the river Moselle at the "Deutsches Eck" with a statue of Germany`s last emperor William II on a horse

We stayed in the youth hostels of Koblenz and  Bacherach, both located in castles that offer spectacular views over the Rhine. The service was very friendly, the rooms perfectly clean, the beds made upon arrival and the breakfast like in a three-star hotel. The price:
for example Ehrenbreitstein, Koblenz, one night in a two bed room, with breakfast,  one adult, one child, 26,50 Euro and 13,25  Euro respectively. (Prices year 2012 - annual membership necessary)

Having travelled the route on a folding bike I need to comment on how comfortable the trail is. To tell you the truth, I have mixed feelings about it.  The scenery along the river is beautiful, historic sights, castles and medieval buildings abound.   The bicycle lane, however, does not always stand up to the prestigious image of a river valley that boasts its listing as a UNESCO world cultural heritage.

On a gravel road before Koblenz my folder had a puncture (see also the posting of my first puncture) in the front wheel.  A friendly bike shop repaired it at the cost of 14.50 Euros.  
In some parts of the trail, the biking lane runs awfully close parallel to a busy road, and the railway line goes by immediately behind the road.  On such parts of the route, the noise is considerable. 
But there are also parts with wonderful sights and nice places to make a stop.  We lunched in a beer garden restaurant outside the city of Koblenz right after the last Rhine bridge.  I had a beer, my son a soft drink, I ate a meal that was served in a hot iron pan: fried potatoes with two eggs; my son had noodles with cheese.  Both meals were served with a bowl of mixed salad.  Total for both of us:  20,00 Euros. Link to the menue of Koblenzer Privatbrauerei Biergarten

Alltogether our two day trip was most enjoyable. The Brompton folder was quite practical, especially when riding alongside my son on his children`s bike.  And finally, on our way back home by train it was easy to handle and it was transported free of charge. 


We would not hesitate to do the trip again, and I will go on using the Brompton on similar tours.

Entrance to Castle Stahleck, Youth Hostel in Bacherach

Youth Hostel  Burg Stahleck in Bacherach

View from the breakfast room of Burg Stahleck

In support of Greenpeace and their fight to stop the climate change

                                                  Photo by Konrad Miklitz, Bonn 2012

Today, on May 20, 20122, we  met our local Greenpeace activists in Bonn as they were collecting signatures for the protection of arctic nature and for stopping the climate change.
I told them that I am supporting their cause being a folding bike rider who is trying to travel ever more in an ecologically friendly way.

Night rides on Brompton folding bikes

One late night in May I rode my electric bike, which is not a Brompton, on my way home after a pleasant time with friends in a beer garden.  The special thrills of cycling the city at night have been experienced by many bikers.  No surprise that night rides are now part of our modern urban bicycle culture:
In LA a group of pedal aficionados with the website Midnight Ridazz say it
"is an experience in sights, sounds, thrills, physical activity, and local economy that could never be replicated by a night out at (Sh)City Walk."
In Singapore, Kevin and Gwyn tell us in their nicely illustrated blog about a self organized night ride of Brompton riders, which drew 50 participants.
In Agen, France, Denis Caraire has uploaded a video on youtube featuring a funny  Brompton rider who is acting like a DJ.  Watch out for the illuminated saddle post of his folder.  Apart from the fun, evidently an impressive safety feature at night. Night Ride with Brompton DJ in Agen .