Category: Europe

Bikes on trains in Europe (Germany)

17/8/2014

After riding 350 kms on Vittorio I wasn't ready to ditch him in Koblenez so I could set off for Berlin and Copenhagen. I was determined to take him back to Australia with me. Only problem is I was to take the train around Germany and Denmark. This shouldn't be too difficult as I'd seen loads of people with their bikes on the train.

Tips for taking bikes on trains

Reserve a spot in advance
If you can't reserve a space, the quieter routes often have space
Check the train times and travel times and allow for longer commutes
In Germany - local trains you can just take your bike on board
In Germany - ICE super fast trains you can't
In Germany - intercity (IC) Book a seat and reserve a place for your bike, these trains take longer and aren't as frequent so do your research
More info on this website

Bike space in IC trains (DB Bahn in Germany)

I loved seeing all the bikes on the trains. So many people are doing bike trips all around Europe and using the train to get to the starting or from the end points. Train + Bike = Bike touring adventure

These girls were on their way to a week long bike ride adventure in Norway from Denmark (train from Copenhagen).

Actually there were so many people on the trains that I wasn't able to get a spot on the train to Copenhagen. So I had to ditch him in Berlin. Luckily I had a good friend to pass him onto, who then passed him on to another friend. I think Vittorio is still in Berlin, last seen with some Canadian chicks.

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Cycling from Amsterdam to Cologne along the Rhine river

22/7/2014

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This winter break I had plans to meet my good friend Carlee in Berlin. I had 3 weeks off work and no other real plans. Until I discovered the European cycle networks and I found EuroVelo 15, an epic 1000 kilometre ride along the Rhine river from Switzerland to Rotterdam. I was roped in straight away. The only challenge was I didn't have a bike. Sorted after several visits to bikes shops and pawn shops around Amsterdam.

The Plan: Cycle from Amsterdam to Cologne
Timeframe: 1 week
Distance: 350 kms

Start Date: 15th July 2014
End Date: 23rd July 2014

Where did I get my bike from?
I went around a few bike shops in Amsterdam and several second hand bike shops but most of the bikes were cruisers or super pricey. I had nearly given up and was lost in the suburbs of Amsterdam when I found a small shop that was selling Vittorio for 95 Euro.

So how much did the equipment cost?

Bike & flat tyre kit - 95 Euro
Bike bag - 15 Euro
New seat - 30 Euro
Service to fix chain - 50 Euro
New pedal - 10 Euro
New pedal - 10 Euro
Cable to tie bag ups - 3 Euro
Maps - 10 Euro
TOTAL COST = 200 Euro

Here are a few link links

I was prepared for changing flat tyres but things I weren't prepared for were:

Pedals fell off - riding 10 Kms to nearest bike shop for repairs
Chain skips a link - got it serviced, dodgy link removed
Losing my backpack with my passport and wallet - found in some bushes, started stashing a credit card and money in my shoes
Falling into bushes of stinging nettle - this burnt for days after. I later found out the remedy is a plant that lives under the nettle
Pedals breaking and needing repairs again - solution don't use cheap plastic pedals when cycling for 300 kms

Stinging nettle feels like you've been stung b 1000 blue bottles

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Bikes on trains in Europe (Germany)

Cycling from Amsterdam to Cologne along the Rhine river

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