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DEALER
Day 1
Duration: 7h 40m // Distance: 137.1km // Average speed: 18.0km/h // Elevation gain: 730m
Victoria and Alessandro’s dreams are interrupted at 5am by the alarm. With everything prepared the evening before, at 6am on the dot they head out into the fading darkness and a fresh summer morning. The plan is to reach Garmisch on day one, which means cycling to Regensburg to catch the train on time. The two did a dry run of this journey a couple of weeks earlier so they know, for example, that their bike computer takes them via an inaccessible construction site. This time, they are able to bypass the site without losing unnecessary time and potentially missing their train connections. After 7h 40m, 137km and 730 metres of climbing, they arrive at the station.
But as the train pulls in and the doors open, it quickly becomes clear that all of the carriages are full to overflowing. There is no way they can board with their bicycles. The next train is due to arrive in Ebenhausen so late that they will not have enough time to cycle to their onward destination for the day. Instead, they decide to take another train that goes directly to Garmisch and save their tired legs for the coming days.
Daily spend:
- Hotel incl. breakfast €130
- Train ticket €36
- Evening meal €40
Day 2
Duration: 5h 34m // Distance: 42.2km // Average speed: 7.6km/h // Elevation gain: 460m
Day 3
Duration: 7h 10m // Distance: 71.0km // Average speed: 9.9km/h // Elevation gain: 770m
Over the next two days, Victoria and Alessandro explore the region on round-trip routes starting in Garmisch. The first takes them 42km and 460 altitude metres over mainly gravel tracks to Lake Eibsee and back, and the second 71km and 770 altitude metres to Lake Walchen and back through the forest via mtb single track. With just enough time for a last stop at the Isar river to enjoy the sunset before heading back to the hotel.
Two-day spend:
- Hotel incl. breakfast €130
- Evening meal €40
Day 4
Duration: 5h 18m // Distance: 81.2km // Average speed: 15.3km/h // Elevation gain: 330m
This time, Alessandro and Victoria are able to cycle the 81km and 330 altitude metres to Ebenhausen – the route they’d originally intended to ride on day one. It takes them along the Isar river away from the mountains and back into the city on gravel tracks at the forest's edge. Suddenly held up by a tractor blocking the path, they miss one S-train to Munich after another without any way to overtake. Eventually, the driver notices them patiently following behind and moves over to let them past.
They need to get a move on if they are to make the last S-train to Munich. But two kilometres from their destination, another sobering realisation: Like a scene from an adventure film, Victoria and Alessandro find themselves at an overflowing river and the only bridge to the other side is in ruins in the flood waters. Carrying their bikes, they climb over a fallen tree trunk onto the remaining intact portion of the bridge – but not without Alessandro taking a quick unexpected dip before scrambling to get his bike onto dry land.
They catch the train to Munich and make a connection to Waldershof on the same day.
Daily spend:
- Hotel incl. breakfast €130
- Train ticket €36
Alessandro and Victoria’s tips for bikepacking newbies
Always plan your route so you have the option at any time to cut the tour short for whatever reason and travel home or to the next stopping point on public transport. Most of all, if you don't know the area don’t rely solely on sat nav systems and always include extra time as a buffer just in case. Always have a plan B or even a plan C if you need to make train connections, especially if you can’t afford to miss them. Last but not least, be aware and realistic about your own physical capabilities and take time to prepare both your equipment and your body in terms of fitness.
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