Once I got fired up with the idea of crossing the Alps in 24 hours. Without much deliberation, I began planning the route. Since this was my first Alpine crossing, I chose the simplest route - with the least elevation gain and a prolonged descent in its second half.

I started in the morning from Tegernsee. It was cool. The low sky threatened rain. My enthusiasm was close to zero. But kilometer after kilometer left behind gradually pulled me into the experience, and by the time I reached Achensee, I was completely absorbed in the adventure. As they say, the hardest part is starting; after that, it flows on its own.

Further on were high mountain massifs along the edges of the gorge. Innsbruck, a beautiful city with its special Alpine character. The Brenner Pass, the highest point of the route, where I managed to get cold. The typical Italian Tyrolean town of Sterzing. Railway tunnels converted for cyclists and hundreds of kilometers of well-maintained bike paths.

At night, it drizzled. The full moon's lantern lit my way. I met the most tender part of the dawn at Lake Garda. Unforgettable emotions and fatigue. It was all worth it.

If you decide to repeat the route, take some warm clothes with you. It can be very cold in the mountains even in summer. Food and water along the way are not a concern, although having a certain reserve for the night won't hurt. After all, 'normal' people sleep at night, and gas stations in Italy are automated.

I wish you an excellent ride and good trails!

A wonderful route through the rolling hills of Tuscany, passing through three of its five most iconic towns. Not the easiest journey, but absolutely worth the effort.

The trail begins in a small town with budget-friendly hotels and leads to Florence — the capital of Tuscany and the cultural heart of the region. Leaving Florence behind, we dive into the unforgettable Tuscan hills, with their breathtaking views and intoxicating scents.

Next on the route is San Gimignano — a town famous for its utterly unique skyline of medieval tower-houses. An unforgettable place that keeps calling you back, despite the crowds of tourists.

A little further on, we reach the famous white roads of Tuscany, the Strade Bianche. This is a truly special part of the Tuscan landscape. These roads will guide us all the way to medieval Siena, where the route comes to an end.

You’ll see a lot — but not everything — and you’ll definitely want to come back. Enjoy the ride!

One can never get enough of the Black Forest. Unable to resist the temptation, I set off on another journey. This time in brevet format, with the intention to explore the area and its history a bit deeper.

First, the path led north. Without unnecessary ceremony, the Black Forest greeted me with long climbs and breathtaking descents. Happily following the terrain, I reached the nature reserve and, turning east, delved into the deepest thicket. This part of the track is dominated by roads with serious descents. Good spirits are guaranteed here, but one must remain vigilant.

Around Nagold, a rather pleasant town with excellent bakeries, the path began its turn southward. From there, it's straightforward - following the refined curves of the Neckar River, I rolled along excellent cycling paths toward the Alps. In good weather, they're visible on the very horizon.

Thoroughly exhausted, I closed the loop by turning west. If you make it before sunset, the final descent will be worth every drop of sweat shed. I didn't make it and finished riding in darkness. So if you want to repeat this route - set off earlier.

And remember, two water bottles are better than one. Happy trails!

I long doubted whether I should get involved in this adventure, but having ridden the entire route, I never once regretted my decision. It was one of the most captivating and diverse in nature and landscape brevets I've ever ridden.

As if hinting at the seriousness of the challenge ahead, the track immediately climbed five hundred meters upward, straight to the 'vulture's nest'. Only the gentle morning sun and magnificent views gave me strength to continue.

A prolonged descent led to the beautiful Rhine Valley. On the other side lay the Vosges, twin sisters of the Black Forest. The first climb into the Vosges is a grand entrance with a spectacular view of the Rhine and the Black Forest. An unforgettable place.

Then came the Vosges themselves. Constant climbs and descents from one gorge to another. Old mining villages. Churches-églises. Small, long-aged towns. Forests, streams, rivers and plateaus. The thousand ponds of 'Little Finland', one particularly memorable spot. And all this was topped off with delicious French food. What wasn't there was lighting at night. It was as dark as Schrödinger's box. If you decide to go - take enough light with you.

Looking for a serious challenge that will reward your effort in full? This is the Vosges. Clip into your pedals, and happy riding!

Ride a bike, then eat something delicious, and ride again. Isn't this the perfect cycling weekend? And then there's summer, sunshine, the hills of Kraichgau as far as the eye can see, an ancient monastery, original Swabian food, and many legends.

The track starts and ends in Mannheim and in places runs along roads. It's better to ride on Sunday when cars on the roads are replaced by cyclists.

Don't know what Maultaschen are? Then head to Maulbronn and find out right in the place where they were invented. And don't forget sun protection. In summer, it beats down mercilessly, and there's nowhere to hide in the hills. Happy trails!

How do you celebrate your birthday? This time, I got in the saddle and rode to the well-preserved medieval Bavarian (or rather Franconian) town of Rothenburg that stands above the Tauber River.

The path there led through the hills of Kraichgau, through the half-timbered towns and villages of Franconia. In Kraichgau, the roads are predominantly for cars, so it's better to ride on weekends. The section along the Kocher River won me over with its tranquility and bike paths, interspersed with municipal roads of quite decent quality. The track led into Rothenburg through the 'grand entrance', with that famous view everyone knows. Don't forget to look back when you pass through the city gates.

The night was wonderful, with an excellent breakfast in a beautiful city. In summer it's full of tourists. If you want some solitude, get up as early as possible and explore the city sleeping in the soft rays of the rising sun.

The way back passed through one of the most beautiful sections of the 'Romantic Road'. It was as hilly as on the first day, but with more forest where one could rest. Weikersheim surprised me with its architecture and layout. It's quite unusual for a typical German town.

Have great rides and happy trails!

This was my first ride over such a long distance. Faraway places greatly excited and scared me, so I chose the simplest possible route: flat asphalt without climbs and civilization all around, guaranteeing constant access to food and water.

The road along a river flowing in a valley differs from one along a river flowing in a gorge. The former are not pressed against highways, and therefore often quiet and cozy. This section along the Rhine is just like that. The impressions were enhanced by countless German towns I had the pleasure of passing through on the way there.

The highlight of the trip was a leisurely ride through Strasbourg with its wonderful bike paths.

The return journey led through shady avenues and nature reserves. There were cities there too, of course, but for some reason, I only want to remember the shady avenues. If you have the time, desire, and opportunity, just get on your bike and go. Happy trails to you!