WHY THE DANUBE
The Danube River is the second longest river in Europe - its source is in the city where I was born: Donaueschingen. This trip is in honor of my heritage!
ABOUT THE RIVER
The Danube runs from the Black Forest to the Black Sea for 1,770 miles. The section I'm planning to bicycle is about 767 miles - from Donaueschingen, Germany to Budapest, Hungary.
This poetic river is sometimes like a stream, at places it goes underground, and re-emerges as a wide majestic river.
The bike route I have mapped out goes through woods and valleys, and has me traveling alongside the river and then away from it.
BEGINNINGS
I start in Donaueschingen, where I was born, and at the Doauquelle - the source of the Danube River. The route allows me to avoid the downtown which I don’t remember anyway. Right after my photo-op with the famous spring that is the river’s headwater, I beeline to the nearest bakery to properly begin my journey with coffee and cake! Leaving town, the route passes through a park that I do remember from childhood photos.
STEEP!
The first several days of my ride are just lovely, yet quite hilly. I end up pushing my little fold-up bike a lot. At one point, the route is on a road that is a 20% grade. It is so steep that I have to unload my bag, carry it up the incline and then come back for my bike.
The pay off is a ride serenaded by geese, swans and some storks. Where the river valley narrows, there are steep cliffs - one with a monastery perched on top.
CHURCH TOWERS
I am enamored with the church towers scattered along my ride. It's so wonderful to see the towers from a distance, signaling the next town.
I love when I arrive in a town exactly when the bells are chiming. Such a welcoming sound!
The towers are inspiring and I want to design a Story Skyrt with my photos of them.
WANDERWAYS
THE ROUTE: Trails in Germany are called Wanderwege, which is literally translated as ‘Wander Ways’. That’s exactly the feeling they invoke: a wandering state of mind.
I would also add ‘Wonder Ways’ - as the trail provides a state of wonder and curiosity with each bend of the route.
Even though the route is really well marked, I use the RideWithGPS app to track my mileage. Most importantly, the app reminds me when I've missed a turn due to my wandering state of mind!
THE ROUTE
I notice how the official route on RideWithGPS, the Bikeline book, and official signage likes to keep you on paved routes. This also steers you through small towns - which can be great.
Some days though, I ignore the official routes and stay next to the river - biking along dirt trails. When traveling this way it’s rare to see other people. Since my pantry (my front bike basket) is usually fully stocked, I can choose when to head into a town.
Freedom lies in options!