🌱 A Childhood Vision of Recumbent Freedom

One day, as a young teenager, I was watching German TV when I stumbled upon a documentary about recumbent bicycles and the early days of velomobiles. It was the early 80s—a time when these futuristic machines seemed like something out of a sci-fi novel. The moment I saw them, I knew: I wanted one!

But coming from a working-class family with limited resources, I understood that this dream would remain just that—a dream. Not only was a recumbent bicycle beyond my reach, but I had no idea where to buy one. There was no internet back then. No way to look up prices, manufacturers, or local dealers.

Yet, the dream remained.

🚲 The Unexpected Journey to Landau in der Pfalz

One warm spring Sunday, I set off for a casual cycling tour around my neighborhood in Ludwigshafen. The plan? Just an easy ride.

Before I realized it, I had already reached Limburgerhof (7.5 km / 4.7 (s)miles). The ride felt effortless. I kept pedaling. Soon, I was at the Cathedral of Speyer (20 km / 12.4 (s)miles).

And instead of turning back, I kept going.

One village.
Then another.
Then the next one.

At some point, I saw the road sign: Landau in der Pfalz – 30 km / 18.6 (s)miles from the French border!

That’s when the thought struck me: If I can cycle to Landau, I can cycle to France!

Though I had to return home that evening (with 50 km / 31 (s)miles still to cover), the idea had planted itself firmly in my mind. My vision was clear: I would cycle to France!

🌍 A Solo Tour to France—Because I Wanted It!

When summer arrived, I asked my friends to join me. Not one was interested. Some had vacations planned. Others had motorized two-wheelers.

“Why cycle to France on a normal bike?” they asked.
“What’s the point?”

I stopped asking.

Instead, I went alone.

Not because I had to. Because I wanted to. And that decision shaped my life. I had always been an individualist, and this journey proved it.

🔥 Facing the Challenge of the SÜDLICHE WEINSTRASSE

On a bright summer morning, I left Ludwigshafen, following the romantic yet mosquito-rich Altrhein route to Speyer, then onward to Landau, Schweigen, Wissembourg, and finally the campground of Lembach, France—a total of 95-100 km / 59-62 (s)miles.

The journey was smooth—until Landau.

From there, I joined the Südliche Weinstraße, an ancient road dating back to Roman times, stretching through rolling hills and countless villages. The heat of the summer sun (30°C / 86°F) combined with my loaded bicycle turned this section into a true test of endurance.

When I finally arrived in Lembach, I was exhausted—but I was happy.

🌙 Night Cycling: A Game-Changer

I stayed in Lembach for two nights, but strangely, I realized something:
As much as I loved being in France, I loved the journey itself even more.

On my way back, the scorching summer sun (35°C / 95°F) made the ride tougher than expected.

That’s when I made a new decision:

💡 Next time, I’ll cycle at night.

And so, a week later, I did just that. Riding through the cool night air, I flowed effortlessly through the same route that had challenged me before. It felt smooth. Efficient. Natural.

A few weeks later, I did it again.

Just like a wolf tastes fresh blood for the first time and never goes back, I had discovered something new about myself.

Long-distance cycling? Check.
Night tours? Absolutely.

🔥 Born for the Hunt, Not the Herd

Some people are sheep—content to follow the flock.

Others are ducks—waddling through life, never questioning the path ahead.

I am neither.

I am drawn to eagles, wolves, and lions—creatures that lead, hunt, and thrive in their own way.

That first solo ride to France? It wasn’t just about the distance. It was about something bigger:

Proving to myself that I could.

And that mindset?
It has defined my life ever since.

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📅 Final Thoughts

Dreams are nothing without action. If you have an idea, a vision, or a goal, don’t wait for approval.

Take the first step.
Make the journey yours.
And if no one else believes in it?

Even better.

🚴 What was your first long-distance ride? Share your story in the comments!

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