Pelotonof2

Sunday marked the first RTF of 2016!  And, while it has felt more like winter than spring, the calendar doesn’t lie.  I already feel like I am behind on my miles, so the pedals must turn regardless of the cold that still prevails.  If you are not from Germany, you may be wondering, “What is an RTF”?  RTF stands for Radtourenfahren and, basically, amounts to an organized ride hosted by various bike clubs throughout the region.  For a small fee (usually 5 – 10 Euro) you can select a course of varying distances and ride.  The courses are generally very well marked and rest stops with food and water are provided every 30 km or so.  This is a great way to see the country side in a way that most people never experience.  And, you get to ride your bike!  You will experience some courses that are fast with rolling hills and others that have you climbing the entire 120+ km.  Each week is different and challenging in its own right.

This Sunday we drove to Rheinstetten-Forchheim to participate in the “Badische Eröffnungsfahrt” with RSV Concordia Forchheim.  The cost was 5 Euro for a choice between a 52km or a 72km route for this spring ride (in summer there will be two longer courses added).  We, of course, chose the 72km to keep increasing our distance each week.  Overall, the ride was fairly flat in the beginning and at the end with 3 small climbs past the mid way point.  The rest stop came at 30km where water, coffee, bananas and sweet bread were provided.  I’m glad I brought a couple of extra bars with me to give me a bit more nourishment.  But, it turned out to be a really nice day, except the wind, and my legs held up!  YAY!  In the coming weeks and months I will check the schedule below to see what’s happening next.  Bis dann!  Go ride your bike!

RTF/CTF-Termine in Baden-Württemberg 2016

-Susan