Getting to Konstanz by train with a fully loaded touring bike is an adventure in itself. Navigating through the carriages, squeezing past doors, making sure nothing toppled — by the time I arrived at the station I was already sweating, and I hadn't turned a single pedal yet.
Konstanz sits right on the shore of Lake Constance (Bodensee), at the southernmost tip of Germany. Standing there, looking south toward Switzerland, everything became suddenly very real. The hydration vest was loaded, the panniers were packed, the helmet was on. No plan beyond "go south, cross the mountains, reach France."
I took a moment to breathe it in — the smell of the lake, the warm June air, the buzz of summer. Then I clipped in, pointed the wheels south, and started pedalling. That first kilometre felt like a thousand promises.
- Date June 21, 2025
- Start Konstanz, Lake Constance
- Gear Helmet · Hydration vest · Panniers
- Mood Focused · Excited · A little nervous
