Feeling at home “Himmelreich”
Four-day tour of the “All(Rad)Stars” of Bissinger Nullachter
Twelve members of the “All(Rad)Stars” cycling group from the FSV08 Bietigheim-Bissingen soccer club, along with their partners, recently cycled around 160 kilometers along the Main River and the lovely Tauber Valley. Despite the wind and weather, the four-day tour was great fun and contributed to everyone’s well-being.
The destination of the trip was the traditional “Bronnbacher Hof” in Wertheim am Main. Located directly on the Main promenade, the hotel is run with great passion by Kai Schnurpfeil and his wife. During their stay, the “All(Rad)Stars” not only enjoyed the cozy accommodation, but also the warmth of their hosts – a hostel that will remain in everyone’s memory for a long time to come.
The group consisted of twelve active cycling enthusiasts: Helga and Gerhard Fötschl, Brigitta Dunkelmann and Klaus Wirkner, Christa and Berthold Veigel, Rita and Rainer Daffner, Hedda and Helmut (“Buffy”) Meyle, and Inge and Hans Reiss.
Special thanks went to organizer Berthold Veigel, who, together with Gerhard Fötschl and Hans Reiss, not only took care of route planning but also logistical coordination. Thanks to the support of the Weller car dealership, the group had a van at their disposal, supplemented by private cars with bike transport equipment and Deutsche Bahn. This ensured flexible arrival and departure as well as the transport of the bikes.
The tour comprised a total of four stages, with different group members taking the lead.
The first stage, Berthold and Hans’ journey to the starting point, took them from Lauda to Tauberbischofsheim, along the “liebliches Taubertal” with a short stop in Tauberbischofsheim. Deutsche Bahn took the two of them, along with Christa and Inge, on to Wertheim.
The second stage was a little more challenging. It led upstream along the Main to Marktheidenfeld. The ride along the Main was scenic, and a detour to the Wertheim Village outlet center broke up the journey. After a short stop and a quick snack, the group continued briskly on to Marktheidenfeld.
Passing countless beer gardens and campsites as well as the well-developed Main Cycle Route, the cyclists reached their destination – a café right on the river promenade. The cycling enthusiasts completed the return journey dry on the more challenging route through the “Himmelreich” landscape conservation area.
In the evening, a steep climb led to Wertheim Castle, where the group ended the day with regional cuisine and a magnificent view of the historic old town. After a steep and challenging climb, the participants enjoyed dinner at the “Restaurant Burg Wertheim,” rewarded with a great view of the Main River and the historic old town of Wertheim.
On the third day, there was a longer flat stage to Miltenberg. Due to strong headwinds, the difficulty level was adjusted to “very challenging.” The field of participants was reduced to eight cyclists.
Most of this tour led along the right bank of the Main River through a varied landscape with forests and sandstone and few inclines. In Miltenberg, the route through the historic pedestrian zone, the Faust brewery, and the view of the Main River from the beer garden left a lasting impression.
On the return journey, the tailwind helped, and a stop at the Ziegler distillery in Freudenberg provided a special highlight. There, the cyclists enjoyed an informative tasting of fine spirits, which was received with enthusiasm. Dinner at the traditional restaurant “Zum Ochsen” rounded off the day with culinary delights.
While the return journey on the fourth day was by train, car, and bike transporter, Berthold Veigel and Hans Reiss took the opportunity for an additional final stage through the “liebliches Taubertal” back to Lauda. There, other fellow cyclists and “Buffy” joined them for the journey home to Bietigheim-Bissingen.
Conclusion: Despite the rain and wind, the “Main/Tauber Tour” offered a successful mix of sporting activities, scenic impressions, and socializing. The trip was a success thanks in particular to the excellent organization, the harmonious atmosphere, the fun and entertaining company, and the hospitality at the “Bronnbacher Hof.”
The All(Rad)Stars are already looking forward to their next big tour next year. Until then, there are numerous regional trips around Bietigheim-Bissingen on the agenda – as usual, combined with culinary stops and convivial get-togethers. (hr)
