110 kilometres, challenging climbs, rain showers, Baden wine and plenty of good cheer.

Bissinger 08 ‘All (Rad)Stars’ were back on the road

The ‘All(Rad)Stars’ from FSV 08 Bietigheim-Bissingen were out and about again. This time, their three-day cycle tour took them to the Kinzig Valley and the Black Forest. The starting point was Gengenbach, an ideal blend of sporting challenge, scenery, culture and Baden hospitality.

The 13-strong group stayed at the Stadthotel Pfeffermühle. Gengenbach on the River Kinzig is a picturesque wine-growing village in the Ortenau region, renowned for its historic old town and the ‘world’s largest Advent calendar house’. At Christmas time, the windows of the roughly 200-year-old town hall are transformed into an elaborate Advent calendar.

Before the bikes came into play, the ‘first stage’ was on the agenda: a wine tasting at the Gengenbach-Offenburg Winery. Caroline Buß guided the group through the world of Baden wines with great charm and impressive expertise. The ‘All(Rad)Stars’ naturally passed this delightful test with flying colours.

They also learnt some interesting facts about viticulture. Baden is Germany’s third-largest wine-growing region after Rheinhessen and the Palatinate. The Ortenau region, including the Kinzig Valley around Gengenbach, is Baden’s most significant wine-growing area. As in many places, however, viticulture faces major challenges. Instead of several hundred winegrowing families, only around 120 winegrowers – many of whom do this as a sideline – still tend the vines today. Hopes for the future rest, amongst other things, on so-called PIWI grape varieties. Souvignier Gris, Solaris and Regent are more resilient and are expected to enable more environmentally friendly, climate-resilient and economically viable viticulture.

Along the Kinzig to Haslach

On the second day, we finally set off on our bikes. After a heavy rain shower in the morning, the second stage took us along the Kinzig through meadows and picturesque villages as far as Haslach. The historic old town, with its narrow lanes, half-timbered houses and market square, was the perfect place to take a break. Over coffee and cake, the group enjoyed the town’s special atmosphere. One participant had taken the train to Alpirsbach because of the weather and rejoined the others from there.

To round off the day, the group made a detour downstream along the Kinzig to Ortenberg Castle. In the evening, they enjoyed regional cuisine at the Winzerstüble and, of course, chatted about the day’s adventures.

Gradients of up to 15 per cent

The third and final stage proved to be the sporting highlight. The route followed the River Kinzig, heading first towards Biberach. A road closure added to the excitement and led to a few ‘navigation challenges’ until the correct route towards Seelbach was found.

Passing impressive Black Forest farmsteads, the route led to the Ludwigsäule at an altitude of 384 metres. After that, a real test of endurance awaited. Gradients of more than 15 per cent and a climb of around 280 metres over a short distance really put the cyclists to the test. Some only managed the steepest sections by pushing their bikes.

Their efforts were rewarded with magnificent views of the Hohengeroldseck castle ruins and the Kinzig and Schutter valleys. The group then enjoyed the long descent to Seelbach riding in close formation.

After coffee and cake, they set off for Lahr in what had by then become high temperatures. From there, a flat route via Hofweier and Elgersweier led them back to Gengenbach. Exhausted but satisfied, the ‘All(Rad)Stars’ reached their starting point.

Over dinner at the Wirtshaus 1974 in the Pfeffermühle, the day’s adventures were recounted once more in appropriately ‘heated’ terms. A night watchman’s guided tour of Gengenbach, featuring interesting stories about the town, brought the day to a close.

Teamwork off the route too

A tour like this needs to be well organised. Special thanks therefore went to Berthold, who, together with Gerhard and Hans Reiss, took charge of route planning and logistical coordination.

A van was provided for transporting the bicycles. Private cars equipped to carry bicycles and Deutsche Bahn provided additional transport. This enabled participants and their bicycles to arrive and depart flexibly.

The group included Gerhard, Bärbel and Walter, Brigitta and Klaus, Christa and Berthold, Rita and Rainer, Hedda and Helmut ‘Buffy’, and Inge and Hans Reiss.

“Thank you for travelling with Deutsche Bahn”

The return journey on the fourth day also had a surprise in store. Berthold and Christa, as well as Inge and Hans Reiss, experienced first-hand the unpredictability of Deutsche Bahn. Due to a line closure, trains between Karlsruhe and Stuttgart were suspended for around three hours.

The fitting comment: “Thank you for travelling with Deutsche Bahn”

Sport, enjoyment and camaraderie

Despite the rain and summer heat, the “Kinzig-Schutter Tour” offered everything that makes for a successful “All(Rad)Stars” ride. Sporting challenges, stunning scenery, cultural highlights, good food and drink – and, above all, plenty of fun as a group.

The Bissinger Nullachter proved once again that when cycling together, it’s not just the kilometres that count. Team spirit, good organisation and a convivial atmosphere are what give these tours their special appeal.

The next big ride next year is therefore already firmly planned. Until then, there are numerous regional tours around Bietigheim-Bissingen on the programme, naturally continuing to include culinary stop-offs and convivial get-togethers.