Hello, I'm Ben Zwiehoff, 26 years old, a professional cyclist from Essen. Since the start of the year, I've been spending more time on the roads and cycle paths of the beautiful Ruhr region, rather than just in the local forests. This year marks the beginning of a new chapter for me: from Mountain bike Onto the road bike. From Centurion-Vaude to Bora-Hansgrohe. A very exciting change for me in a turbulent time. The year 2020 was very special and new for all of us. Due to the pandemic, we were forced to adapt. My impression, especially on beautiful summer days, was this: People rediscovered the hidden gems of the Ruhr region. In my daily training, I encountered more and more outdoor enthusiasts who had (re)discovered cycling. In that sense, the topic of "cycling in the Ruhr" or simply radrevier.ruhr is probably more relevant than ever before!

My favorite gravel bike route

That's why I'm so pleased to be able to take you along on one of my absolute favorite rides again as a testimonial for radrevier. Today's article is all about gravel riding. "Gravel" – which roughly translates to "gravel" – simply means a bicycle that can handle gravel roads, dirt tracks, and smaller trails in addition to regular roads. For me, as a former mountain biker and aspiring road cyclist, "grave riding" is practically a combination of my old and new professions. In training, I often use tires that are suitable for gravel riding and that allow me to confidently tackle the occasional gravel section. A regular road bike or everyday tire is simply too prone to punctures for me. Therefore, I can only recommend that you pay attention to the right tires. With standard e-bikes, trekking bikes, mountain bikes, or true gravel bikes, my favorite ride is easily doable!

It starts at Lake Kemnader in Bochum

We start at the idyllic Kemnader See lake on the border between Bochum and Witten. There's a large parking lot there where you can conveniently leave your car and then set off on your gravel bike. The best thing about the Ruhr area being traversed by a very long river is that it's always easy to find your way around. Furthermore, the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path Excellent signage, which can be quite practical even in times of bicycle computers that have more functions than many smartphones.

So I followed the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path towards Witten, Wetter, and Dortmund. Just a few hundred meters after leaving the cycle path at Lake Kemnade, I reached my first highlight. Located directly on the towpath, the "Ruhr Valley Ferry Hardenstein" connects the Witten Herbede lock with the Hardenstein castle ruins. It operates between 10 a.m. and 18 p.m. from April to October. What's special about it: the ferry operators are volunteers and would certainly appreciate a small donation.

From the Hardenstein castle ruins, continue to Wetter

Once across the Ruhr River, I admire the Hardenstein Castle ruins. I soon leave them to my right, however, and continue along the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path. It's here that I truly understand why I opted for gravel tires. This section is a well-maintained gravel path, though in my youthful recklessness, it has already given me a few flat tires on my road bike. Passing the Nachtigall coal mine and following the old railway line to Witten-Bommern/Albringhausen, we continue along the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path to Wetter. The highlight of this section is undoubtedly the climb just before Bommern. Here, the path crosses the railway line. An underpass leads me into a short but steep section. Once you've conquered this climb and found the turnoff a few hundred meters later, you're rewarded with a well-paved path right alongside the river.

Steep ascents and descents in Dortmund

In Wetter I cross the Ruhr and cross through the small Old townUnfortunately, the cycle path towards Herdecke was closed at the time of my tour. According to the construction workers, this closure is expected to last until summer 2021. However, a detour is signposted. Once in Herdecke, I followed the cycle path signs towards Dortmund city center. Regardless of which route you choose at this point, to reach the highlight of our ride, Phoenix Lake and the former Phönix West coal mine site, I now have to climb almost 150 meters in altitude. With the prospect of a coffee break at Phoenix Lake in sight, however, the elevation gain is negligible. The nice thing about this section is that you can use both the road and smaller forest paths. The main thing is that I eventually reach the golf course in Hohensyburg. From here, it's all downhill towards Phoenix Lake. Here you have a fantastic view over all of Dortmund and can already see the Hoesch Gasometer. And this is exactly where my gravel tour leads. Along the B54, I simply follow the cycle path signs towards Hörde. Attention: The cycle path crosses the on- and off-ramps to the main road. Be careful when crossing!

"Experiencing" structural change

Just before the B54 reaches Signal Iduna Park, I turn right and find myself directly on the Phoenix West grounds. Here you can impressive industrial heritage admire it. The old blast furnace plant always reminds me a little of the Zollverein colliery In Essen. Not quite as big, but just as beautiful. From here, it's just a stone's throw to the stunning Phoenix Lake. This artificial lake, created on the site of a former steelworks, exemplifies the structural transformation of the Ruhr region. Within just a few years, the former industrial area has been transformed into a trendy neighborhood. It combines recreational opportunities in the Ruhr region's largest city with modern living and working spaces. The lakeside restaurants are also fantastic! You'll find almost every popular franchise chain here. My insider tip: coffee and cake at Espresso Perfetto. This small shop for coffee lovers isn't directly on the lake, but it has the best espresso. If you'd like to relax by the lake and perhaps grab a bite to eat, try the newly opened Bocca. Italian-modern, simple, and delicious!

Cycling along railway lines to the university district

But enough feasting – back on the bike and off we go. The return trip to Lake Kemnade is easy after a successful refuel. From Lake Phoenix, I follow a former railway line Heading towards Romberg Park, the bridge takes me across the B54 without traffic lights, past the Westfalenstadion and the BVB fan zone. A short but very pleasant stretch of gravel leads me into the university district. Those interested can visit the TU Dortmund campus here. It's also nice and quiet on weekends, making the ride enjoyable.

Return to Lake Kemander in a natural setting

Two kilometers later, I leave Dortmund again and reach Witten Stockum. Here you can really feel the unique character of the Ruhr region. One moment you're right in the heart of the city, the next you feel like you're in the Sauerland. In Stockum, I turn left again towards the Ruhr River. The path leads me across beautiful fields back into the Muttental valley and to the Nachtigall coal mine. Those who haven't had their fill of the ferry can cross the Nachtigall Bridge to the other side of the Ruhr and take the Hardenstein ferry again to finish the tour; everyone else continues for the last two kilometers towards Lake Kemnade.

My conclusion about the gravel ride

So that was it – my favorite gravel loop around Dortmund. I love the combination of city, countryside, and river. It embodies everything the Ruhr region stands for and showcases the beauty of our area! Have fun riding, take care, and stay healthy!

Ride On,
Yours, Ben

An article by Ben Zwiehoff

Hello, my name is Ben Zwiehoff. I'm a professional road cyclist for the German World Tour team Bora-Hansgrohe, from the heart of the Ruhr region, specifically Essen-Steele, and I've been an official brand ambassador for radrevier.ruhr for several years. In my daily training, I often cover more than 100 kilometers of the Ruhr area's finest cycling routes and know the region like the back of my hand. As a former professional mountain biker, biking is, of course, still my great passion! I also enjoy combining my old and new jobs – and the result? The finest gravel tours in the Ruhr region.