Cycling through football country – First half

July 31, 2023

Four people are standing and talking next to two bicycles in a sunny, open area with tall trees and an industrial building in the background. Two people are wearing shorts and two are wearing long trousers. Shadows are cast on the ground. — Kick-off to the Football Tour de Ruhr in the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park

Opposites attract, and when young and old get together for a football-themed bike tour through the Ruhr region, one thing leads to another, anecdotes are shared that are so funny they could shake the rafters, or a guitar is simply pulled out for some musical accompaniment! We accompany Cedric Pick, sports journalist (among others at Magenta Sports) and presenter, 36 years old, and Hans-Werner Olm, (cabaret artist, actor, voice actor, and much more, born in Bochum), 68 years old, on a cycling trip through the region. What unites the two? Their love of football! And, of course, their considerable expertise!

Together they discover places in the Ruhr area that they didn't know before – and I can imagine that there are one or two (secret) tips for you too.

Tour kick-off in Duisburg

We'll start in perfect weather at Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, which is hardly a hidden gem by now and therefore probably already familiar to you. Nevertheless, it's always wonderful to see what's happening here these days. Among other things, the park hosts festivals, sporting events, and of course, the nightly illuminations. Definitely worth a visit if you're traveling through the Ruhr area, and there couldn't be a better starting point for our tour!

An old industrial complex in Duisburg with rusted metal structures, tall chimneys and overgrown trees and green spaces against a clear blue sky. — Let's start at LaPaDu

First stop: Niederrhein Stadium

Well-developed cycle paths lead from LaPaDu almost to the ticket booth of the Stadion Niederrhein, the home ground of Rot-Weiss OberhausenThe iconic stadium creates a fantastic atmosphere for the two cyclists and, of course, provides great entertainment for the whole crew. And the actual cycling time from Duisburg to here is only about 25 minutes, runs directly along the "Green Path," and is therefore almost entirely car-free. Perhaps even an option on match day?

We've arrived at Kletbatt!

A group of five people, including a cameraman, are standing and talking on a sports field near a stadium. The weather is sunny, and trees and empty stands can be seen in the background. — On the pitch at the Niederrhein Stadium

Two men are sitting and talking on red stadium seats; one is wearing a white shirt and jeans, the other a grey jacket, shorts, and a bucket hat. A third person in a white shirt and headphones is filming them from the foreground. — Expert discussions at their best!

Second stage goal: The Tetrahedron

From here, the route along the banks of the Rhine-Herne Canal is very comfortable and pleasant, passing the Slinky Bridge and the... gasometer Direction tetrahedron.

A sunny park scene with green grass, shady trees, and a unique, spiraling pedestrian bridge over the water. In the distance, a tall building can be seen under a clear blue sky. — Driving along the Rhine-Herne Canal is very relaxing!

The route is mostly car-free, though you occasionally need a bike GPS, and in Bottrop, the most direct route becomes a bit less pleasant. But: In no time at all, we arrive at the foot of the Tetraeder, and since it's so beautifully warm and sunny today, and it's lunchtime anyway, we stop at the "Imbiss am Tetraeder" (Snack Bar at the Tetraeder) and, of course, enjoy a really delicious, authentic currywurst and fries platter. The snack bar's beer garden is bustling, and Hans-Werner Olm spontaneously picks up his guitar to entertain the guests with a song – it's a hit! Naturally, a tasty snack is also on offer. cold drink Consumed from Bottrop. But: The ascent, or rather the climb, is yet to come!

Two men are sitting at an outdoor table eating on a sunny day. One is wearing a white shirt, the other sunglasses and a hat. A beer bottle and plates of food are in front of them. Trees and small buildings are visible in the background. — Pure Ruhr area enjoyment: Currywurst, fries & a cold drink!

Without an electric motor, the 65-meter climb up the Beckstraße spoil heap in the blazing sun is quite strenuous, until the Tetraeder finally comes into view. The ascent to the top is then quite exhausting, but once you reach it, you're rewarded with a magnificent view over the entire Ruhr region! It's truly amazing, every time, what a panorama unfolds here. No wonder the two cyclists can't get enough of this view!

Two men stand on a graffiti-covered platform outdoors, one in a grey shirt and cap, the other in a white shirt, taking a selfie with a red tablet and watching. In the background, a picturesque landscape unfolds under a clear sky. — There's always time for a selfie!

You stand and walk on an elevated, geometric metal viewing platform, surrounded by lush green trees and framed by large metal beams. — Quite high indeed…

A picturesque aerial view of a city surrounded by dense green forests under partly cloudy skies, with a wind turbine and a small hill in the background. — But what a fantastic view!

Third stage goal: Route meeting

After a longer break, the journey continues from here – unfortunately via a somewhat unpleasant section of the route – to the next stop below the Schurenbachhalde And not before taking a look towards Nordsternpark in Gelsenkirchen – a lucky find not far from the canal. Unplanned, but all the more fitting given the warm temperatures, we stop at the Trassen-Treff kiosk and enjoy a cold beer. We sit here in a wonderfully cozy atmosphere, listening to Hans-Werner Olm and Cedric Pick discussing technical details. This is the life!

Three men are sitting at a table outdoors. One man in a red shirt is holding a beer bottle, another, wearing a hat and sunglasses, is holding an ice cream, and a third man in a white shirt is standing in the background drinking. — An ice cream (which, as everyone knows, is always a good idea) or…

A smiling man in a white shirt sits at an outdoor table with two bottles of Lauder beer in front of him. Another person is partially visible to the right. Trees and a plastic chair are visible in the background. — A delicious cold drink? (which is always a good option)

A bright green food truck is parked on a street near some trees. Several deck chairs and plastic chairs are set up on the grass. Two people are relaxing in the chairs, while another stands by the window of the food truck. — The meeting point at the foot of the Schurenbach spoil heap!

Day's finale: Zollverein Coal Mine

Now it's really not far to today's goal, which Zollverein collieryThe exhibition "Myth & Modernity“Cedric and Hans-Werner didn't need to be asked twice – both the World Heritage Site and the exhibition at the Ruhr Museum unleashed their full-blown football enthusiasm, and they were absolutely amazed! You too will be impressed by the photographic treasures that the Ruhr Museum, in collaboration with the German Football Museum, has compiled for this exhibition. Even as a non-ultra, your heart will leap with joy; there's so much retro charm, humor, iconic moments, and thought-provoking content to discover. Don't miss it!”

A black and white photograph of a football goalkeeper saving a ball is projected onto a high wall in a dimly lit room, while orange lights illuminate the benches below the projection. — Impressive images on the way to the exhibition

A person stands on an orange-lit ramp in a modern building and looks at a large green screen displaying the image of a football player in the center of the football on the wall in front of it. — and beautiful colors!

A man wearing a white T-shirt with the words PEACE INSTEAD OF WAR and a target symbol is standing outdoors and can be seen in a framed photograph hanging on a wall. — Thought-provoking material can be found, as well as...

Pure cult!

And what's the perfect way to end a day of cycling? Of course, a proper meal! The area offers several options, and we opt for "The Mine," which is practically right opposite the distinctive orange escalator.

Two men sit at a wooden table outdoors, drinking and talking. One is wearing a white polo shirt and jeans, the other a grey hat and a sweatshirt. Bicycles and a graffiti-covered delivery van are visible in the background.

Large industrial windows let sunlight into the interior of a factory with exposed beams, metal structures and large gears overhead, creating a bright and mechanical atmosphere.

Completely relaxed, with several spots and unexpectedly idyllic scenery, this approximately 22 km tour offers some football and scenic highlights that you can easily cycle yourself! And you'll be ready for the second leg the next day!