For a long time, cycling was purely a sport for me. My job at Ruhr Tourism eventually added the leisure and holiday aspects. My bike also became more and more of a means of transportation. Only in the last two years have I discovered the incredible relaxation factor, which I had never really been aware of before. On my bike, I clear my head, switch off, and leave all the annoying everyday stress far behind.
Those who are just starting out with cycling might not fully grasp it yet, but cycling can be incredibly liberating for a troubled soul. Therefore, I'd like to share a tour suggestion with you today that will surely do your soul good too.
My colleague had the idea. KatalinaMy first book was published in March. “Cycling for the soul – Ruhr area” I published a blog post in which I present 15 suggested tours. Since the topic is so relevant right now, she suggested I write about it here on the blog, explaining why cycling can give so much energy back to the soul and, consequently, to the body!
Long bike rides can be extremely meditative.
In fact, almost all endurance sports, in addition to physical exertion, also have a certain meditative effect. The longer the activity and the more monotonous the movement, the more the mind can find peace. We can confront existing problems and find solutions, or at least come to terms with them. Technically demanding routes are usually not as suitable for giving the mind a break. Therefore, this might be a bit more difficult for beginners, as novice cyclists usually still need to concentrate very much on the route. The route should be easy for the most part and require little concentration. railway line bike paths or canal bank paths away from road traffic are ideal for these relaxing tours.
In the book, I present five tour suggestions each in the categories of "Time-Out Tours," "Panoramic Tours," and "Pampering Tours." All three categories can enrich our inner selves—be it a break in a beautiful forest, the blissful summit experience after a challenging climb, or... spoil heap or the enjoyment of a local delicacy. For those who want to experience all three, I recommend, for example, this, in my opinion, wonderfully relaxing circular route in the heart of the Ruhr region.
A relaxing bike tour for the soul – From Herne to the ship lift
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A break from the hustle and bustle along the waterways of the Ruhr region, a fantastic view from the Deusenberg in Dortmund, and a heavenly strawberry smoothie in the garden of a wonderful farm café – that sounds like the perfect ingredients for a relaxing bike ride that's sure to do wonders for our souls. My tour suggestion today is just under 50 kilometers long, starts at the Herne Sea, and initially leads along a very leisurely route. Rhine-Herne Canal along the way towards Henrichenburg. Here you can completely switch off as you leisurely roll along the water and the large cargo ships draw your thoughts into the distance.
The Emscher way
Arriving at the Emscher river, I turn towards Dortmund and follow the signposted route. Emscher wayFirst, I need to concentrate a bit on the route, but generally speaking, cycling along the Emscher is very carefree. Only a few construction sites can be a bit annoying, but that's to be expected with the extensive renaturalization process of this once polluted river. With every pedal stroke as I cycle upstream, the river becomes more natural, and I witness nature reclaiming its rightful place.
The panoramic view over Dortmund
Finally, I reach the base of the Deusenberg slag heap. Every view has to be earned, so I have to pedal a bit. For me, the feeling of reaching the summit, of arriving at the top of a mountain, is one of life's most beautiful and intense moments of happiness. Not everyone will be able to manage the climb by bike, but of course you can also push your bike or simply leave it at the bottom and walk up. The view is truly one of the most stunning in the Ruhr area. The largest city in the Ruhr region lies a considerable distance ahead, while a few sheep graze idyllically in the meadow in front of me.
The Dortmund-Ems Canal
The Deusenberg also marks the southern turning point of the bike tour. The route leads across smaller fields to the Dortmund-Ems CanalI follow the path to the left towards the Henrichenburg boat lift. With a bit of luck, you might see the German eight rowing team on the water, and you can completely switch off while cycling, soaking up the warm spring air by the canal away from the traffic. The path surface could certainly be improved, but cycling here is still a real pleasure.
Culinary highlight: Fresh strawberries (soon) or delicious asparagus straight from the farm
Just before the ship lift, a short detour to the north side of the canal is well worth it. Here you'll find the Niermann farm, particularly famous for its delicious asparagus and strawberries. When the wonderful garden café is open, a relaxing break in a deck chair is highly recommended. But even now, during lockdowns and other restrictions, the farm offers fantastic picnics for cyclists. Whether you choose a hearty farmer's picnic, a healthy fitness picnic, or the tempting sweet picnic – there's probably no better way to replenish your depleted energy reserves during these times. A picnic blanket is even included, but of course, advance reservations are necessary. And it won't be long before we can bite into those deliciously sweet strawberries again.
Last year, my colleague Pascal and I visited the Niermann farm during our perfect day trip to the Ruhr area. Take a look:
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Exquisite industrial cathedral right on the canal
The Henrichenburg ship lift follows shortly after as the highlight of the bike tour. If the museum is open, a visit is worthwhile. But even if it isn't, the extensive grounds of the various lifts and locks offer fantastic views. Photo subjects and many informative panels. Or you can simply lie down somewhere in the park in the freshly scented grass and let the little white clouds drift overhead.
Royal cycling on former railway tracks
The measured values can be transferred to a PC via the King Ludwig route I quickly made my way back to the starting point at Herne Lake. The former railway line is wonderfully developed, and I passed several very photogenic remnants of the mining history, arranged right by the path. Here too, on the railway line, you don't have to think too much.
I switch off my mind one last time, feel the warm spring breeze on my face, and let this relaxing bike ride play back in my mind. Yes, cycling is healthy, but not just for our bodies, it's just as good for our souls. And that's just what we need right now...
