It seems to be human nature to constantly and willingly test oneself. Whether in competition against others or simply with oneself and against the world. For me, the sporting contest against others isn't so important; instead, I enjoy setting my own challenges. Especially when cycling, I love long tours, and the RuhrAroundChallenge is probably one of the biggest challenges you can tackle in a single day in the Ruhr cycling region. For competitive road cyclists, this might be just another day at the office, but for us average touring cyclists, this tour is sure to be a very special experience.
200 kilometers in one day
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(The map and the GPX-Data reflects the current planning status. Due to construction sites and permitting processes, the final track may and will change on the day of the event!
The main challenge is actually called the "Ruhr2NorthSeaChallenge" and, as the name suggests, covers over 300 kilometers from Duisburg in the Ruhr area to Bensersiel on the North Sea. This tour has been on my "life's bucket list" for several years. Unfortunately, I don't have time on June 15, 2019, and therefore have to postpone this dream once again. But since you should always start small, I've decided to tackle the shorter RuhrAroundChallenge this year. Incidentally, there's also the "OuterRuhrChallenge" on April 28, which is over 100 kilometers long.
The RuhrAroundChallenge on May 26, 2019
The actual tour takes place in May. However, since I also want to motivate some of you to join the tour with this article, I set off on the route at the end of March, in consultation with the organizer, to test the tour and share my experiences with you. A major advantage: I was able to choose perfect spring weather – simply wonderful. A disadvantage: I missed out on the full group experience, which will, of course, be a particularly important part of the event on May 26th. Nevertheless, my conclusion upfront: Join us! It's a fantastic tour that you'll never forget.
Early morning is not for a born late sleeper.
It's 7 a.m. and I'm standing in front of the Schauinsland Arena in Duisburg, completely exhausted. Along with the fatigue comes a huge amount of uncertainty about whether I've bitten off more than I can chew. My Komoot app shows 190 kilometers on the to-do list, a bit less than originally expected. But it also includes around 850 meters of elevation gain. I have to admit, so early in the season, I wasn't sure I could manage it, so I opted for an e-bike today. With a 1000 Wh battery, the display shows a range of 255 kilometers in Eco mode – that might be cutting it close.
I grab my bike and set off, initially cycling without any assistance to save some battery power. I've planned on cycling 10 kilometers. The route takes me past the Wedau Water World, a relaxing start to the morning at this hour. The first 10 kilometers are quickly behind me, and I decide to cycle another 10 kilometers without assistance. After a bit of city traffic and passing through the charming town center of Mülheim-Saarn, I finally reach the Ruhr River. I follow the former towpath to Kettwig, where I treat myself to a second breakfast.
Via the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path to Witten
From now on, I'll be cycling in Eco mode, always along the Ruhr River. It's an ideal start to such a long ride. No elevation gain, beautiful scenery, and it's easy to get into a good rhythm. I pass Werden, Lake Baldeney, then the Ruhr meadows near Steele. I can tell my body is fit enough, and the enjoyment of cycling is growing. Only occasionally, after short climbs, do I get a little nervous when the displayed remaining range drops briefly. But it always recovers quickly on the flat sections. In Bochum-Dahlhausen, I have to take the flood detour briefly; the recent rain has flooded the towpath. In Hattingen, I cross to the other side of the Ruhr, and just a few pedal strokes later, I'm at Lake Kemnade.
Group breakfast at Haus Kemnade
A hearty breakfast will be set up for participants of the RuhrAroundChallenge at Haus Kemnade on May 26th. You can fortify yourself there. I ignore the turnoff, pass the lake, and soon arrive at the Hardenstein ferry in Witten. Since it's still in winter storage in March, I have to take the northern bypass. The center of Witten is certainly not a cyclist's paradise then. I battle my way through the city traffic and get annoyed by the numerous construction sites. Finally, I reach the Rheinischer Esel (Rhenish Donkey), which leads me gently uphill towards Dortmund. Railway lines are simply incredibly pleasant for cyclists (I'll tell you why and which railway lines exist in the radrevier.ruhr region in [link to article]). my blog postI notice this shortly after the end of the trail, when I find myself back in traffic. During a fast descent on a country road, a large SUV whizzes past my handlebars, seemingly within 2 cm – a dream come true.
Halftime at Phoenix Lake in Dortmund
From now on, things get much more relaxed. In Dortmund-Hörde, I refuel with a delicious lasagna, then head around Phoenix Lake. The mileage display shows the same distance as the remaining distance. I'm in great spirits, even though I'm running quite late. The e-bike just doesn't go as fast as my trekking bike. The RuhrAroundChallenge now leads through the Emscher Valley, past the massive Phoenix West development, until I reach Signal Iduna Park.
Homeward bound on the Industrial Heritage Route
Zollern Colliery is the next major highlight along the way. Of course, I only get a quick glimpse of the "Castle of Labor," but I still think it's great that so many industrial monuments are located directly on the route. In Bochum, I'm surprised by the truly beautiful stretch along the Grummer Bach stream, which I hadn't known existed. A little boy on a children's bike asks me where I'm going. When I answer Duisburg, I get a surprised look – just the right motivation for the last third of the ride. Because I'm now noticing that my muscles are getting tired and my joints are practically screaming for a rest. Uphill, I'm happy to switch to tour mode.
Via the ore railway line to Gelsenkirchen
Downhill via the ore railway route I'm making good progress. At the Erzbahnbude (a railway station), I start to wonder why I don't just go home now. Kray-Wanner Railway I should turn off. But I'm determined to complete the RuhrAroundChallenge now. My ambition and determination to bring this mega-tour to a successful conclusion are growing. A short stretch along the canal, then it's on to the next football stadium: the Veltins-Arena "auf Schalke." At the stadium, I get a strange feeling, a shift in my perception of distances. Normally, the route from here to Duisburg would already be a decent tour, but after this long loop, the remaining kilometers feel like just a final cool-down. A cool-down in tour mode, though; I've said goodbye to eco mode.
The final highlights at dusk
The passage across the grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein This is another big highlight. The coking plant glows red in the evening sun; these are exactly the moments when I realize why I love cycling so much.
In Essen I come across the Rhenish railwayThe RS 1's fantastic asphalt feels great on my backside in the saddle. I cross the Ruhr River and after a short tour of the city, I head through a wooded area towards Duisburg. My batteries have held up, and I treat myself to turbo mode, especially since it's already pitch black before the time change.
The magical last kilometer
Immediately after the wooded area comes the final kilometer to the Wedau Water World. I actually did it, I think to myself. Euphoria is overflowing inside me; a tremendous tour is behind me. The last kilometer will be a real celebration! I thought, until a clacking and whistling sound from my rear wheel bursts the bubble of euphoria. Unbelievable, a rusty screw actually robs me of the blissful experience of the last few meters. I have to push my bike for the final 950 meters. But still, I've rarely pushed my bike with such pride. On May 26th, all participants will be welcomed here with a small festival.
Go for it – the tour is really fun!
I can only say that anyone who enjoys longer rides should take on a challenge like this. I'm convinced that many who are now wondering whether 190 kilometers in one day is doable are easily up to the task. Yes, it will hurt at times, but the feeling of accomplishment at the end will make you forget every drop of sweat. And for those who aren't quite fit enough this year, you can always start with our RevierRoutes Train hard and then face the challenge next year.
Update 2023: The RuhrAroundChallenge was replaced by the Ruhr Challenges starting at the Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum, but unfortunately, these will likely be discontinued as well. The effort required from the organizing team is simply too great. But of course, you can still cycle this fantastic route on your own. I highly recommend it; I'll certainly never forget this tour!
