Читать книгу The Rhine Cycle Route. From source to sea through Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands онлайн

22 страница из 56

How long will it take?

The route has been broken into 27 stages averaging 51km per stage. Cycling 100km per day would enable you to complete the route in two weeks. Allowing time for sightseeing and averaging 80km per day would stretch this time to 17 days. At a leisurely pace of one stage (50km) per day, it would take four weeks to complete the ride. On most stages, there are many places to stay and it is easy to tailor daily distances to your requirements.

What kind of cycle is suitable?

While most of the route is on surfaced cycle tracks or roads (usually asphalt, but some concrete and in northern Germany and the Netherlands long stretches of brick-block), there are some stretches of all-weather dirt, cinder or gravel track. As a result, this is not a route for narrow-tyred racing cycles. The ideal cycle is a hybrid (a lightweight but strong cross between a touring cycle and a mountain bike with at least 21 gears), although apart from Disentis/Mustér to Ilanz (Stage 1) a touring cycle would be quite suitable (an alternative route along local roads can be used between Disentis/Mustér and Ilanz to avoid the rough gravel tracks). Front suspension is beneficial as it absorbs much of the vibration. Straight handlebars, with bar-ends enabling you to vary your position regularly, are recommended. Make sure your cycle is serviced and lubricated before you start, particularly the brakes, gears and chain.