[Marli]

I have never been a keen cycler, partly because in my high school in South Africa, it was not considered to be "cool" to cycle, when you could be riding around in a car.

This hang-up stuck with me for many years, and it was only after leaving SA that I considered getting a bicycle again.

In the past 4 month, my eyes have really opened up to the wonderful life style that people have in Germany. For many people cycling is a way of life. It is very common to see even people in their 70s cycling to the shops, or cycling wherever it is that their trips take them to.

One of the funnier sights in Germany, is to see a guy cycling around town, while smoking his pipe. The Germans certainly do love their smoking!

Since the weather has improved quite a bit, we decided to go on a bike tour on Thursday. I call it a tour, but we only went for a day, since we did not really know how well we would survive a long trek.

Most of the public transit trains and busses allow bicycles at no extra charge, so we caught a regional train to a beatiful city called Koblenz and from there cycled along the Mosel river for many many kilometers.

A thing that continues to astound me about Germany (or at least the regions I've been to), is that cycling paths are an absolute priority everywhere. No matter where I go, there are always dedicated cycling or dedicated pedestrian/cycling paths. Even when you are in the center of a city, you can find well sign posted cycling paths to lead you from the train stations out from the cities. It is amazing.

Cycling along the Mosel, took us through many small, amazingly beatiful little towns. This region is famous for being the wine region of Germany, and one can try out the wines (and cheeses) at many many places along the way. What was a bit strange, is that almost all the restaurants and shops were closed. It could be that they don't open until it gets a bit warmer, or it could be that they are only open over weekends.

Whatever the case may be, as far as a holiday destination goes, this certainly ranks up there with some of the most beautiful experiences I've ever had. Cycling is perhaps the best way to explore this river, although even with a car, you should be able to have an amazing time.

I love this new lifestyle that Germany is inspiring in me - cycling everywhere is such a treat and makes one feel strangely proud to be doing your bit to help save the world and also get fit and stay in shape after drinking all their wonderful beers and wines!

[Dedré]

Oh, sounds so nice. Priceless! Can almost feel the peacefulness and scenery!

Both my bicycles in SA have been stolen... No use in getting a next one... I'll probably end up donating that one too to the less unfortunate! Nothing stopping me for when I'm leaving here though! Whohooo!