eMTB

Today we were having a change of gear and hiring a couple of eMTBs from fahrradverleih todos in Schwangau. We caught the bus from the stop outside Campingplatz Banwaldsee and it was a short 3km trip through flat grazing fields to the centre of Schwangau and the bike shop.

By 10am we’d been equipped with an eMTB hardtail each and were on our way! Linda had a Berig but I can’t remember mine. The first time on an eMTB for both of us. I was very conservative with the use of the battery since I didn’t want to run dry when in the mountains, but I needn’t have worried, by the end of the day we’d still have plenty of juice in the battery tanks.

The bikes were great! And wow do a lot of Germans think so too! Today was a Saturday and so local people were up and out being active too and that included lots of people riding e-bikes. Much like not noticing a red car until you are also driving a red car.

The bike hirer gave us an excellent map showing all the cycle paths. Given this was continental Europe and not the UK there were plenty of off-road options. He also suggested some alternative day routes. We could keep flat and circuit the lakes or head into the mountains. We opted for the trip to Kenzenhutte for lunch in the mountains.

We headed back past the campsite at Bannwaldsee and then through fields and villages until reaching Halbech. Then it was south into the wooded slopes of the mountains following the track by a clear stream and deep blue pools. Plenty of others were also cycling on the track. The sun was shining. A perfectly lovely morning. We arrived at the hutte by 1pm and waited a little while before a table became free such was the popularity. Sitting on the terrace, with a cold Paulaner beer and traditional German mountain dishes for lunch, couldn’t get much better!

After lunch we drove higher up the track, the battery assist making the climb fun, challenging and safe. Eventually we decided that we’d pushed too far and we’re getting some frowns from walkers on the path. So we traced our way back to the hutte. We found a longer alternative route back down which was less travelled. Where next? We had the bikes for the day with no time limit so long as they were back and locked-up before tomorrow.

We decided another swim in the Schwansee would be good, so off we zipped again past the campsite, through Schwangau and into Fussen for a spot of light tea at Gasthof Weizenbrauerei Woaze. All the cycling works up an appetite. Then over to the lake. Even better than 2 days ago and more people today given it was a Saturday. We did notice the same elderly couple here for their daily communion with the water.

Our day was nearly over. There only remained the journey back to Schwangau. We’d missed any chance of a bus back to the campsite after dropping off the bikes and so it was a couple of weary cyclists making the 3km walk back for a shower and dinner. The light was fading and we were treated to a golden sunset, watched herons and egrets parading the fields and unknown birds of prey soaring high before arriving back at 7:30pm.