Juni The Adventurer

Riding 100 kilometers (or 62 miles) for the first time can feel intimidating. Just like running, you just start. If you don't start, nothing will happen. If you start, something can happen. For example, riding 100 km. To be completely fair, it may not achievable for some people if you have some issues with your knees or workout isn't something you've been doing for a long time. However, I would still say it is a milestone that most people can aim for and actually achieve with some preparation. Whether you’re doing it for fun, fitness, or a personal challenge, here’s how to make your first century ride a success. 1. Build Your Endurance Gradually Before I went for my first 100km, I was already a rather fit person. I had been going to gym regularly for over 3years, and my legs are stronger than average men. However, when you start a new activity or excercise, no matter how fit you are you need some time to get used to it. The muscles you use in the gym aren't the same as ...

Planning a cycling trip in Europe? Then you've come to the right place. In this post, I will share the 5 most important apps that can make your journey smoother, easier, and more pleasant when going on a bike trip. 1. Komoot I cannot love this app more. To be completely fair, their UX/UI design isn't the best in the market, but I still love it because it does its job perfectly. When planning a new route, it's a bit unintuitive, and sometime sthe compass doesn't seem to be moving as you want, but with all these drawbacks, I still use Komoot. To check whether on your way, you can also sign up for the premium, but I just paid for the worldmap once. It was around 25 euros or so and you don't have to pay again. One thing I really like about Komoot is that you can customize the route depending on what kind of activity you are planning. It can be used for hiking, running, roadbiking, gravel biking and many more. Also, you can save those routes offline. This is a really imp...

Did you know? Gravel biking has seen a remarkable rise in popularity in recent years. According to a 2024 report by The Guardian , gravel bike sales doubled in 2020 and again in 2021, reflecting their growing appeal among cyclists. Supporting this trend, Strava data shows that gravel rides increased by 55% in 2023, making it the fastest-growing activity on the app. Given this surge in interest, many are wondering if gravel bikes are a good choice for daily commuting. The answer is a resounding yes! Here’s why gravel bikes could be the perfect solution for your urban and suburban travels 🚴‍♀️ 1. Versatility for Any Route Gravel bikes are built to tackle a variety of terrains, making them incredibly versatile. While road bikes excel on smooth asphalt and mountain bikes dominate rugged trails, gravel bikes strike a unique balance. Despite their name, they aren’t limited to gravel paths. They combine the speed and efficiency of road bikes with the durability of wider tires, allowing them ...

When it comes to losing weights and improving fitness, running and cycling are two of the most popular options (although Henry Cavill does something else for cardio 😉). But which one is better for weight loss? This is what latest researches say. Caloric Burn Running typically burns more calories per minute than cycling when performed at the same intensity. This makes it a more efficient choice for those looking to maximize caloric expenditure in shorter durations.  Fat Loss Both running and cycling can be incorporated into high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs, which are highly effective for reducing total body fat. Interestingly, research by Couvert (2024)* suggests that while both activities lead to similar reductions in total body fat , running may have an edge when it comes to targeting abdominal fat. This is a key consideration for people aiming to lose belly fat. Sustainability Cycling often wins in terms of sustainability, especially for longer sessions. Its low...

Since I bought my very first bike, I have been literally obsessed with it. On average, I cycled 25km a day. Germany isn't so well-known as a tourist destination, but it does have magnificent scenary and great bike roads making it perfect for bikers. In this post, I would like to share the bike routes I liked! 1. Elbe Radweg Rad means "round" or something round-ish, often refer to a bike. Weg means "way". So basically Radweg is a bike way. Parts of Elbe Radweg falls into the EV7 of the EuroVelo network. It passes a lot of different small cities and towns in Germany including Dresden, Meissen, etc.  Since this section runs along the riverside, it’s flat and equipped with well-maintained bike paths, allowing you to ride for long stretches without any interference from cars. In sections that pass through urban areas, you may need to reduce your speed due to pedestrians, but the upside is easy access to facilities like supermarkets and beer gardens (Biergarten in Ger...

 When I first started bikepacking, I had so much to learn and plenty of trial and error along the way. Looking back now, there are a few things I wish I had done differently. To save you from making the same mistakes, here are some lessons I learned the hard way! 1. Buying Non-Photochromic Sunglasses At first, I used regular sunglasses, thinking they would be fine. And they weren't. The reason why cyclists wear goggle-like sunglasses has a reason. After some time your eyes will get super dry due to the wind hitting your face. So I bought a pair of sports sunglasses based on reviews on the Internet. Of course what mattered to me the most was the look. (Who doesn't want to look cool?) But as I rode through different weather conditions and lighting environments, I quickly realized how essential photochromic sunglasses are. These lenses adjust automatically to light changes, making them perfect for rides with tunnels or at sunrise and sunset. If you are cycling fast, you don't ...

I never thought that I'd spend over thousand euros on a bike. I have to admit I got quite infludenced by a friend. I hate doing research before making a big decision when it comes to shopping. Comparing different options and making a table and so on isn't my thing. Especially when it's a product that has got gazillions of different parts. However, no one will disagree that choosing the right bike is one of the most important decisions for a successful bikepacking adventure. In the end, I also had to do some research, but *disclaimer* I am not a bike expert at all. This is just truly what I have considered, and I just want to share it with you guys. Bike Type: Gravel bikes, like my Cannondale Topstone 4, are versatile and ideal for bikepacking. They handle both paved roads and rough trails, making them a great option for varied terrain. Mountain bikes are another excellent choice for off-road adventures, while touring bikes are built for long distances with heavy loads. How...

I started bikepacking because I like long-distance hiking and camping but sometime hiking is just SO BORING. But with a bike, you can skip some parts which is not the most fascinating in your journey. Yet you still get to see a lot unlike when you do a roadtrip or train trip or whatsoever. Bikepacking combines the thrill of cycling with the freedom of camping, offering a unique way to explore the world.  Here are my tips for ones who would like to give it a go. 1. Choose the Right Gear Your bike is your best friend on this journey, so make sure it's up to the task: Bike Type: Gravel bikes or mountain bikes are ideal for varied terrain. Roadbikes aren't really meant for bikepacking. Bikepacking Bags: Invest in lightweight, waterproof bags like frame bags, handlebar rolls, and saddle packs. My bike is an XS, so if you have short legs like me, you may not take the most out of your frame bags. Also, I initally bought saddle bag, but I had to return it because again my bike was to...

 Last year, I bought my first ever gravel bike. It was something I didn't plan, but it just happened. They say, if you are over 30, you will find yourself in a marathon event and on a gravel or road bike. And yes, they were right. I chose this path because I had two conferences: One in Cologne and the other in Amsterdam. They were only a week apart, and traveling back and forth with flights or trains wasn't sustainable, so I decided to take my bike with me. Thankfully the company approved of it. Here are the things that I wanted to share from my experience. 5 practical Tips for This Route: Plan Your Stops:  The route is packed with charming towns. There are lots of cities and towns on the way, so it's not super difficult to find accommodation. However, depending on the season, it might be difficult to find an affordable accommodation, so I recommend to at least plan a few days ahead of your journey. Being flexible is one thing, but being safe should come first. Stay Hydrate...