Brief description

In July 2020, I visited a friend in Lübeck and travelled the Iron Curtain Trail along the former German-German border.
The idea was to drive along the former wide border strip in nature.
The bike tour started in Stuttgart and followed the Neckar River to Heilbronn, then continued along the Jagst River and its tributary, the Seeach, to Lower Franconia, where I reached the former border between East and West Germany. From there, I followed the Iron Curtain Trail. Since I planned to return by ICE train and taking a bicycle on board was difficult, I decided to buy a cheap, used bike, cycle up the mountain, and then dispose of it there.
Good idea - unfortunately with some disadvantages.
At times I felt more like a mobile bike mechanic than a cycling tourist. Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures; the few I did have only show my repairs.

Impressions, insights and experiences

Summary

I don't remember the specific restrictions related to Covid. However, I do remember very well that my bicycle was constantly giving me trouble.
Unfortunately, I didn't save any impressions of the trip - only the photos of the repairs are still available.

Cyclist or bicycle mechanic on a journey

It actually started out quite promising: a used bicycle, a good feeling, and the firm conviction that I'd made a real Swabian deal. In retrospect, one could say: the idea was good – the execution rather… let's say "leaves room for improvement".

A thorough inspection before the trip? Forget it. Who needs something as trivial as a check-up and tires with tread? The worn tires were conveniently ignored, and I consistently overlooked the scuff marks on the rim – caused by previously used, worn-out brake pads. A classic case of "It'll be fine."

It all started innocently enough. A flat tire. These things happen. So, a quick pit stop at an idyllic fountain, the tube was patched, and the break was enjoyed.

But then came Saturday. On what was actually a beautiful forest path, just before a village, my front wheel decided it had seen enough. The tire gave way, and the inner tube bulged out.
Simple diagnosis: Coat completely destroyed. Treatment: New coat.

So, on Sunday I was condemned to doing nothing. On Monday morning, I was the first customer in front of the bike shop. The salespeople were slightly taken aback when I fitted the new tire right in front of the shop. But after a short adjustment period, he warmed up and even offered me tools – probably out of a mixture of pity and curiosity.

The real disaster was yet to come: On a later leg of the journey, the sidewall of the front wheel rim broke. The cause? The previously overlooked scuff marks had weakened the rim to such an extent that it finally gave way. There I was, stranded in the middle of nowhere. Bike broken. My mood, to put it mildly, left much to be desired.
So: push on. To the next town. Find a hotel. Take a deep breath. Make a plan.

The next day, I launched a somewhat unconventional rescue mission: I approached passersby, explained my problem, and asked if anyone happened to have an old bicycle lying around whose rear wheel they could spare. The second person actually said: "Yes, my husband has one – come with me."

Once home, my bicycle was inspected, there was a bit of amusement – ​​and then the man actually produced a suitable rear wheel. Three-speed hub, correct size, slightly nostalgic charm. His words: "I'll give it to you. But you'll have to install the sprocket yourself."

I cautiously asked if I could use his workshop. The open barn door, revealing a workbench and sufficient tools, gave me hope.

What followed was a four-hour mix of wrenching, swearing, improvising, and occasional moments of success. I'll spare you the details – let's just say it was educational and exhausting. But: In the end, I was roadworthy again.

With a slightly bruised ego and the firm realization that a bicycle check before the trip might not be a completely overrated idea after all, the journey continued.

A huge thank you to the kind S. family – without you, this story would probably have had a very different ending. And definitely less funny..