Is Germany a good destination for a cycling holiday?

[@bigN-422]

The triangle pf Germany, Austria and Switzerland is one of the most beautiful parts of the world for me. And cycling is one way of feeling an amazing form of freedom.

[@SloMo2723]

I could copy and paste what you said! Been biking and hiking around Germany, Austria and Switzerland for years. I love the German people!

[@David-fy4kb]

Man, your videos are really well made. Keep doing it!

[@gkunz3]

We rode from Prague to Berlin last year and those incredible German walking/cycling paths are amazingly beautiful

[@Frankenpedaleur]

As a german, who knows that area, because I live in Nuremberg, which is 2 Hours north of Munich, was laughing a lot, when I saw this video. :) You was so impressed about everything.

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

There is a lot to be impressed with! 😃

[@GrouEEf]

Oy mate, i just recently did a very similar trip, basically your route in reverse. Some take-aways: - munich is one of if not the most expensive place in germany - it's not a pretty city - never have food or drinks at a gas station, its about double the price.

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

It’s sooo expensive 😭 I did think it was pretty but maybe because I grew up in North America and that style of architecture was totally new to me. I noticed that the supermarkets had cheaper drinks. It’s always a bit more stressful leaving my bike unattended while going into a supermarket as opposed to walking into a small shop.

[@GrouEEf]

@@JohnnyZeeLee good point, especially in a city like Munich I'd never leave my bike without a lock. Not sure if you brought one. For your next trip maybe: I can fully recommend the little hiplok cable tie locks, they're cheap but extremely useful for bikepacking.

[@BurgerTime7441]

Damn those roads look spectacular, the scenery amazing. And.. after living in SE Asia for years - it all looks so CLEAN and well kept / well organized

[@yazidyusop]

Indeed epic.... Looking forward for cycling adventure

[@klein-concept]

Gonna try that route next week. Thanks a lot for this lovely video 🤜🤛

[@howiewho]

I've watched all your videos man I'm hella jealous Also you are so safe. You wear that helmet in the train, restaurants everywhere lol. You're ready

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

Can never be too safe 😆

[@robertadair6612]

@@JohnnyZeeLee then please stop for red lights!!

[@OrelMorsky]

Wonderful video! Love the music selection.

[@peterhorstmann3156]

Great video, thank you. Visitors to Germany should consider that only the very most southern part of the country has this kind of mountains. But anyway also other parts of Germany are nice, too. I agree to the cost issue but if you want to have it really pricy you should go to Switzerland.

[@LifeCycle1978]

Great video and really enjoyable to watch. I’ve spent years cycling Germany and although your point about “rule following” is accurate, I think you missed the bigger picture when you commented about the absurdity of the red light situation. It’s the law and everyone follows it and thus expects everyone else to follow it. When you are the one outlier not following the rules you put yourself and others at risk as everyone else is anticipating you to act a certain way. I’ve cycled in Thailand and everyone flows with traffic because everyone understands that is the way it works. Adapt to the driving style for the area you are in, and save yourself some pain.

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

The point I was trying to make is that I wasn’t being reckless and putting other people at risk. The light had just turned and I came to the conclusion that proceeding through the light was actually the safest option. I agree that one needs to adapt to the local culture and customs when traveling abroad. It’s something I need to work on.

[@reneenewell-boucher852]

Love your videos! Thanks. It looks so beautiful there!

[@СергейПетров-в7д2я]

Good video. You a big talent man!

[@alpacino9177]

Great video; thanks for sharing!

[@william2582]

You are really amazing!

[@martinwilliams9776]

Enjoyed your video. Well done👍💪

[@cooltwittertag]

Those long distance paths connect all of germany together

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

Very cool!

[@SingaporeUntold]

Wishing your channel more subs ❤

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

Thanks for your support ❤️

[@stein-fredrikholm2042]

Once again, thak you for the film 😃👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@MariiaMikhailova]

How do u think, in general, is it easy going to any points/cities in Germany? Also how’s situation with moving your bike by train or bus? Thanks, nice video

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

It’s actually pretty easy but you may have some difficulties the first time. Once you figure out how the system works, it should be easy. There are lots of rules, like what times when bikes are allowed and also which trains allow bikes. You also need to purchase a ticket for your bike as well, which is actually not easy to find in the menu on the ticket machine. But once you have that all figured out, it should be easy.

[@LukasSchratz]

You should call that "road cycling in Austria", as most of your trip seems to be austrian roads... along Achensee, along the Inn...

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

I think a big part of traveling to Munich for cycling, is the ability to take a train to ride in the mountains. Including Austria. Most of the locals I spoke to don’t do this on any kind of regular basis, if ever, but I think for a foreigner, it’s a pretty cool aspect of cycling in Munich.

[@kwcmau]

Would love to see more of your European trips and rides. Any tips for how you navigate the drone regulations to get your footage?

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

Will have to do a video on that sometime soon

[@Y3riel]

Glad i found this channel. Awesome content. Thanks for sharing. Are you renting bikes where you travel to or bringing your own? Thanks

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

I always travel with my own bike. To be honest, it’s often a huge hassle to do this so you really have to decide if it’s worth it for you.

[@tomruth9487]

@@JohnnyZeeLee Do you think a soft bike bag would be a bad idea for travel? There are times I like to ride from the airpor,t but that was many years ago. When I first started traveling with a bike (1966 or so) you could put your bike on an airplane with no box or bag. When I go to Thailand in January, I plan to take an older bike, so that if it gets damaged, it won't be the end of the world. loved the music on this video as always. What a different culture.

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

@@tomruth9487I really don't recommend a soft case. On my recent trip to Europe, I had 2 bent rotors and a deep scratch in my frame. Having said that, I know many people that travel quite a bit and use a soft case with no problems...but personally, I will never use a soft case again.

[@tomruth9487]

@@JohnnyZeeLee Thanks for your input.

[@pandadimsumtruck3757]

@@tomruth9487 For cost savings i take apart an old (non-disc) bike into a cardboard box and a soft bag each meeting the free baggage 23kg requirements. found out only 26" wheels fit the cardboard box dimensions. (700c wheels exceed it). so far no damage, just scuffles.

[@shannonlucas4]

So I initially started watching your vids after visiting Japan, but I also recently was in Munich briefly 😂 bike touring along the Danube River is very popular in that area, if you are sticking around for a while. Although I don't think it's as pretty as the mountains here. If you find yourself in the PNW in Portland, give me a shout for the local bike tour

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

Would love to visit Portland sometime!

[@boreqyas]

Come to Switzerland ❤️

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

I will one day. Furka pass! 😍

[@superbrian113]

If he thinks Germany is pricy- then Switserland is not for him.

[@KennethMesser1]

Hey very random that you are in my adopted city!! If you are still in town let me know, we want to go for a ride this Sunday. Can understand your disappointment with Munich. It's not a sightseeing city and better to know some people there. Hope you pass through again!

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

Thank you. I left Munich quite some time ago 🍻

[@danzaokid]

10:10 Food price comparisons were between Austria and Germany.... Are hotel prices lower too? 21:40 Was there a fine? In USA there are 13 States that passed the "Idaho Stop" law - The Idaho stop is the common name for laws that allow bicyclists to treat a stop sign as a yield sign, and a red light as a stop sign (varies by State - Wikipedia). Most were passed within the last 3 years.

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

Yes that comparison was from Austria and Germany. Italy and Spain were similar to Austria. I didn’t stay overnight in Austria…and I stayed in Airbnb for the rest of my trip except in Milan. So comparing Milan and Munich, the price I think was comparable but in Milan I was in the city center and in Munich I was in the outskirts. Interesting about Idaho Stop. The cop really wanted to give me a ticket but in the end he let me off.

[@pandadimsumtruck3757]

@@JohnnyZeeLee Belgium and France mark some traffic lights with red-as-yield signs. At these lights, cyclists can ignore red when turning right or continuing straight. Turning left remains not allowed under a red light. The plan has been in the works since 2012. following in the footsteps of Idaho ( since 1982).

[@cyclobyte]

Hey Johnny, great video as always! Question - how did you plan your tours in Chiang Mai - Garmin? Komoot?

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

I always use Strava to plan all my routes. The heatmaps are quite useful. For Chiang Mai, I live there so I know a lot of routes already. You can DM me on Instagram if you’re looking to visit and need some help with routes.

[@cyclobyte]

@@JohnnyZeeLee thanks! Contact u when there this december.

[@pugo91]

what about your descending position with fingers on top of the handle? is it because it is comfy? I doubt it is a safe and strong enough grip for such speeds

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

I agree it’s not ideal but with that bike, I could never get the levers close enough to reach when in the drops. My current bike allows me to descend in the drops which is definitely safer. Having said that, I’ve done a lot of descending with my hands on the hoods too. It helps to understand the limitations of riding in this position.

[@sitcomnerds1085]

which cycle did you used?

[@markw6193]

What is your plan while in Germany? More loop trips or point-to-point, ie touring? Oh ya, let us see your Garmin a bit more often -- fun to see your speed/distance. And ya, I have heard that the German law requires bike tires to match the season you are in. The investment in (and quality of) bike paths is just astounding to those of us in Jakarta. Keep on posting yoru great videos! Well done!

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

I am not really doing any touring on this trip. I took a bus from Munich to Merano.

[@MesoScale]

Bike tires do not have to match seasons, but car tires do.

[@timrowland9422]

Have you tried Warm showers?

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

I know of warm showers but have never used it myself.

[@jieon_doit]

Beautiful route! How did you move from city to another city in Europe? Wondering how did you make it to travel with your luggage and bike all together!

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

Honestly, it was difficult and stressful. I took it all on the train but I totally regret it.

[@jieon_doit]

@@JohnnyZeeLee Thankss! would there be better options or ways if you go again?

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

@@jieon_doit I would fly. I know it can get expensive with all the taxis to the airport. But actually, I think I would not try to visit so many cities in one trip. I think it’s better to pick one place and stay for longer.

[@jieon_doit]

@@JohnnyZeeLee ahh yea it helps me a lot! Thanks so much🥰

[@apmde]

München's pretty expensive compared to a lot of where I traveled in Germany last year! I felt that Berlin was even a little less expensive at times. Lots of places in Germany can be relatively cheap!

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

Hmm good to know

[@cooltwittertag]

Berlin is def a lot less expensive because we are poorer 😅

[@Leezenlust_CyclingEurope-mq3jk]

Great video. If you are looking for low prices in Europe, I would recommend Portugal.

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

Portugal is lovely. I’ve visited before but never with a bike. How’s the cycling there?

[@johnrobertd748]

Always eat something

[@leojonkers3181]

Is Germany a good destination for a cycling holida, yes! Followe the Rhine, no climming.

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

I like climbing 😄

[@rauberhotzenplotz6865]

Like it! Your anecdotal evidence on food prices is misleading! In general, you can assume that Austria is generally 10-20% more expensive. For example, VAT is higher (basic food/everything else: 10%/21% vs 7%/19%). Nevertheless, you can of course find expensive and cheap places everywhere. And you quickly learn that you should avoid buying your coffee at a gas station.

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

I don’t want to dispute anything you’re saying…but from the perspective of someone who is just visiting, the cost of things at the store were much cheaper in Austria. I wish I could avoid but I really need a coffee in the morning all the time. There’s no other option but to get coffee at the gas station when riding early in the morning. I can’t be alone in this. At least anyone like me can be warned so it’s not so shocking when you see it.

[@timrowland9422]

The way the road rules are applied in Asia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia in particular, is far superior to Europe where most of the regulations are ridiculous and far too strict. It’s a real pity that the culture of Germany is to make eye contact, but without a smile. As opposed to Asia where there’s always a smile. Always. Asia = humanity, hospitality and compassion. Europe = cold stares, business and lack of connection. Btw, I’ve been cycling the world for 6 years. I have no home, and therefore rely on humanity to feel at home.

[@cooltwittertag]

Try northern germany, it might be flat but the people love cycling (especially touring and bikepacking) and always greet with a smile

[@sanynava]

How do film with that big camera and then how do you put it back without stopping the bike one handed, and not crashing? 😂 Arent you nervous something might come up and you have to brake suddenly, one handed ? I had second hand anxiety just watching that. Also on a side note bro there's no point in just complaining about the price in every damn sentence... There are cheap countries and then they're are expensive countries....what's the point ? Have you been back to Canada lately ?? It's just a mute point...you knew the situation the moment you decided to book a flight to Europe and then act surprised 😅

[@JohnnyZeeLee]

Actually there’s no point in your comment. Like at all. First, complaining about the price in every damn sentence is a bit of an exaggeration. Second, I clearly demonstrate that Germany is way more expensive than other countries in Europe, like Austria. Third, the reason I say this is because I was genuinely surprised at how much more it costs than other places in Europe and someone else watching this, who’s planning a trip to Germany may also not know just how much more it is. Like what is the purpose of this comment?