ITALY to UK | STAGE #3&4 - Strasbourg - Mannhiem, BIKE PACKING RHEINE (EuroVelo 15 Rhine Rad Weg)

Stage #3 & 4 of my Bike Packing Ride from Italy to the UK in 8 stages, through 8 countries:
ITALY, SWITZERLAND, LIECHTENSTEIN, AUSTRIA, GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, UK.
This video covers Bregenz, Austria - Mannhim, Germany.
Day 3 cycle North about the Bodensee (Lake Constance) with a visit to Friedrichshafen, home of the Zepplin. Then a ferry and short train trip over the Black Forest to Offenburg.
Day 4 Pick up the Eurovelo 15 Rheine Rad eg from Strasbourg to Mannheim.
Bike:
FELT AR2

[@mandyfarmer8735]

Really enjoying watching your videos.

[@divum]

Oh thanks Mandy. Glad to have you along for the ride🚲👍

[@MrShiffard]

Rim brake carbon wheels in the wet? Yup, I feel your pain! Looks idyllic by the banks of the river. Another quality film Andy.

[@divum]

You very well know my problems with poor brakes...👀 Thanks Dave🚲🙏

[@ljd8520]

Youll laugh at this, but I enjoyed your rant about school kids and cycling facilities. My first son, actually lives in Konstanz so I've never had to stress about those issues. I will cycle the opposite direction in May 24, but just as dar as KN aiming for 5 days but zero luggage just handlebar bar bag.

[@divum]

Thanks for your comment. Glad you had a chuckle!👍🏻😁

[@MatHall]

Just found your videos, watching your rhine trip on the tele. Brilliantly professionally made! Really enjoying the series. Cheers!

[@divum]

Thanks Matt, very kind of you to leave a nice comment. ATB

[@Biking360]

Also wanted to add that for long rides, as you eluded too, I don't think a ruck sack is the best option. Not only for comfort but also because of back issues. Happy cycling. Jay

[@divum]

Quite so. Unfortunately on this occasion I had little choice. (Work laptop, etc!!!)

[@Biking360]

@@divum I understand! Bike touring always seems to be a compromise of some sort. I gave my laptop back to my youngest son on day six when he joined us for the day. I wanted to lighten the load and focus on the rides. I was lucky though as no work commitments so I could do without it for a couple of weeks.

[@divum]

@@Biking360 i should have posted it back!!! 📦📯📫

[@welshpaddler]

Impressive mileages no doubt helped by those great cycle paths.

[@divum]

Thanks. Yep long days in the saddle. But fantastic route. ,👍🚲

[@markrichardson5374]

Good riding and a well deserved walk down the river for a beer. Really enjoying watching this adventure. Well done so far!

[@divum]

Thanks very much Mark, I hope the remaining stages keep your interest,🤞

[@chrisbardell]

Amazing cycle paths, must have been a relief after the mountains. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Thanks.

[@divum]

Cheers Chris. Yep, and the sun came out! Thanks for sticking with me,👍

[@Tony-ug1mv]

Really enjoying your adventures. I’ve never been camping myself but you certainly have to be trusting leaving your bike and equipment unattended😳 Great cycle tracks too, something which is certainly lacking (back in the UK) on my side of the County, your side is a bit more proactive ie Marriott’s Way & Weaver’s Way. Our disused lines are crying out to be made into cycle routes…..moan over☺️

[@divum]

What!!! You've never been camping! Oh Tony.... You're right about bike safety, I was worried, but camp sites were secure. I always locked the bike if I need to leave it.🗝️🚲

[@Tony-ug1mv]

@@divum Yep, no camping I’m afraid (holding head in shame😬).

[@boerinmetkoeien7190]

I like your journey! The south of Germany is beautiful. I can see that the backpack is slowing you down, but why didn't you ride a touring bike with panniers? Your bike looks very light and fast, not at all like a touring bike. But maybe I'm wrong. I'm looking forward to the next video!

[@divum]

Hi, you are quite right! A touring bike has completely different geometry, but I don't have one! Nor do I have panniers...... So I used my aero bike and bike bags. (They did the job...but not the rucksack😭) Thanks for watching 👍🚲

[@conradreimer]

When I saw you on the episode 1 with the backpack, I thought of two things. Either the guy is a rock or it's gonna be trouble. Yeah - I've learned my backpack lesson too - The Hard Way :):):) I like that you sharing your experience and thoughts out loud. That way It's easy to learn from other people experience. Hope to see you on the road. From Basel down to The Netherlands which side of the Rhine will you recommend to take with the roadbike?

[@divum]

Thanks Conrad. Unfortunately I had no choice about the rucksack because it had some work stuff in it that needed to get to UK.....I should have shipped it separately!!!

[@grazza-cm8oj]

Great video. I'm off doing a similar trip next month along EV15 and EV4 in Holland/Germany. And it'll be my first time proper touring. I see you travel alone with what looks like quite an expensive bike. How did you feel about bike security? In supermarket stops, at restaurants and at campsites? My bike is my pride and joy. Losing it is the one thing I'm a little bit anxious about for the trip.

[@divum]

Thanks very much. Bike security is a serious issue. I used a lock when in shops and at night, but basically kept it in sight. Good luck with your ride. 🚲👍🏻

[@stephenvis]

Amazing. How did the road bike hold up? DO you think a touring bike is essential? I'm contemplating doing the 15 with a road bike cause I love riding it bit saw that some people deemed it unwise for the roads are simply not suitable often.

[@divum]

A road bike is just fine. It's all I got! You don't need a touring bike necessary. All I recommend is...... don't take a ruck sack!!!!

[@Biking360]

Good ride. Out of interest what sleeping bag are you using and what's the weather rating? I'm asking because I've had issues with mine.

[@divum]

It's a mountain warehouse Extreme 3 season lightweight down. 840g, comfort temp. 7/2 degrees C, extreme temp -12. I find it perfect for temperature down to +5, then I wear a down jacket as well

[@Biking360]

@@divum interesting. I have the exact same sleeping bag but was cold!!

[@divum]

@@Biking360 sorry to hear that. I have 2! One I use wild camping and I have washed several times, that one is definitely colder, because the down/feathers clump and never fully recover

[@robertsmme]

Did you take a lock?

[@divum]

Yes Martin, i took a combination 🔒

[@BlackPrinc1000]

The fork looks pretty average to me…

[@divum]

Big thumb 👍🏻