PressSplit
The mountain bike with the practical saddlebags has served Ralf Schmidtling well for almost 25 years. kröner © Sascha Kröner
Ralf Schmidtling cycled an impressive 894 kilometers from Okriftel to Austria in five days
Hattersheim – I’ve always been a sports enthusiast,” says Ralf Schmidtling. The 54-year-old from Okriftel doesn’t just keep fit with table tennis and badminton. He has taken part in all of Hofheim’s district town races, reports Schmidtling. He has also pedaled in the Giro Hattersheim. The bike tour he attempted last month, however, presented the keen amateur athlete with a challenge. On August 2, Schmidtling got on the saddle of his mountain bike in Okriftel. Five days later, he reached his destination in St. Kanzian on Lake Klopeiner in Austria.
The Okriftel resident cycled 894 kilometers between August 2 and 6. He pedaled for 51 hours and 16 minutes of pure riding time. He can still remember the moment when he stood in front of the Grossglockner on the fourth day. A sign announced 33 kilometers to the top and a 12 percent gradient. “That’s when your head starts to think,” says the 54-year-old. But he didn’t let that dissuade him from his planned tour. By the evening he had made it over the Grossglockner and to Heiligenblut. The next day Schmidtling cycled via Pittal an der Drau and Klagenfurt to St. Kanzian, where his wife Monika was already waiting for the start of their vacation together. “I prefer to transport my bike in the car,” says the Okriftel resident. Ralf Schmidtling admits that after arriving he couldn’t imagine cycling again in the following days.
Schmidtling did not set his goal by chance. The sports enthusiast has spent his holidays at Lake Klopeiner since childhood. Until now, he always reached the holiday resort in the neighboring country by car. “I wanted to go there without a motor,” explains Schmidtling, who climbed 7520 meters in altitude on his tour. He has cycled a lot since he was a child. He also often cycles to work in the Höchster industrial park, reports the machine fitter. Despite this practice, he did not take the marathon trip to Austria lightly. He had prepared by cycling 100 kilometers every weekend since Easter, says the 54-year-old. To get used to the mountain stage, he drove to the Feldberg, among other places.
The trip to Austria was originally planned as a couple. A friend who wanted to accompany him fell ill at short notice, explains Ralf Schmidtling. But he also enjoyed the time in the saddle without company. “In the end, I found it relaxing to ride all by myself,” says the man from Okriftel. His faithful companion was the mountain bike, which he has owned since he was 20 years old. He knows every screw on the bike and does all the repairs himself, reports Schmidtling. On the 200-kilometer-long daily stages, the bike never let him down. The only problem at first was the weather. Because thunderstorms were forecast, he set off a few days later than originally planned. The only problem on the way was the internet reception. At times the navigation was no longer up to date. “I once stood in front of a construction fence,” remembers the 54-year-old. Overall, he even got through better than planned. The man from Okriftel managed the trip to Austria in five days instead of six.
Ralf Schmidtling enjoyed the hospitality along his route. He had his water bottle filled up several times by strangers in gardens. “Not a single one refused,” reports the persistent amateur athlete. He also found some of his accommodation spontaneously, for example by asking farmers. For the future, the cyclist has learned that there are more washing options for his clothes on the XXL bike tour than he had previously thought. “I would take less luggage with me,” says Schmidtling, describing the lesson. Next year, however, the Okriftel native has other plans: He and his friends have planned to cross the Alps, reveals Schmidtling. This time, however, on foot.
Table of Contents
- 1 Here are some PAA (People Also Ask) questions related to the title “Exploring the Beauty of Hattersheim and its Surroundings: Ralf Schmidtling’s Inspiring Cycling Journey”:
- 2 Here are some PAA (People Also Ask) related questions for the title **Ralf Schmidtling’s Epic 894km Cycling Journey from Okriftel to St. Kanzian**:
Exploring the Beauty of Hattersheim and its Surroundings: Ralf Schmidtling’s Inspiring Cycling Journey
Located in the heart of the Rhine-Main region, Hattersheim is a charming town in the Main-Taunus district, known for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and outdoor recreational activities. The town has been home to many sports enthusiasts, including Ralf Schmidtling, a 54-year-old machine fitter from Okriftel, who recently completed an impressive 894-kilometer cycling tour from Okriftel to Austria in just five days.
Schmidtling, an avid cyclist and sports enthusiast, has been cycling since he was a child and has participated in various district town races, including the Giro Hattersheim. His latest adventure, however, presented a new challenge. On August 2, he set off from Okriftel on his trusty mountain bike, which he has owned since he was 20 years old, and pedaled his way to St. Kanzian on Lake Klopeiner in Austria.
The Okriftel resident cycled for 51 hours and 16 minutes of pure riding time, covering a distance of 894 kilometers. He faced several challenges along the way, including a 12 percent gradient climb on the fourth day, but he persevered and made it to the top of the Grossglockner. The next day, he cycled via Pittal an der Drau and Klagenfurt to St. Kanzian, where his wife Monika was waiting for him.
Schmidtling’s journey was not just about the physical challenge, but also about the scenic beauty of the regions he passed through. He enjoyed the picturesque landscapes, the tranquility of the countryside, and the sense of accomplishment that came with completing each stage of his tour.
A Sports Enthusiast with a Passion for Cycling
Ralf Schmidtling’s
Ralf Schmidtling’s Epic 894km Cycling Journey from Okriftel to St. Kanzian
Ralf Schmidtling, a 54-year-old sports enthusiast from Okriftel, has achieved an impressive feat by cycling an astonishing 894 kilometers from Okriftel to St. Kanzian in Austria in just five days [[3]]. This remarkable journey not only showcases Schmidtling’s endurance and determination but also highlights the beauty of cycling as a mode of transportation and exploration.
Schmidtling, who has been an avid cyclist for almost 25 years, embarked on this challenging tour on August 2, pedaling his trusty mountain bike with practical saddlebags that have served him well over the years. The bike tour, which covered a distance of 894 kilometers, took him through picturesque landscapes and scenic routes, including the iconic Grossglockner, which presented a daunting 12 percent gradient [[3]].
Despite the physical demands of the tour, Schmidtling remained determined to reach his destination, drawing on his years of experience participating in district town races and the Giro Hattersheim [[3]]. His unwavering commitment paid off, as he successfully completed the tour in five days, pedaling for an impressive 51 hours and 16 minutes of pure riding time.
Schmidtling’s journey is not only a testament to his physical prowess but also highlights the joys of cycling as a mode of transportation. By choosing to cycle instead of drive, Schmidtling minimized his carbon footprint and experienced the scenic beauty of the Austrian countryside up close [[3]].
Interestingly, Schmidtling has a special connection with St. Kanzian, having spent his summer vacations in the picturesque town for the past 53 years [[1][2]]. The cycling tour was a unique way for him to combine his love for cycling with his annual summer vacation plans.
Ralf Schmidtling’s epic cycling journey from Okriftel to St. Kanzian is an inspiration to cyclists and adventure-seekers alike. His remarkable feat serves as a testament to the power of human endurance, determination, and the joy of cycling as a mode of transportation and exploration.
References:
Optimized keywords: Ralf Schmidtling, cycling, Okriftel, St. Kanzian, Austria, mountain bike, Grossglockner, Hattersheim, Rhine-Main, Main-Taunus district.
