Today's 52km #kickbike #Ride was between Rutherglen and Wangaratta, via Boorhaman - a bit more indirect than the other rides between Rutherglen and Wangaratta that I've done in the last few months and was about 10km longer. It was the longest Kickbike Ride I've done in the last 2 months, and possibly the longest Kickbike I've done so far this year.

#footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #kickbikesportg4 #exercise #cycling #countryside

The week just completed was my 1st 110km of Kickbiking in a week in at least the last 10 weeks, and more than 2000km of Kickbiking for the year so far.

#kickbiking #footbiking #exercise #cycling

Today's 44.8km #kickbike #ride started in Wodonga and passed through Barnawatha, Cornishtown, and ended in Rutherglen. Most of the ride was in a #rural setting with #farmland, and #mountains either nearby or in the distance. The weather was about perfect for cycling, about 18°C, blue skies, and a light tailwind most of the time. Roads were asphalt and gravel / dirt, with not much traffic.

#footbike #footbiking #kickbiking #kickbikesportg4 #cycling #bluesky #exercise

Map and photos of today's 41km #kickbike #ride between Rutherglen and Wangaratta. Includes a photo of a Vline Vlocity train near Bowser.

I bettered the ride I did back in May between Rutherglen and Wangaratta by at least 5 minutes (probably closer to 10 minutes as today's ride was longer distance and was 5 minutes shorter), and about 1kph higher avg speed.

#kickbikesportg4 #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #exercise #countryside #farmland #strava #stravacycling #vline #vlocity #victoriantrains #trains

On today's 6.1km #kickbike #ride I reached Füssen and completed the whole challenge on @the_conqueror_challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge .

#romanticroad #germany #europe #cycling #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #exercise #virtualchallenge #exercisechallenge

On today's 14km #kickbike #ride I reached Schongau and Hohenfurch on The Conqueror Challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge .

Located along the River Lech is the new town of Schongau. Although it is over 700 years old, the original Schongau used to be a few miles to the northeast of the current town. Sometime in the 13th century a large number of residents moved from the old Schongau and established a new settlement. When they left they took the town’s name with them.

On the banks of Schönach River sits the rural village of Hohenfurch and its 1500 residents. The village is surrounded by expansive meadows and forests and it is a holiday destination for those who enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, cycling, horse riding and cross-country skiing to name a few. South of the village on a hill is the charming Gothic Chapel of St Ursula. Built around 1520 the chapel was dedicated to St Ursula, the patron saint of raftsmen.

#romanticroad #germany #europe #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #cycling #exercise #virtualchallenge

On today's 21km #kickbike #ride I reached Landsberg on @the_conqueror_challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge . I'm now completed over 80% of the challenge.

The picturesque town of Landsberg located on the River Lech was once a major salt route in the middle ages. In the same fashion as Friedberg it collected salt duties as a source of income and later added river taxes.

The town is a collection of pastel coloured buildings but the most impressive is the ornately decorated old town hall. Built in the 1700’s the building is three storeys high with a richly detailed stucco façade. The windows increase in size with each floor indicating the importance of the rooms behind them. The first two floors display significant paintings by Herkomer whilst the third floor is a ballroom with frescoes depicting the town’s history.

#romanticroadgermany #germany #europe #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #exercise #cycling #virtualchallenges

On today's 18km #kickbike #ride I reached Friedberg on @the_conqueror_challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge .

Only 8km from Augsburg is the town of Friedberg. It was founded in the mid-13th century by the Bavarian Duke Ludwig II to protect the salt route and the borders against the powerful neighbouring Augsburgers who at the time wanted their territory across the River Lech.

#exercise #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #cycling #romanticroadgermany #germany #europe #virtualchallenges

On today's 10.3km #kickbike #ride I reached Augsburg on The Conqueror Challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge .

Augsburg is one of the oldest cities in Germany, it is the third biggest city in Bavaria with a population of 300,000 residents (885,000 if you include the metro area) and a university town. Founded in 15BC by the Romans, it was named August Vindelicorum after Emperor Augustus. The city was home to the noble families Fugger and Welser who controlled European banking in the 16th century. The Water Management System of Augsburg became a UNESCO site in 2019.

#exercise #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #virtualchallenges #romanticroadgermany #germany #europe

On today's 14.4km #kickbike #ride I reached Rain on The Conqueror Challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge .

Rain is a small town of 8,800 residents located near the River Lech. It was founded in the mid-13th century for strategic purposes. Protecting Bavaria from the northwest, Rain was also a collection point for customs from those crossing the bridge over the river.

The Battle of Rain took place in 1632 during the Thirty Years’ War. The battle was between the Swedish Protestant army and the Catholic League (a Holy Roman Empire coalition) commanded by the Count of Tilly. During the battle Tilly and his second in command were severely injured, leaving the army leaderless. The army withdrew and shortly after Tilly died from his wound. A monument commemorating Tilly was erected in 1914 in front of the Town Hall.

#romanticroad #germany #europe #virtualchallenges #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #cycling #exercise

On today's 29km #kickbike #ride I reached Harburg & Donauwörth on The Conqueror Challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge .

The small medieval village of Harburg is located in the Bavarian region of Swabia. It has a population of 5,500 residents and it sits between the banks of Wörnitz River and the castle hill with Harburg Castle rising above it. Its origins date back to the 12th century when it was owned by the Hohenstaufen family, a noble dynasty that rose to rule the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages (1138-1254).

Donauwörth sites at the confluence of the Wörnitz and the Danube Rivers sits. It began as a fishing settlement around the 10th century. The old town is located on an island surrounded by Wörnitz River and connected to the rest of the city by a wooden bridge via the oldest surviving town gate known as the Riedertor. Right through the centre of the old town runs Reichstrasse, a street lined with colourful houses built over multiple levels that were once homes to the nobility.

#romanticroadgermany #germany #exercise #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #cycling #virtualchallenges #europe

On today's 18.5km #kickbike #ride I reached Nördlingen on The Conqueror Challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge .

This is a town that is as old as time or at the very least the location certainly is. The town itself was built in a crater which was a result of a meteorite striking at 43,496mi/h (70,000km/h). The diameter of the crater is 15mi (25km) wide and the town sits within its depression.

A climb to the top of St George’s Cathedral clock tower presents an aerial view of the town, the crater and the fully preserved town wall. The 15th century Cathedral was built out of rock known as suevite. This type of rock is typically formed during an impact event such as the asteroid crashing. The clock tower is 300ft (90m) tall and affectionately named “Daniel” by the locals.

In the old locomotive sheds of Nördlingen Station is the Bavarian Railway Museum and home to more than 100 railway vehicles. Nördlingen’s depot was built in 1851 and was used by steam locomotives until 1966 when they were replaced by diesel locomotives and rail buses. In 1985 the depot was adapted to a museum.

#romanticroadgermany #germany #exercise #cycling #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #virtualchallenges #europe #railwaymuseum

On today's 21.5km #kickbike #ride I reached Wallerstein on @the_conqueror_challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge .

Wallerstein came into existence in 1238 when it was initially known as Steinheim. Originally owned by Emperor Barbarossa, ownership was transferred to the House of Oettingen in 1250. The Oettingens developed and brought prosperity to the town until they lost their independence in 1806 and the town was enveloped into Bavaria.

#romanticroadgermany #germany #virtualchallenges #exercise #cycling #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking

On today's 14.2km #kickbike #ride I reached Dinkelsbühl & passed the 40% completed mark of The Conqueror Challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge .

Dinkelsbühl remains one of the best preserved medieval towns in Germany. The town is surrounded by a complete fortified wall with 16 towers and four fully preserved tower gates.

Inside the town wall is the 15th century Gothic hall church with a 13th century tower portal leading to an interior of 22 pillars supporting a vaulted roof. The Neo-Gothic high altar with a shrine circa 1490 is flanked by highly decorated side altars dating from the early 1500s. On display is a tablet from 1520 depicting the ten commandments and a walk up the tower presents the visitor with a view over the town.

#romanticroadgermany #germany #virtualchallenges #exercise #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #cycling

On today's 9.6km #kickbike #ride I reached Feuchtwangen on The Conqueror Challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge .

#exercise #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #virtualchallenges #Germany #romanticroadgermany

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctgd2GkPAbH/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

On today's 29km #kickbike #ride I reached Röttingen, Creglingen & Rothenburg ob der Tauber on @the_conqueror_challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge .

First mentioned as Rutingen in 1103AD, the small town of Röttingen is known for its Franconian Festival that has been held every year for the last 30 years at Brattenstein Castle, and for it's sundials. Scattered along a 1.2mi (2km) circular route are 25 different types of sundials. The idea came from Kurt Fuchslocher, a master locksmith who loved sundials and their simple mechanics. He set about creating and building all the sundials in various styles and were added to Röttingen’s landscape in 1984.The open-air theatre features musicals, operettas, theatre and bands.

Set amongst the hills is the pretty little town of Creglingen and its population of 4,700 residents. Its main attraction is the 14th century Church of our Lord. In 1384, a piece of undamaged communion wafer (bread) was found in a peasant’s field. Believing that the wafer was the cause of miracles the local Lords built a chapel shortly after. Carved out of wood in early 1500 by gothic-sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider, the altar is a fine and intricate design of figures made from linden trees with the altar wings made of pine trees. During the Reformation period, the altar wings were closed instead of destroyed and remained that way for the next 300 years indirectly providing the best form of preservation throughout the centuries.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a beautifully preserved town and one of only three cities in Germany that has completely intact city walls, dating back to 1070AD. A walk around the wall is approximately 1.8mi (3km) long although in some sections there are houses backing onto the wall obstructing complete access for the full walk.

#romanticroadgermany #germany #exercise #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #europe #virtualchallenges

https://www.instagram.com/p/CtVdpbqR7DP/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

On today's 10.4km #kickbike #ride I reached Weikersheim on @the_conqueror_challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge .

Weikersheim is a small town of 7,358 residents but it is the Renaissance Palace and its Versailles style gardens that it is known for.

Weikersheim Palace was once the medieval seat of the princely House of Hohenlohe. Originally built in the 12th century, by the late 16th century it was rebuilt into a Renaissance Palace with the exception of the tall tower which was left as a symbol of its history. One of the most remarkable rooms is the ornate Mirror Cabinet. The walls in the room are covered with deep red wallpaper and decorated with gold trimmings, small mirrors and brackets to display the collection of porcelain, silver and precious stones figurines, and tin-glazed pottery from Ansbach, Germany.

The even more significant room is the 17th century Knight’s Hall. At 131ft (40m) in length, the entire wooden ceiling was attached to the roof structure without needing to use supports. Within each wooden frame is a painting of a hunting scene. The walls are decorated with stucco sculptures, large animal figures and grand master paintings. Entry is via a portal and directly opposite the room is the striking 30ft (9m) fireplace embellished with reliefs and figurines and the 15ft (4.5m) chandelier.

The outside gardens are a feast of symmetry and regularity. Designed as a continuation of the castle, the garden path is bordered by colourful flowers, sandstone sculptures of ancient gods and a large pool at the end. Box hedges surround floral beds, a central fountain has a statue of Hercules holding a dragon with its head tilted up spitting jets of water from its mouth and the orangery with its two wings, large arched windows and large stone figures on the roof is a greenhouse for palm trees, citrus plants and other exotic plants.

#romanticroadgermany #virtualchallenge #exercise #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #cycling #germany

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On today's 9.4km #kickbike #ride I reached Bad Mergentheim on The Conqueror Challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge. I have also now completed more than 20% of the challenge's distance.

Officially recognised as a spa town since 1926, Bad Mergentheim is a one stop-shop for relaxation and rejuvenation. As one of the largest health resorts in the state of Baden-Württemberg, the town receives more than 100,000 visitors each year.

The stunning Spa Park is an outdoor oasis of peace and tranquility amongst greenery, exotic and native trees, and beds of vibrant floral displays. You can listen to the sounds of tweeting birds or observe the perfectly choreographed dancing water move to a piece of music at the fountains. Even better to see it at night when the coloured lights are on adding another layer to the routine. Small waterfalls, a granite arched bridge and exotic plants make up the Japanese garden offering calmness and balance or a colourful feast of blooming roses can be experienced in the Rose Garden with its collection of 30 different varieties.

During the Middle Ages, Bad Mergentheim was headquarters to the Teutonic Order. Their purpose was to help Christians on the pilgrimage to the Holy Land and to build hospitals. Referred to as Teutonic Knights, the military order was made up of both volunteers and mercenaries. Mergentheim Palace is the town’s landmark building and was the home base of the Teutonic Order until 1809. Built in the 12th century it was expanded several times for the next 800 years. Dominated by the palace church, the interior is a work of art featuring elaborate ceiling frescoes, whilst the crypt below the church is the burial site of the order’s grand masters. Today the palace is a museum exhibiting the Order’s history.

#romanticroad #romanticroadgermany #germany #exercise #footbike #kickbiking #footbiking #cycling

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Today's 10km #kickbike #ride brought me through Lauda-Königshofen on The Conqueror Challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge .

Lauda and Königshofen are two neighbouring towns known for their hillside vineyards on either side of the Tauber Valley. The diversity of grapes in the area produce a wide variety of red and white wines. Depending on your palate, in the white wine range there’s the Bacchus with its strong bouquet, the Gewürtztraminer that may be anywhere from sweet to dry or Silvaner with its full-bodied pear flavour. If red is more to your liking how about a black Riesling with its ruby red color and velvety aroma but not too strong a flavour; or maybe a more modern grape, the Acolon. Created in 1971, the Acolon has a terrific, intense colour but the grape was only officially recognised thirty years later. Now well established it is a complimentary wine to a meat based dish or a platter of hard cheese.

Lauda-Königshofen is not a tourist destination, just more of an overnight stopover unless of course you want to sample the various vineyards in the area. However, when the Königshöfer Messe, a folk festival, comes to town, the area attracts more than 150,000 visitors. This 10 days festival has been running for over 500 years offering music, culinary specialties, a running race with various categories, amusement park and trade fair.

Half-timbered houses, museums, historical stone bridges or a stroll along the Tauber river may be a more preferred option for a quieter experience. Several churches date back to 18th century, whilst many of the half-timbered houses date back to as early as the 16th century.

#romanticroad #germany #kickbiking #footbike #footbiking #cycling #exercise #fitnesschallenges

https://www.instagram.com/p/CtLO76-RpvG/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

Today's 8.9km #kickbike #ride brought me to Tauberbischofsheim on the Cinqueror Challenges Romantic Road virtual #challenge .

Tauberbischofsheim is located within the state of Baden-Württemberg on the Tauber River and it is the capital city of the Main-Tauber district. Based on prehistoric finds, the area was settled around 3,000BC, however, the first mention of the town was in 836AD and known as Bischofsheim (Bishop’s Place). Since other towns carried the same name in 1850 Tauber (the name of the river) was added to give its current name.

Landmark buildings such as Chapel of S. Peter, Kurmainz Castle and Türmersturm Tower were built in the 12th and 13th centuries and at one time the entire town was surrounded by a defensive wall. Half-timbered houses and the gothic revival town hall encircle the central plaza (marktplatz).

#romanticroad #germany #virtualchallenge #fitnesschallenge #exercise #kickbiking #footbike #footbiking #cycling

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