Outdoor
E-bike tour through the Northern Black Forest
Author: Corinna David
21 January 2021
Bernd the bike
Anyone around Bad Liebenzell Anyone who gets on a bike will inevitably cross paths with Bernd Paul at some point. The friendly retiree offers guided e-bike tours. From culinary experiences to challenging climbs, there's something for everyone.
“Hi everyone, I’m Bernd,” the cheerful tour guide introduces himself to his participants. And immediately afterwards, to soften his sporty appearance of cycling jersey, toned calves and sunglasses, he adds: “I’ll ride with you all very civilly, no need to panic.”
This is a particularly welcome piece of advice on the culinary e-bike tour . The tour leads from restaurant to restaurant, where a glass of wine is sometimes ordered with the meal, and there's plenty of chatting. The entertainment factor is clearly the main focus. After just ten minutes, once everyone has gotten used to their battery-powered bike, the first restaurant is headed for: the appetizer is already waiting.
Culinary excursion in the region
After a short break to digest their meal, the group sets off for an hour on forest trails towards the main course. What's served each day is left to the chef's discretion, making it a surprise for everyone at the table, including Bernd. Between the main course and dessert lies another 45 minutes of pure Black Forest enjoyment: valleys, forests, and gravel paths. The culinary bikers cover roughly 20 kilometers of unpaved roads on their tour. "You can ride on the road without me," says Bernd, "I'm in charge of the forest." That's why he's happy to mark the routes on the participants' maps for them to ride again later, for those who enjoy it.
And there are quite a few of them. During his culinary tour, he sees Bad LiebenzellHe always sees familiar faces. To avoid boring the repeat customers and himself, he likes to spontaneously change the route. "The restaurants we visit are fixed; they need to be able to plan. But I always drive the tour according to my mood."
Photos: Locher Fotodesign & Manufaktur / Leisure and Tourism Bad Liebenzell
Relaxing on the high plateau
Things get more sporty on the classic e-bike tour Yes. But this tour is not a grueling ride and will be individually adapted to the riding ability of the group. Whether the flatter eastern route or the steeper paths west of the Nagold Whether the route offers panoramic views, a short or long journey, Bernd Paul decides all of that after the first few minutes.
The participants are mostly of a more mature age and want to test whether and how an e-bike can extend their range of activities. "Should I buy it, or shouldn't I? – that's a question that often comes up," he explains, "and they want to know: How do I get from the valley?" Bad Liebenzell "250 meters of elevation gain?" For many, this natural barrier is almost insurmountable with a normal bicycle.
But what about an e-bike? Even the passionate sports enthusiast Bernd is thrilled: "It's amazing how you can fly up the mountains!" The bikers cover 30 to 40 kilometers of battery-assisted forest roads in the three-hour tour. They only stop for a coffee. And a slice of cake? Of course, there's always time for that!
