Get on your bike and embark on an adventure
Explore castles and palaces, climb steep vineyards, discover certified premium hiking trails and cycle routes along the Rhine and Moselle: The UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley is the ideal place to be active on vacation. If you want to discover the region on two wheels, you should be able to pedal properly. Road cyclist Dustin Streeck takes you into his territory - insider tips included!
However, the search for like-minded people proved difficult: although there were cycling clubs in the area, he didn't find the team spirit he knew from soccer there. Without further ado, he founded the Race Vélo Club himself, which brings together racing bike and mountain bike enthusiasts in the region. In the summer months, Dustin Streeck and a group of like-minded people go for an extended after-work ride on Wednesdays "A different route every week, but it should be 40-60 km," he explains.
The region around Koblenz offers a breathtaking backdrop for cyclists. The picturesque landscape along the Rhine and Moselle, paired with castles, palaces and charming wine villages, is not only varied, but also caters to every route profile. The numerous cycle paths are well signposted and allow everyone - whether road cyclists, mountain bikers or e-cyclists - to explore the area at their own pace.
"If you like cycling on flat terrain, the Moselle valley or the banks of the Rhine are perfect for you," explains Dustin Streeck, "most of our tours also start on flat terrain. Depending on your mood and fitness level, you can then make detours to the hilly areas to the right and left of the rivers. It never gets boring here, there's always something new to see!"
Dustin Streeck is particularly proud of the Social Charity Ridesthat the association organizes in cooperation with the Lotto Kern-Haus cycling team. in 2021, a charity ride for flood victims in the Ahr valley raised over 25,000 euros. "300 participants on the road for a good cause, including former Tour de France riders. That was great!" he recalls. in addition to the free rides, the RVC offers various events such as the Social Sunday Rideor the new RVC Across Valleys event format.
The community concept is important to him, and his enthusiasm for cycling is infectious: The Race Vélo Club now even rides in winter - digitally, at home in front of the screen! For the future, Streeck would like to see an app that helps the cycling community to network, more partnerships and perhaps a cycling café at some point. Until then, the summer rides usually end in the classic way: with a visit to the beer garden.