23 Sep 2016
The Black Forest: the Great Outdoors on 2 Wheels
Dense forest, sunny mountain tops, spectacular views, serene lakes, romantic valleys: that's the Black Forest. This region of SouthWest Germany has long been one of Europe´s most popular destinations for British holidaymakers. But the unspoiled scenery provides much more than just a backdrop for holiday selfies. The Great Outdoors is the main event. With some 5,000 miles of marked trails, cyclists, mountain bikers, e-bikers, scooters and Scroosers (the hottest innovation) have perfect conditions for fun-filled days. Away from busy roads, these family-friendly cycle paths crisscross the Black Forest. What's more they hook in to convenient and free public transport.
www.blackforest-highlights.com
Karlsruhe: Scrooser City
No noisy engine, no exhaust fumes: the Scrooser is the two-wheeled, battery-powered electric scooter that is taking Europe by storm. With its fat tyres and comfy seat, the Scrooser is easy to steer and control, allowing you to cruise around town using little muscle power or energy. At first glance, this lifestyle vehicle looks a bit like Batman's motorbike, but it works like a regular scooter. Push off with your foot and as soon as you get up to 2mph, the electric motor kicks in. Top speed is 15mph, perfect for exploring Karlsruhe, the first city in the world to introduce city tours by Scrooser.
www.karlsruhe-tourismus.de/en/book/group-offers/Athletic-tours
Baiersbronn: Hiking and mountain biking heaven
World-famous as a gastronomic destination, the village of Baiersbronn is surrounded by glorious woods and valleys, meadows, streams and national park. And one of the best ways to explore this unspoiled landscape is on two wheels. Choose between bikes, e-bikes or mountain bikes. Part of the 250-mile local network of marked trails is a new mountain bike system. Suggested circular tours range from easy family outings (guided or self-guided) to challenging tests for the most ambitious mountain bikers. Along the way are beautiful views, as well as natural delights, such as still lakes and romantic waterfalls.
www.baiersbronn.de/text/114/en/cycling-und-mountainbiking.html
Freiburg: Downhill scooting
Only 12 miles from the city of Freiburg, Europe's longest scooting course is on the Freiburg Schauinsland. Take the cable car to the summit of this 4,213-ft mountain; savour the views over the Black Forest. Then ride a high-tech scooter down 5 miles of car-free trails through the forest to the valley. With big wheels and high-performance hydraulic disc brakes, these scooters are easy to ride and steer. The trip takes about an hour and is fun for all ages, from 12 years up. The well-priced rental package for these off road/downhill scooters includes helmets, gloves, elbow and knee protectors. Get scooting!
www.schauinslandbahn.de/en/offers/sports/10/scooting-/72
Freudenstadt: Biking, breweries and beauty
If you are a mountain biker, who also appreciates culture, history and local cooking, you will love the testing 36-mile Flösser & Brauer Tour in the northern Black Forest. Starting and finishing in Freudenstadt (it means “happy town”), this trail runs through the Kinzig Valley. Highlights include the source of the Kinzig River in Lossburg and, in Alpirsbach, the 140-year-old Alpirsbacher Klosterbräu brewery and the 900-year-old monastery. Take time to stop at wayside inns to try local dishes and the local beer. TIP: take swimming costumes for a quick dip in the Silbersee lake before the last climb back to Freudenstadt.
regio.outdooractive.com/oar-freudenstadt-stadt/de/tour/radfahren/floesser-brauer-tour/5112575/
Black Forest Highlands: Up, down and all around
Open for mountain bikers since 2015 is the new 87-mile-long Gipfeltrail, combining natural beauty with a physical challenge. The route links a series of peaks (Gipfel in German) around the 4,900-ft Feldberg, the highest mountain in the Black Forest. Along the way, the Gipfeltrail takes in lovely lakes, such as Schluchsee and Titisee, as well as pretty villages including Hinterzarten, Schonau and Todtnau. The test is in the climbing, with a total of 13,000 feet of ups and downs along the way. Do it in a day, or break it up in to several easier stages.
