Bike the Rhine

German's are mad for their bike paths. Some sources estimate that there are over 5,000 miles of dedicated bicycle lanes. As a biker, I think that number seems low. Everywhere we go there are paths filled with bicyclers. I can get pretty much wherever I want on my bike — without being among the cars or on the side walk.

One of the best places to ride in the area is along the Rhine. With paved paths on both sides of the river, this is a beautiful, relatively easy terrain. Major cities, such as Bonn and Cologne, have bridges to make it easy to get from one side to the other. In other area the best way to cross is on a ferry. The ferry from Königswinter to Bad Godesburg, for example is fast, leaves frequently, and cost less then 2 Euros for one person and their bike.

Although tour books say that the most beautiful part of the Rhine is found between Koblantz and Mainz, the stretch around Bonn it's too bad...especially on a bike.