Elderly Gentleman from Gütersloh County creating a stir with an exceptional journey across Turkey.
Revamped Article
Retirement Kick-off on Two Wheels: Rainer Stephan's Epic Adventure
Rheda-Wiedenbrück resident Rainer Stephan, 64, wasn't ready for a lazy retirement filled with garden work and basement clean-up. Inspirational bike tour lectures piqued his interest, and with his wife Marion's blessings, he embarked on a 2-month cycling extravaganza from Rheda-Wiedenbrück to Istanbul.
Stephan's retirement journey wasn't just about pedaling miles; he sought to make a difference through a charity project for Viva con Agua, an organization dedicated to water projects in developing nations. To support his mission, he approached Prophete, a local bike manufacturer who gifted him a trekking e-bike, which he nicknamed "Propheteus."
Stephan didn't follow the most direct route—he wanted to visit his family, friends, and famous cities like Pilsen and Budweis before reaching the Middle East. He celebrated reaching 1,000 kilometers with a Czech beer baptism in Mariánské Lázně, naming his trusty steed accordingly.
Stephan cycled for 40 days, averaging roughly 112 kilometers per day, and conquered a total of 29,130 meters in altitude with his e-bike. His speediest descent showed 63.7 km/h. He tailored his daily stages between 39 and 190 kilometers according to accommodation options.
Feeling generous, Stephan helped a father in Austria build a playhouse during a layover and spent a night between trucks in Bulgaria when he couldn't find a hotel. He connected with numerous individuals, sharing conversations about democracy, press freedom, life on construction sites, and cast-party graduations along his route.
Despite occasional challenges like getting lost or encountering unfriendly innkeepers, Stephan's journey was marked by camaraderie and insightful encounters. He appreciated the improvements in road quality as he approached Istanbul and overcame the only mishap of the tour: a flat tire, kindly assisted by a truck driver.
Before the journey's end, Stephan joined the 20,000-member "I Bike Budapest" major event, relished the Istanbul ESC party after a German consulate reception, and stored his batteries for safe keeping. Now, Stephan plans to embark on a new adventure: a bike tour across the Alps with friends, followed by the more conventional retirement life of gardening and catching up with pals.
Read more about 29-year-old's extraordinary adventure filled with emotional backdrops.
[1] Source: Geolocos.com
Suggestions for Your Next Bike Adventure:
- Estimated distance: Approximately 2,000–2,200 kilometers from Rheda-Wiedenbrück to Istanbul, depending on the chosen route.
- Scenic landscapes: Alps in Austria, Danube River in Hungary, Balkan Mountains.
- Cultural stops: Cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Plovdiv.
- Charity impact: Raise awareness for a charitable cause and contribute to its funding.
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Picture Gallery:
Sights and experiences from Rainer Stephan's incredible bike expedition
Embark on a lifestyle adventure similar to Rainer Stephan's epic journey, cycling from Rheda-Wiedenbrück to Istanbul, which offers both travel and adventure-travel experiences. With scenic landscapes like the Alps in Austria, Danube River in Hungary, and Balkan Mountains, this journey also includes cultural stops in cities such as Vienna, Budapest, and Plovdiv.While cycling, consider contributing to a charitable cause for a more meaningful experience, just like Stephan did with Viva con Agua.
