almost there. arrival in Erfurt, Thuringia's capital - Markus Stitz

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Browse: Home / 2010 / December / almost there. arrival in Erfurt, Thuringia’s capital

almost there. arrival in Erfurt, Thuringia’s capital

markusstitz / December 23, 2010 / Comments Off on almost there. arrival in Erfurt, Thuringia’s capital / Cycle Trips

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← who needs gears anyway?

the final 90k on the road to home →

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reizkultur

A fabulous ride with Mark — both in front of and b

A fabulous ride with Mark — both in front of and behind the camera — scouting another route for the next book 🚴‍♂️📸✨

Our gravel loop loosely traced the Edinburgh Bypass: 56km of familiar Pentlands trails mixed with some lesser-known gems. Always amazing how many hidden lines are out there when you go looking.

While my second instalment in Vertebrate’s gravel series — Gravel Rides Loch Lomond & Trossachs — is now available for pre-order, the follow-up covering Edinburgh, East Lothian & Fife is already in the works and coming your way in 2026.

More routes, more adventures. Stay tuned! 🙌

Bikepacking Inspiration 🚵‍♀️ Exploring the stunni

Bikepacking Inspiration 🚵‍♀️

Exploring the stunning Region of Murcia - Louise and I recently took a break in September to tackle a 5-day cycling route from Cartagena to Murcia.

The region boasts incredible gravel routes, but the real highlight was the Sierra Espuña Regional Park. We rode through glorious trails surrounded by an expansive pine forest, enjoying the warm, dry air and pleasant mountain scenery.

It's hard to believe this area was once a barren desert. Ricardo Codorníu, a forestry engineer and ecologist, kickstarted the reforestation efforts in 1889, earning him the title 'apostle of the tree'.

Join us on our journey in my latest blog for @yellowjerseyuk - check out 'The Draft' for cycling inspiration, great food, and friendly locals (and car drivers). Thanks to Jose from The Osadis, a local guide that helped with planning this tour.

A wee video teaser for the upcoming Gravel Rides:

A wee video teaser for the upcoming Gravel Rides: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs book!

Huge thanks to everyone who’s already pre-ordered — the response has been amazing. 🙏

Inside you’ll find 16 gravel routes on Scotland’s West Coast, with 11 directly accessible by public transport.
Expect classics like Gravelfoyle and sections of the Dunoon Dirt Dash, plus a few surprises — like Gleann nan Caorann (on the front cover) and the stunning backcountry around Scotland’s best address for fresh seafood, The Pierhouse in Port Appin. 🦪

📦 Delivery as soon as stock arrives
🚚 Free UK shipping on orders over £30 or anywhere in Edinburgh
✍️ All copies signed by me, and the next book project is already in the works!

📖 Order via the link in my bio or at Bikepacking Scotland.

#cycling
#gravel
#bikepacking

📘 New Book Alert! I’m so excited to share that my

📘 New Book Alert!

I’m so excited to share that my latest guidebook — Gravel Rides Loch Lomond & The Trossachs — is now available for pre-order directly from my website & Bikepacking Scotland, just in time for Christmas! 🎄🚴‍♀️

A special thanks to Mark - our joint ride on the shores of Loch Lomond was a fab opportunity for shooting the cover!

The first batch of books should arrive this Friday or early next week, and I’ll send them out straight away. The official release is in January, but we’ve worked hard to get them ready early so you can start planning your 2026 adventures — or gift a copy to someone special this Christmas. 🎁

The book won’t be on Amazon until December or January, so the quickest way to get one is directly through me. There’s still plenty of time for UK and international delivery. Plus, every pre-order will be entered into a prize draw with some great goodies from our supporters! 🙌

This is my fourth solo guidebook, and I hope it inspires you to slow down, explore, and connect with the people who call this beautiful part of Scotland home.

Travel slow. Stop often. Discover more. 💚

📘 Gravel Rides Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
💷 £15.95
📦 UK postage £2.75 (free UK shipping on orders over £30)
🌍 International shipping calculated individually
📝 Pre-order via the link in bio

While one chapter closes, another opens. Fantastic

Weekend adventures 🌿 After being spoiled with ama

Weekend adventures 🌿

After being spoiled with amazing scenery in Canada & the US in October, we spent the weekend @forillonalyth mapping new routes for the Cateran Ecomuseum and the Cateran Dirt Dash in May 2026.

It might’ve been a bit humid today, but our loop from Alyth — with a coffee stop at @flour_meigle ☕️ — was world-class riding. Even better, most of the paths were ones Louise and I hadn’t ridden before.

Here’s to discovering new trails, good coffee, and more hidden gems in Perthshire 💚 Loved riding the Surlys, both are available as hire bikes from Alyth Cyclery.

#CateranEcomuseum #ForillonAlyth #Alyth #PerthshireCycling #GravelRide #CyclingScotland #ExploreMore #AdventureByBike

The world at 5:40am. The best way to enjoy the lo

The world at 5:40am.

The best way to enjoy the long winter months in Scotland — good lights, good people, and great rides. Always brilliant catching up with everyone at the @edinburghdawnpatrol, and even better seeing so many out for rides on wet November mornings.

Yesterday’s road dawn patrol and today’s gravel version were spot on.

🚴‍♂️ Join us:
• Tuesday & Thursday, 5:40am at St Andrew Square (road)
• Wednesday, 5:40am at Cairngorms Coffee (dirt)

#edinburghcycling #dawnpatrol #earlyriders #scottishcycling #wintermiles #gravelride #roadcycling #edinburghlife #ridehappy #cyclingcommunity

Back in the dawn patrol groove 🌅 Grateful for earl

Back in the dawn patrol groove 🌅 Grateful for early starts and the last few dawns of ’25. Wild to think it was just 3 or 4 of us last year — look at the crew now 🙌 #DawnPatrol #Progress #GoodTimes

Back on Scottish soil, with beautiful autumn colou

Cycling in the land of the Delta Blues. There ar

Cycling in the land of the Delta Blues.

There are cycling trips, and then there are journeys. Like this, on just a short section of the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail - which are not just a great time riding bikes, but help to understand more about the history and psyche of a country - complexities bedded into breathtaking landscapes.

Thanks to Ammen and Martin for guiding me through this part of Arkansas, which concluded a nine day discovery journey through a state which was largely unknown to me. And big thanks to Wade from Tout Terrain to hook me up with a bike here!

Bikes connect and do good! More soon!

#gravel #arkansas #cycling

First ever gravel race in the US - @bigsugarclassi

First ever gravel race in the US - @bigsugarclassic in Arkansas. And I had a blast. It’s nice to ride bikes fast in the beautiful Ozarks - and spend a few days in Bentonville. I didn’t have Arkansas on my map of top places to ride gravel bikes, but I look forward to explore more over the coming week, and this was an excellent start. The original plan was to ride the 100 miler, but due to thunderstorms everyone was riding the 50 mile route, which was stunning. Next time I’ll take my singlespeed!

Thanks to @toutterrain for the bike - which was super fun to ride, and @schwalbetyresuk for the G-One Overland - excellent tires on the at times pretty chunky gravel.

Cargo bikes are great. Since getting my @ternbicyc

Cargo bikes are great.
Since getting my @ternbicycles Orox last year, it’s taken me on amazing adventures — and helped me haul everything from gear to trail tools. 💪🚲

For my new film, I spent a day with the volunteers of the Tayside Trail Association, documenting their work getting the trails ready for the Scottish Enduro Championships this September. The Orox came along for the ride — proving just how versatile these bikes can be.

🎬 Directed & edited by me
🎥 Featuring: Graeme Berry, James Dearsley, Gary Martin & Finn
🎶 Music: @epidemicsound
🙏 Supported by: @ternbicycles

Watch the film on my YT channel.

#CargoBike #TernOrox #TrailStewardship #ScottishMTB #Enduro #Bikepacking #AdventureByBike #MTBUK #TrailLove #TaysideTrails

Bikepacking in Spain & Exploring Sierra Espuña, Mu

Bikepacking in Spain & Exploring Sierra Espuña, Murcia

We’ve been riding through the Murcia region for two days and absolutely loved our time around Sierra Espuña. Stunning trails, dramatic scenery, and loads of history to soak in along the way.

By the late 19th century, the mountain range was almost entirely deforested and at risk of desertification. In 1889, forest engineer Ricardo Codorníu began an ambitious reforestation project that would restore the region’s ecological health and become a model for forest recovery efforts across Spain.

The area was declared a natural site of national interest in 1931, and later received protection as a Regional Park in 1992. It’s also recognized as a Special Protection Area for birds and a Place of Community Importance (LIC)—a true haven for biodiversity.

🚴‍♂️ Watch this space for our route and tips for riding it yourself!

Mapping new routes in the @cateraneco - I guess th

Mapping new routes in the @cateraneco - I guess the pictures will give you an idea why Glenshee is one of my favourite places to ride. While ‘Gravel Rides Cairngorms & Perthshire’ is not even 6 moths old, I am tempted to do a second edition - there is an abundance of great routes here.

I did a loop that includes Meall Odhar, and another one including Glenkilrie and parts of the mini Careran Trail. The new routes will launch in November -watch this space.

If need some gravel inspiration - there’s plenty in my books - for sale through @bikepackingscot website or locally at Alyth Cycles & Flour Meigle.

Dawn patrols are dawn patrols again. 🌅 The early

Dawn patrols are dawn patrols again. 🌅

The early starts are worth it — especially when you catch a rare sight like this:
MV Caledonian Isles moored beside the Royal Yacht Britannia at the Port of Leith.

Two icons, side by side.
Best time to join is now. 🚢✨

#DawnPatrol #Leith #CalMac #MVCaledonianIsles #RoyalYachtBritannia #MaritimeMoments #GoldenHour #PortOfLeith

Scotland’s Highest Road: A Ride to Glenshee Ski Ce

Scotland’s Highest Road: A Ride to Glenshee Ski Centre 🚴‍♂️

I was recently invited to photograph the My Name is Doddie team at the Braemar Gathering — a fantastic opportunity and a great incentive to cycle from Alyth through the northern part of the @CateranEco, where I’m currently working on new cycling itineraries.

The route from Alyth to the highest point at Glenshee Ski Centre covers around 39 km — and for me, it’s one of the most beautiful cycle rides in Scotland.

The first section, from Alyth to the Blackwater Inn, is especially peaceful, with very low traffic. From there, the ride continues along the A93. While this road is noticeably busier, it’s still quite manageable and offers some stunning Highland scenery.

After reaching Glenshee, I continued on to Braemar and then Ballater. But if you’re looking to make this ride into a loop, returning via Glenisla is a brilliant option — quieter roads and breathtaking landscapes all the way.

I continued to Ballater - to catch up with team there - and reward myself with a pizza & beer.

Islay ❤️ can you hear the wind? feel the sand blo

Islay ❤️

can you hear the wind?
feel the sand blowing across machrie bay?
the smell of peat?
listen to the rain falling gently on the barrels?
feel the rain in your face?
listen to the waves breaking?

It’s been very special weekend spending a few days for being not only part of the @islaybookfest but also of a community that welcomed us. People who still give you a friendly wave from their cars (or bikes), something which instantly makes me feel welcome.

And it was nice to have the @themachrie as a base, with the bikes parked outside, ready for a multiple short adventures each day.

Happy to come back soon! And 110% encourage you to visit the island for the book festival. it inspired me to visit! Hebridean magic!

Islay – what a treat! 🚴‍♂️📚 Had the pleasure of sp

Islay – what a treat! 🚴‍♂️📚
Had the pleasure of speaking at the brilliant @islaybookfest and finally meeting local cycling legend Brian Palmer. I don’t use that word lightly – but for Brian, it fits. 🙌

We first crossed paths after my round-the-world ride, and I’ve always loved his blog The Washing Machine Post – essential reading for any cyclist.

Brian did point out one glaring omission in Bikepacking Scotland… no mention of Debbie’s in Bruichladdich. And he was right! 🥕☕
This place is a true gem – think great coffee, amazing carrot cake, cycling memorabilia in every corner, and the friendliest welcome.

Wrapped up the day with a ride that proved once again: the best way to travel is to join local riders. So much warmth, kindness, and shared love for bikes.

Massive thanks to all the volunteers who made this weekend so special! ❤️

#Islay #BikepackingScotland #CyclingCommunity #IslayBookFestival #DebbiesBruichladdich #TheWashingMachinePost #GravelRide #TravelByBike #CyclingLife

🎬 New Film & Route Launch – Supported by @dexshell

The sunset last night after crossing the Tay on my

The sunset last night after crossing the Tay on my way from Perth to Alyth. This is my usual journey when travelling by bike to @forillonalyth - whenever I can combine the cleaning & changeover of the house with other projects. As the @cateraneco had funding confirmed yesterday for a new route mapping project, I’ll be around here more often - and look forward to work on the route for the next @dirtdash_cc as well.

Whenever possible, I do those journeys by bike. New cleaning supplies fit in the bags on the bike, and thankfully @rideember has a flexible ticket policy - when the big thunderstorm swept over Tayside I changed my ticket to a later bus.

Have a great weekend - I am interested where your bike takes you?

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Pre-order now at https://bikepackingscotland.com/books

Enjoy 16 routes in Scotland's first national park and Argyll.

Pre-Order Gravel Rides Loch Lomond #gravel #scotland #adventure

Pre-order now at https://bikepackingscotland.com/books

Enjoy 16 routes in Scotland's first national park and Argyll.

Pre-Order Gravel Rides Loch Lomond #gravel #scotland #adventure

All over Scotland volunteer trail associations take good care of wild trails. I documented a day in the life of the volunteers of the Tayside Trails Association, using the Tern Orox as their companion getting the trails ready for the Scottish Enduro Championships in September 2025.

Directed and edited by Markus Stitz
Featuring Graeme Berry, James Dearsley, Gary Martin and Finn.
Music by Epidemic Sound
Supported by Tern

Trail Building with the Tern Orox & Tayside Trails Association at Ballo, Coupar Angus

Supported by DexShell my new film features a new Bikepacking Scotland route from Culross to Kilcreggan.

Check out the full film on my channel.

More on the route: https://bikepackingscotland.com/coast-to-coast-bikepacking/

Overland Teaser - Coast to Coast Bikepacking supported by DexShell #cycling #bikepacking #gravel

Enjoy the first route from my upcoming book 'Gravel Rides Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and Argyll. Supported by DexShell, who provided excellent waterproof socks for the trip, this film takes you on a bikepacking adventure from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde.

Find out more about DexShell: https://dexshell.com/
Full route and description: https://bikepackingscotland.com/coast-to-coast-bikepacking/

Overland - Coast to Coast from Culross to Kilcreggan - Supported by DexShell

Launching on 26 August - a new coast-to-coast bikepacking route in Scotland.

DexShell Overland Teaser #adventure #cycling #bikepacking

Looking back a a wonderful Dirt Dash on the Yorkshire Coast - supported by Stans and Carradice. Special thanks also to the YHA Whitby and the North Yorkshire Water Park.

Find out more at dirtdash.cc/yorkshire

Stans Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dash 2025 #gravel #adventure #cycling

The Inner Forth Bike Bus, which was piloted by the Climate FORTH project in 2024, is back for another season. The free transport service runs between Alloa and the Forth Bridges with clockwise and anticlockwise services.

Find out more at https://www.innerforthlandscape.co.uk/news/press-release-new-stops-added-as-inner-forth-bike-bus-returns-for-a-second-season

Our routes can be found here on Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/collection/3469849/-forth-bike-bus

The Inner Forth Bike Bus #cycling #adventure #activetravel

The Inner Forth Bike Bus, which was piloted by the Climate FORTH project in 2024, is back for another season. The free transport service runs between Alloa and the Forth Bridges with clockwise and anticlockwise services.

Find out more at https://www.innerforthlandscape.co.uk/news/press-release-new-stops-added-as-inner-forth-bike-bus-returns-for-a-second-season

Our routes can be found here on Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/collection/3469849/-forth-bike-bus

A Sunday with the Inner Forth Bike Bus - Cycling from Alloa to South Queensferry

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