Gravelbike Transalp Riva - from Zugspitze to Lake Garda from go-alps.com

Gravelbike Transalp Riva From the Zugspitze to Lake Garda 6 stages - 400 km - 6250 m elevation gain Level 2

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The perfect Gravelbike Transalp entry No Transalp route has ever inspired more cyclists. The classic route from the Zugspitze to Lake Garda along the historic Via Claudia has been the absolute number 1 for Transalp newcomers for years. We have now thoroughly optimized the proven route for gravel bikers. This means that the most dif cult, technical passages have been omitted, but more riding fun and speed downhill have been integrated. We start with the Zugspitze behind us, climb the legendary Fern Pass and the Reschen Pass. Following the Via Claudia, we gravel along ancient trade routes through the lovely Vinschgau Valley, enjoy the culture of Trento and conquer the magni cent landscapes of northern Lake Garda.

Important information at the beginning The Gravelbike Transalp Riva can only be done with a modern gravel bike. We recommend 160-180 mm front disks, 12-speed gears with mountain-compatible gear ratios (1x: 40 front, up to 50 rear, 2x: 46-30 front, 42 rear). Tires with good tread and at least 40 mm wide.

It is important to ride on the lower handlebars in order to be safe o -road. This also applies when riding downhill on loose gravel. Please note mandatory lights in Italy! Use a small day pack or a frame and/or handlebar bag. TIP! Bicycle saddle-bag from deuter.com

Classic Route This gravel bike tour manages the balancing act between great gravel experiences and enjoyable cycling adventures. So there is something for everyone. Start at the foot of the Zugspitze, over the Fern Pass into the Pitz Valley, over the Piller Hight down into the Inn valley. Legendary climbs such as to the Reschen Pass, the long descent into the Vinschgau valley and into lovely Trento. On the last day, we climb Monte Bondone and reach Lake Garda. We experience all facets of the Alps.

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6 stages - 400 km - 6250 m elevation gain:

Gravel biking at level 2 If you are looking for an introduction to the gravel bike transalp, this tour is just right for you. The right mix of mostly unpaved gravel paths, short trails and many side roads. Gravel biking is the new way to travel - mostly away from tra c, very close to nature. Cross the Alps from north to south on a gravel bike and discover the fantastic mountain world in a completely new way. An absolute must!

Anja Quiskamp, ALPS-Guide

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Highlight No 1: Start at the Zugspitze

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Highlight No 2:

The Inn Valley www.go-alps.com

Highlight No 3: The Lake Reschen

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Highlight No 4: Most beautiful paths in the Vinschgau Valley www.go-alps.de

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Highlight No 5: South Tyrolean lifestyle

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Highlight No 6: South Tyrolean lifestyle www.go-alps.com

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Highlight No 7: The old town of Trento www.go-alps.com

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Highlight No 8: Downhill to Lake Garda www.go-alps.com

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Highlight No 9: Arriving at Lake Garda

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Elevation pro le day 1

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Gravelbike Transalp Riva 1. Stage - 61 km - 1100 m elevation gain from Biberwier to Imst

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1. Stage

Highlights today

From Biberwier to Imst

• Lake Fernstein and Castle Fern-

• Zugspitze • Climbing the Fern Pass stein

• ancient roman road Via Claudia • The high plateau of Mieming

61 km 1100 elevation gain With the mighty Zugspitze behind us, we set off on the Transalp adventure.

While the valley near Biberwier is still wide, the mountains soon come closer together. We quickly reach the idyllically situated Lake Weißen. Early in the morning, the mist often still hovers over the water. A great rst photo stop. We cross the Fern Pass on forest and cart tracks below the almost 2500-metrehigh Sonnen Peak. We can still make out parts of the old Roman road in the forest. The heavily laden carts rumbled laboriously over the large stone slabs on the famous "Via Claudia".

Cyclists have it easier today. A great route for gravel bikers has been created here in recent years, though with a few technical and short steep sections. The emerald-colored Lake Fernstein is already shining towards us. We literally roll through the courtyard of Fernstein

Castle on our gravel bikes. Now we can relax for a while. We continue leisurely on rm forest paths to Nassereith. Now comes the second ascent of the day up to Obermieming. Magni cent views of the Mieminger chain open up. The peaks are close enough to touch. Our gravel bikes are already whizzing down to the Inn. Now we continue on the Inn cycle path to the entrance to the Pitz Valley. After that it goes uphill. Today we still have a good 150 meters of altitude to climb to our destination for the day, Imst. We stay in the middle of the town center.

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The Zugspitze behind us, we start in Biberwier. The Fern Pass awaits us.

Route requirement day 1. - 61 km - 1100 m elevation gain Right after breakfast, we feel what it means to "cross the Alps". The route climbs steadily uphill on wide forest paths through the beautiful forests below the Sonnen Peak. Fortunately, the elevation pro le is shaped in such a way that after short climbing sections, there are always at sections awaiting us. This allows us to catch our breath and enjoy nature. The Fern Pass is quickly climbed and we head downhill, sometimes steeply, to the Lake Fernstein on well-maintained gravel roads. Wide tires with low air pressure ensure safe riding. From Nassereith, a small asphalt road leads up to the Mieminger Plateau. A fast descent takes us down into the Inn Valley. The Inn cycle path to Imst is partly asphalted and partly gravel. A steep, partially concrete path leads us up from the Inn valley. We reach our destination for the day on paths with varying surfaces.

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Start to the Transalp Riva.

We depart our hotel MyTirol. www.go-alps.com

Gentle riding at the beginning.

The Zugspitze always behind us. www.go-alps.com

We approach the Fern Pass.

The downhill leads directly through the Fernstein Castle. www.go-alps.com

Little Canada sends its greetings.

The Fern Pass height is reached. www.go-alps.com

Elevation pro le day 2

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Gravelbike Transalp Riva 2. Stage - 57 km - 1300 m elevation gain from Imst to Lafairs

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Highlights today • Benni-Raich-Bridge

From Imst to Lafairs

• Lookout into the Inn Valley • Lunch break with a great view • Roaring Inn • Roman bridge in Tötens

57 km 1300 m elevation gain The mountain is calling - the Piller Hight needs to be conquered. So there's no time to dawdle right after breakfast.

Now it's time to tackle the mountain.

The path winds steadily upwards. Today we pass the Piller Hight, one of the few known prehistoric cult sites in the Alps. Before that, the route takes us spectacularly over the Benni-Raich bridge and through the "Green Hell" to Wenns. During our lunch break high up at the "Gacher Blick", we can point with fork and spoon to the mountain giants of the main Alpine ridge, and see as far as the Samnaun chain at a bright day. Who wants to leave here again?

But a phenomenal downhill comes up next.

Over grass and gravel paths, past lush ower elds and rustic farms, we reach the Inn Valley and the route of the old

Via Claudia again. This was built by the Roman Emperor Augustus in the 1st century BC, to reach the areas of the Alps which where conquered by his stepsons Tiberius and Drusus, and the northern Alpine foothills.

The farmers are standing in line with canisters at the sour well of Prutz.

Should we ll up our water bottles as well? It's the ideal natural doping in any case - with its slightly sulphurous or iron-rich taste, perhaps not everybody’s taste. Well paved cycle paths in the valley lead directly to our destination for the day. The wellness area of our hotel is already waiting - the best place to recharge our batteries.

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2. Stage

Route requirement day 2. - 57 km - 1300 m elevation gain A long climb dominates this morning. A good 1000 meters in altitude have to be conquered. We start by rolling along the Inn Valley cycle path. The rst section uphill leads along the small, asphalted road to the Benni-Raich bridge. After Arzl, we branch off onto a gravel path, which offers great views of the Pitz Valley. In Wenns, we continue uphill on asphalt before a long, well-maintained gravel path leads up to the Piller Hight. At almost 1600 meters above sea level, this is the highest point of the entire tour. After the lunch break, everyone is rewarded. A long but often easy meadow path leads us downhill. Our brakes are de nitely starting to glow. We reach the Inn Valley again. Now we stay on well-surfaced cycle paths with short gravel sections until we reach our destination for the day.

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Arrived at the top! From the Pitz Valley to the Inn Valley today.

Sunny climb in the morning.

Mystical clouds over the Inn Valley. www.go-alps.com

Highest point of the tour.

Our recommendation at lunchtime: delicious „Kaaspress Dumplings“. www.go-alps.com

A long descent starts after the lunch break.

Typical tyrolean mountain scenery. www.go-alps.com

Not too dif cult Gravel tracks.

A short stop at the Inn is possible.

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In the Inn Valley you can see „hay manikin“ in the summer.

The old Roman bridge just before our destination for the day. www.go-alps.com

The path partly leads directly along the Inn.

Cozy and comfortable. Our hotel in the afternoon. www.go-alps.com

Elevation pro le day 3

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Gravelbike Transalp Riva 3. Stage - 86 km - 1150 m elevation gain from Lafairs to Vinschgau

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Highlights today • Crossing the main alpine ridge

3. Stage

• Spectacular border triangle

From Lafairs to Vinschgau

• Glances at the King Ortler

86 km 1150 m elevation gain For many, conquering the main Alpine ridge is the ultimate stage. Fortunately, we rst roll comfortably into the Inn Valley. However, even in the valley it's always uphill. We pass the historic Kajetans Bridge, and thus the border crossing into Switzerland. We will travel through three countries today. The short passage to Martina is quickly completed. This is where the thundering Inn reaches its narrowest point.

Then it's a steady climb up to Norberts Hight. Almost 500 meters of altitude have to be conquered. Curve after curve, we wind our way uphill. At the top, we enjoy a magni cent view of Nauders and the Italian border. A few more meters and we reach the Reschen Pass.

We enjoy our lunch break right by the lake and watch the kiters perform their water acrobatics with excitement. The climate is still a little harsh up here, but the views over the ice-blue Lake Reschen to the mighty giants of the Ortler mountains make up for everything. We circle Lake Reschen, and stop brie y at the sunken church tower of Graun.

This souvenir picture is part of every Alpine crossing.

With the eternal ice of the Ortler in view, we then speed down into the Vinschgau Valley. The cycle path is well maintained, but has its pitfalls. No one is allowed to go too fast here. Controlled speed is a must! The descent ends directly at the historic town wall of Glurns. More than 200 years ago, this smallest town in Italy was given a ring road. As a result, a medieval gem has been preserved almost unchanged. We roll through the alleys in amazement and have time for an ice cream or a delicious coffee.

For the rest of the day, we don't stick to the Val Venosta cycle path all the way.

Of course, the guide knows one or two surprises. We glide through one of the largest apple-growing areas in the world, always slightly downhill, following the course of the Adige river until we reach our destination for the day in the Vinschgau.

• Endless descent into the Vinschgau • Medieval Glurns

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South Tyrol - here we come! Today we conquer the Reschen Pass.

Route requirement day 3. - 86 km - 1150 m elevation gain The elevation pro le already reveals the effort. Today will be a long and varied day. Fortunately, the ascent in the Inn Valley to Martina is limited.

However, a trail highlight awaits us immediately at Pfunds. After that, the surface is mostly asphalt. The climb up to Norberts Hight is exhausting but easy to ride. Curve after curve, we simply pedal away the meters in altitude.

The reward is a panoramic descent to Nauders and a gentle climb up to the Reschen Pass. Here we follow the asphalt cycle path of the Via Claudia again. We then cycle down into the Vinschgau Valley on paths with changing trail conditions. Mostly asphalt cycle path, but also a short gravel section through a wonderful larch forest. After the cappuccino break in Glurns, the route continues slightly downhill through the valley on varying paths up to our hotel in the Vinschgau. A long day comes to an end here.

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The main Alpine ridge is waiting.

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We even touch down in Switzerland brie y. www.go-alps.com

Gentle rolling in the morning.

We reach Nauders via Norberts Hight. www.go-alps.com

Through Nauders past the Naudersberg Castle.

Lunch break right by the lake. www.go-alps.com

The cycle path takes us to the main alpine ridge.

The church tower of old Glurns at Lake Reschen. www.go-alps.com

Refreshing ride into the Vinschgau Valley.

Medieval gem: Glurns is the smallest town in Italy. www.go-alps.com

On the cycle path to St. Valentin.

On the market square we can enjoy the rst original Italian ice cream.

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Elevation pro le day 4

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Gravelbike Transalp Riva 4. Stage - 58 km - 600 m elevation gain from Vinschgau to Nals

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4. Stage From Vinschgau to Nals 58 km 600 m elevation gain "Whom God loves, he lets fall into this land". This is how South Tyroleans like to describe their homeland and the day proves them right. The main Alpine ridge has been conquered, the climate is mild and the landscape is characterized by fruit cultivation. A brisk ride takes us down the Adige Valley to Merano. Before that we stop brie y to take a look at the Chapel of Lovers. A collector has also put together all sorts of information about the most famous of all South Tyroleans. Ötzi climbed up from here towards the main Alpine ridge and died a cruel death in the glacier.

We quickly reach Merano. We roll through the alleys of the venerable spa town and enjoy a cappuccino. Empress Sissi was so impressed by the land and climate that she regularly came here to relax. Strengthened, we tackle the steep ascent to our tavern. The effort is worth it. We look down to Merano as if we’re in an airplane. And the homemade Kaiserschmarrn is world-class. Up here,

Highlights today • Fruit cultivation in the Vinschgau • The realm of uncle Taa • The spa town of Merano • Traditional South Tyrolean Tavern • Hotel with outdoor pool

eggs from happy chickens still exist. You can taste it!

The steep downhill to Lana makes our brake pads glow. The Adige Valley has us back. We reach the wine village of Nals through apple orchards and along small paths. We can refresh ourselves in the pool or sweat it out in the sauna.

Our hotel's wine cellar leaves nothing to be desired. So you can end the day with a nice glass of Grieser Lagrein. The famous vineyard is just in opposite.

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Above Merano we enjoy the best South Tyrolean cuisine.

Route requirement day 4. - 58 km - 600 m elevation gain Today's elevation pro le promises an almost never-ending descent. But don't underestimate the spikes along the way. We don't simply follow the Vinschgau cycle path along the Adige, but rather pick out a few short highlights along the way. This makes the day more varied in terms of cycling technique, but still easy to manage. After Merano, everyone starts to sweat.

The ascent to the tavern is asphalted, but steep. Nevertheless, it's not just the views that make the effort worthwhile. In the following, our brakes are put to the test. The descent is just as steep. After Lana, we cycle partly on gravel paths through apple orchards and reach our hotel with outdoor pool in the early afternoon.

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Castles and palaces line the way.

View towards Merano. www.go-alps.com

Fast kilometers on the cycle path.

A Welcome photo stop just before Merano. www.go-alps.com

Cappuccino break in sophisticated Merano.

Or a short sightseeing tour? www.go-alps.com

Real South Tyrolean hospitality.

Our tavern with the best cuisine. www.go-alps.com

View down into the Vinschgau.

Our hotel for the night. www.go-alps.com

We enjoy the outdoor pool in the afternoon.

Our hotel is located in the middle of the vineyards. www.go-alps.com

Castle Lebenberg high above the Etsch Valley

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Elevation pro le day 5

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Gravelbike Transalp Riva 5. Stage - 76 km - 1100 m elevation gain from Nals to Trento

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5. Stage

Highlights today

From Nals to Trento

• View into the Dolomites • Castles in the South Tyrolean Un-

76 km 1100 m elevation gain Now we are in the middle of beautiful South Tyrol. Shortly before Bolzano, we are even greeted by the Dolomites.

Today, we set our sights on Lake Kaltern and have to climb strongly to get there. The small side road leads steeply up to Missian. From there, we follow a wonderful mountain trail through the most beautiful South Tyrolean villages.

Now we are right in the heart of South Tyrolean wine. The vineyards around St. Pauls and Lake Kaltern have become world famous. No wonder there are castles and fortresses as far as the eye can see. We continue along the high trail and enjoy the best South Tyrolean forest paths until we reach a natural phenomenon. The ice holes have their name for a reason. We will experience it.

A short descent and we climb further up to Altenburg. From up here we not only have a wonderful view of Lake Kaltern. We can also see far into the Adige Valley, and enjoy the view of the peaks of the Trudener Horn, Weißhorn and Schwarzhorn. Then it gets techni-

• Natural phenomenon of ice holes

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• The vineyards by the Lake Kaltern

cal for a short while. We continue uphill on a beautiful forest path with wonderful views. At the highest point, we enjoy a delicious pasta dish - served in large pans.

A steep asphalt road leads us downhill again. With no elevation gain, we speed along the Adige towards our destination for the day, Trento. The city has a varied history, which is re ected in its many monuments. The most impressive is the bishop's palace with its frescoes in the Eagle Tower. History was written here. At the end of the day, we enjoy a delicious ice cream on the impressive cathedral square and relax at the end of the day. We spend the night right next to the cathedral square in a beautiful Palazzo Hotel.

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Today it is getting Italian - Trentino is calling.

Route requirement day 5. - 76 km - 1100 m elevation gain Today we have to merit our arrival in Trento. On asphalt via Missian (very steep at rst) uphill to almost the highest point with great views over the Adige Valley and the Dolomites. Then beautiful forest paths with short trail sections. Before the ice holes, trail and hollow path sections not quite easy.

Then a short trail downhill back to the asphalt and on to the Mendel Pass road. From Kaltern the route continues uphill. Up to Altenburg on a wonderful forest trail in front of the most beautiful scenery. The climb is not over yet. The route is mostly uphill with varying terrain right up to our lunch break. From then on, a steep descent follows partly on gravel, partly on asphalt down into the Adige Valley. The last long kilometers are also varied. Cycle paths, gravel paths and short sections of trail balance each other out. The enemy on the last few meters is the headwind, which makes the surfers on Lake Garda rejoice.

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The climb is not only worthwhile because of the panorama.

Many venerable buildings lie along the way. www.go-alps.com

Photo stop above the Lake Kaltern.

Nice trails above the Lake Kaltern. www.go-alps.com

Certainly worth a photo.

Through the vineyards in the Adige Valley. www.go-alps.com

In the valley we also roll along on asphalt.

In the old town of Trento. www.go-alps.com

Elevation pro le day 6

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Gravelbike Transalp Riva 6. Stage - 55 km - 1000 m elevation gain from Trento to Gardasee

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6. Stage

Highlights today

From Trento to Lake Garda

• Morning atmosphere in Trento • Ascent to the Valle dei Laghi • The Sarca valley with its mighty rock walls

• Arriving at the Lake Garda 55 km 1000 m elevation gain On to the grand nale. Lake Garda is calling! First we roll through the alleys of the town. Italian life envelops us. But the tranquillity is soon over. A good 800 meters of altitude have to be conquered in one go. Curve after curve, we spiral upwards. If your legs are too tireds, you can also use a cable car for part of the way. We quickly escape the hustle and bustle of the suburbs. Italian villages are high on the agenda today. We ll our water bottles in Sardagna and continue upwards. We have now reached the highest point of the day. Lake Garda here we come!

"Valle de Laghi (Valley of the Lakes)" is what the Italians call this area. We will understand why. We leave Lago di Terlano to the right and set our sights on Lago di Massenza instead. In this area the Italians have built some of the most beautiful cycle paths to make this landscape accessible to cyclists. However, we also nd short gravel passages. At the same time, we avoid the notorious "Garda gravel".

We don't want the day to be too technical. The landscape is simply too beauti-

ful for that. We reach the Sarca Valley and with it the Lago di Toblino. The Castel Toblino was built into the lake in an almost corny way. We set our sights on the next lake. But before that we have a well-deserved lunch break. A winery welcomes us with Trentino specialties. Have you ever tried a "Nosiola"?

It's hard to say goodbye to this welcoming place. Shortly before Lago di Cavedine, we turn into the legendary Marocche. The glaciers of the Ice Age formed this enormous rocky landscape.

We can almost smell the "Lago" from here. But rst an other stop in Arco is a must. No ALPS guest has ever been allowed to pass past this ice cream parlor.

Just a few more meters on the cycle path and we've made it. A dip in the lake is also obligatory for everyone!

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Today we reach the Lake Garda.

Route requirement day 6. - 55 km - 1000 m elevation gain Another highlight day with all the gravel bike elements. First we work our way up on asphalt - over 800 meters in altitude in one go. Alternatively, you can take the cable car for a while. After Sopramonte, we ride downhill on asphalt and then begin an interplay of asphalt and paved cycle paths, gravel tracks and small side roads. All the way down into the Sarca Valley. We quickly reach our lunch break on the cycle path. We then cross the legendary Marocche. Fortunately, the locals here have a few short alternatives to the sealed cycle path. We can feel the infamous Lake Garda trail feeling. Before it gets too intense we reach the prominent rock with the castle of Arco.

From here, we cycle along the cycle path to our destination, Lake Garda.

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A look back to Trento.

Descent to Lago di Toblino. www.go-alps.com

The Lago is approaching.

Great paths at Lago di Toblino. www.go-alps.com

Lunch at a nice winery.

View back into the Sarca Valley to the Brenta Dolomites. www.go-alps.com

The castle of Arco.

Last ice cream break in Arco. www.go-alps.com

6 Stages - 400 km - 6250 m elevation gain Level 2

Gravelbike Transalp Riva The perfect Gravelbike entry

Design, texts and photos: Tom Bierl, Sascha Müller

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