2024 Germany & Austria Bike Trip: Overview

• Introduction to the Trip: Provide a brief overview of your July 2024 bike trip from Frankfurt to Vienna. Highlight the excitement of embarking on a multi-country cycling adventure, the reasons behind choosing this route, and the anticipation of sharing the journey through this blog series.

• Purpose of the Blog Series: Explain that this introductory post is the first in a series that will chronicle each day of your trip. Mention that the series will offer detailed insights into your daily experiences, logistical challenges, and personal reflections.

Travel Plan and Flight Bookings

1. Booking the Outbound Flight:

• Last Year’s Planning: Discuss how you booked your outbound flight last year using airline miles with Singapore Airlines (SQ). Explain the benefits of using airline miles for such trips, including cost savings and the flexibility of flight options.

• Why Singapore Airlines?: Share why you chose Singapore Airlines, perhaps mentioning favorable bike policies or the airline’s reputation for quality service.

2. Booking the Return Flight:

• Using Airline Miles with Aer Lingus (EI): Explain how you booked your return flight this year using Alaska Airlines (AS) miles with Aer Lingus. Highlight the advantages of planning return flights closer to the departure date, such as adjusting to changing circumstances or getting better deals.

Route Planning and Accommodations

3. Planning the Route:

• Using Strava for Route Planning: Describe how you used Strava to build your routes, ensuring they were optimized for scenic views and cycling safety. Mention any specific routes you were excited about and why.

• Accommodations: Outline your strategy for choosing accommodations along the way, whether using hotels, hostels, or staying with friends or family. Briefly mention any unique or memorable places you planned to stay.

Packing and Preparations

4. What I Packed:

• Packing Essentials: Share a list of what you packed for the trip, focusing on cycling-specific gear and essentials for long-distance biking. Include items like your bike, repair kits, clothing, navigation tools, and any special gear.

• Shipping the Bike Case: Discuss how you planned to manage your bike case by shipping it ahead to Vienna via post, a strategy to reduce hassle during the trip.

Travel Logistics to and from Airports

5. Travel to JFK Airport:

• From Westchester to JFK: Describe your travel from Westchester to JFK by car, and provide an alternative route for those traveling from NYC by metro. Offer tips on the most efficient ways to get to JFK with a bike.

• Check-In Process with Singapore Airlines: Detail your experience checking in with Singapore Airlines, including any specific considerations for checking in a bike.

• Using Priority Pass: Explain how you accessed airport lounges using your Priority Pass, highlighting the benefits for travelers who need to rest or refresh before a long flight.

6. Arrival in Frankfurt:

• Getting into the City: Describe the process of getting from Frankfurt Airport into the city, including using trains and the metro.

• Weekend in Frankfurt: Share your plans for spending the weekend with your cousin and preparing for the start of your ride.

Timeline of the Bike Trip

• July 8th, Day 1: Bike ride from Frankfurt to Bad Kissingen.

• July 11th: Bike ride from Bad Kissingen to Nuremberg.

• July 14th: Visit a small German village of your ancestors.

• July 15th: Bike ride from Nuremberg to Ingolstadt. Discuss the decision to end the trip early due to a heatwave, health, age, and opting for safety.

• July 17th: Bike ride from Munich to Innsbruck. Explain why you added Innsbruck to your route despite it not being a direct path to Vienna.

• July 18th: Riding the “Zwift In Real Life” Innsbruck route on your free day. Share the planning and what makes this route unique.

• Train to Salzburg: Explain the decision to take a train to Salzburg due to a knee injury and bad weather.

• July 21st: Bike ride from Salzburg to Linz, including finding a host through the Warmshowers website.

• July 23rd: Bike ride from Linz to Vienna. Reflect on the significance of this route and how you’ve done it before in 2011.

• July 29th: Travel to Vienna Airport by public transport, brief stopover in Dublin, and transport options from JFK into NYC upon return.

Conclusion

• Preview of the Blog Series: Wrap up the introductory post by previewing what readers can expect in the upcoming posts. Emphasize the daily updates, detailed descriptions of each leg of the journey, and insights into your experiences.

• Call to Action: Encourage readers to follow along with the series, share their thoughts, or ask questions about bike travel. Invite them to subscribe for updates or follow you on social media for real-time content.

‍