MISSION MOBILITY

Paul and Thorben, two guys like you and me, had set their minds on cycling from Hamburg to Copenhagen to draw attention to the circumstance that our everyday mobility is nothing to be taken for granted, but rather an absolute privilege that many people do not have access to. On their trip to Copenhagen, the two collected donations for World Bicycle Relief to help this purpose.

E-Grandurance A to B Komoot Route

HAMBURG - COPENHAGEN

Leg 1	155 km
Leg 2	91,7 km
Leg 3	92,5 km
Overall distance	339 km
Donations achieved	2.204,00 €
Corresponds to the # of Buffalo Bikes	15

See the route on Komoot

Mobility for everyone

World Bicycle Relief mobilizes people through The Power of Bicycles. Their mission is to create access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in developing regions of the world where distance is a challenge. They envision a world where distance is no longer a barrier to independence and livelihood.

Day 1

Cold, dark, not a ray of sunshine in sight. Nothing worth getting up for. What is always worth getting up for: doing good. One last equipment check at the Bergamont headquarters. The city is still asleep and there's not a coffee shop in sight. There's only one thing to do: Erikas Eck, the iconic snack bar in St. Pauli. With a proper breakfast in their bellies, Paul and Thorben finally set off. First out of the city. Luckily, there is no one on the road yet. They head towards Norderstedt where they meet the first daily commuters. They want to get into the city, the two of them want to get out.

At some point, the sun comes out and the e-bike motors of the two compact bikes hum along quietly. The ride slowly becomes a flow. It becomes increasingly picturesque, and you see more happy cows than annoyed drivers. Shortly before the Fehmarn-Sund-Bridge, it starts to get dark... and the bridge is closed. Improvisation is required. In short order, the two e-bikes are lifted over the barrier, as they lack the necessary strength and motivation to take a detour. The last few kilometers begin. The Blue House - the end of the first leg is in sight just in time the blue hour. In the Blue House, the vacation accommodation of professional kitesurfer Linus Erdmann, there is homemade pizza from the host himself – delicious. Slumbering like a baby is inevitable.

Day 2

After the 150 kilometer ride on the first day, 90 kilometers seem like a stone's throw. That's the plan for day 2.

It's hazy, cold and uncomfortable. After the obligatory stop for coffee, cookies and energy bars, the two of them wind their way along side roads towards Puttgarden. The ferry to the Danish coast is waiting here. Even if all the car parking spaces are full, the fully packed compact bikes fit easily between the vehicles.

Around 40 minutes on the ferry, which means taking a deep breath in the warmth, enjoying a coffee on the sunny deck and the sea breeze. Enough time to recharge the batteries for the rest of the day.

A few monotonous, exhausting long straights follow on Danish terrain. Fortunately, the sun is now shining. Meanwhile, the e-bikes stoically do their job without complaining.

One last long bridge is an absolute highlight. The Storstrømsbroen. It is the only thing separating our riders from the well-deserved end of leg 2 in Vordingsborg.

„Until this tour, I had never really realized what a privilege mobility is.“

Paul Kussmann

Day 3

The third and final leg of the journey continues. What neither of them wanted: Rain. What they got: Rain.

However, the initial bad mood quickly fades with the many new impressions on an incredibly picturesque route. A big advantage: no traffic, but enchanted landscapes in a mystical, misty light. In the middle of this scenery, like a complete foreign body: a kitschy American diner in pale pink and light blue. The burgers are wonderfully tender, the onward journey afterwards rather tough.

The last few kilometers are absolutely monotonous again. Only the final spurt in the urban area towards the Copenhagen Bike Show brings some variety. Then it's finally done.

The welcome with confetti at the Copenhagen Bike Show brings relief and joy. Paul and Thorben are happy and consider themselves lucky to be able to give many people more mobility in the future with their ride.