germany
If you've got some inside info on germany, let Rob know by posting your thoughts below. He's after some great places to see, comfortable places to sleep, yummy places to eat...not to forget areas to avoid too!
Hi, there's a wonderful location for the fastest, flatest and least crowded roads in Germany on http://www.radweit.de – it's from a member of the German ADFC cycling club. I live in south-western Germany and could cycle for a while with you, when you arrive.
There's a project quite similar to yours sheduled for next year: http://beijingtoparis.com/ Beijing to Paris carfree. I'm thinking about participating and there's also another guy (Olly) who wants to ride with a recumbent. I hope you will publish your experiences here 
BTW: I got a SMGT (not the Gte) about a month ago and am training my muscles right now – my first recumbent.
Greetings, Daniel
Daniel, thank you for the comment. Maybe I should bike back to Beijing next year with you guys! I'll be sure to contact you once I get closer to Germany – it would be great to bike with another Street Machine fan!
Cheers,
Rob
Pity you are not travelling through Strassbourg which is perhaps the most advanced car-free city in the world – trams running 24/7 in the city centre where no cars are allowed in. If you want to witness the future of the cities with no "enemy of the cyclists" it's worth a detour really. The reintroduction of trams to the cities are so successful in many European cities even in "ooh la la bouge de la" "merde, casse toi" rule French traffic that even in Paris metro they reintroduced a tramline after people are sick and tired of the seventy years of crazy driviers' kingdom.
Satoshi, priceless information once again. I owe you big time. If there is a small road that leads away from a big road, I am always one to take the small road, you can be assured!
Rob,
depending on the route you are about to take, I may be able to put you in touch with people. I am avid touring biker myself (including 10 weeks in New Zealand) and I always thought it was the best experience to stay and talk to people who live in the place that you bike through. Any details and I will see what I can do. The Southern part of Germany is where I grew up and went to university in the center , so those are my best contact areas, though a network of former exchange students (YFU) should be of some help throughout Germany.
Happy travels.
Markus
PS: You can tell a happy biker by the flies on his teeth!
Hi Rob,
because of living in and touring around myself I may be able to help you find your way through. In germany I always try to avoid the big cities and go for the rural areas.
Do you know the german Dachgeber (accomodation for cyclists from cyclists)?
I'm living in the Pfalz (middle west) and would be glad to meet you.
Greetings, Oliver
Oliver, sounds like a grand idea. I won't be through Germany for a good few months yet, but I would appreciate your 'inside knowledge' very much when the time comes. I too am an avid fan of rural areas!
Markus, my reply is very late. Sorry for that. As I said to Oliver, I won't be through Germany for a while yet, but am keen for info when I do finally head that way!
Hi Rob!
We just had streetmachine-Daniel ( http://www.bikelust.de/ ) on his way to Paris in our house for one night, he told me about your website and your trip.
If your trip brings you trough the rhine-valley, we would be happy to give you accommodation in Bonn! just mail me and i send you the Information you need!
Good times in switzerland!
Arne
Hi Rob,
just like Arne I live in the rhine-Valley in Remagen. Just let me know If I can help you somehow. I can also manage a Bed in Frankonia for you at my parents' house close to Nuremberg.
I'd be glad to support you somehow!
greetz Tom
