Cycling season kick-off: 5 day rides in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for your first outing

Your bike has been in the garage since October. What still worked perfectly in autumn can suffer after a winter of sitting idle: tyres lose pressure, chains can develop light rust and brake pads harden. A ten-minute bike check before your first ride will save you unpleasant surprises on the road.

Especially important: do not use a pressure washer for cleaning. It forces water into the bearings and bottom bracket, which can become expensive in the long run. Lukewarm water, a soft brush and chain lubricant are all you need.

The five routes have been deliberately chosen to offer variety, from urban and flat to alpine and hilly, across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. All are well signposted, surfaced and easy to ride without prior knowledge of the region. None requires road-bike fitness, but all call for a love of pedalling.

1. Isar cycle route, Munich (Bavaria, Germany)
The perfect starting point for anyone who does not want to venture too far from the saddle just yet. From Munich city centre, follow the Isar through riverside woodland: no traffic, smooth tarmac and beer gardens if you fancy one. Choose your own distance: 30 kilometres is enough for a relaxed loop, while those wanting more can ride to Freising and back. Ideal for your very first day back after winter.

2. Danube cycle route, Passau–Linz (Austria)
One of Europe’s most popular cycle routes, and for good reason. From Passau downstream to Linz, the route follows the Danube across almost entirely flat terrain. The highlight is the Schlögener Schlinge, a spectacular 180° bend in the river within a nature reserve. The 120 kilometres divide neatly into two days, and the infrastructure along the route is excellent.

3. Aare cycle route, Thun–Bern (Switzerland)
Short but impressive: 32 kilometres from Thun through the Aare valley to Bern’s old town. With the Bernese Alps behind you, every kilometre is worth the ride. The route is ideal for a half-day outing, leaving time for a coffee in Bern afterwards. Well signposted as VeloRoute 8, with virtually no elevation gain.

4. Southern Black Forest cycle route (Baden-Württemberg, Germany)
For anyone looking for more than flat terrain. A stage from Hinterzarten towards the High Rhine includes moderate climbs, rewarded with Black Forest scenery and views across the Rhine valley. In spring, when snow melts on the peaks and the valleys turn green, the Black Forest is especially atmospheric. If you prefer to avoid the climbs, you can bridge parts of the route by train.

5. Lake Constance cycle route (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
Three countries, one lake and countless options. In May, the fruit trees around Lake Constance are in bloom and tourist crowds are still manageable. Individual daily stages of 40 to 60 kilometres make for relaxed rides at every level. If you like, ride a multi-day loop around the entire lake: 260 kilometres, three countries and an unforgettable experience.

Spring at Lake Constance or in the Alpine foothills can mean 8°C in the morning, 18°C at midday and occasional rain in between. One thick jacket will soon leave you sweating, so layering is the better choice.

Layer 1 – base: A breathable technical shirt or merino jersey that moves sweat away from your body. Cotton is not an option: it holds moisture and makes you cold.

Layer 2 – mid-layer: A thin cycling gilet or lightweight softshell jacket keeps the wind out and your core warm without overheating. It can be stowed in a jersey back pocket.

Layer 3 – outer: A compact windbreaker or lightweight waterproof jacket for unexpected showers. Ideally, it packs down to the size of your palm.

Leg warmers are also worthwhile on cool April days. They protect your knee joints and can be removed quickly when it warms up. Padded cycling gloves dampen vibrations and offer protection in a fall. A helmet liner or cover helps on chilly morning starts. And good cycling glasses protect your eyes from wind, sun and insects alike.

Cycling has one clear advantage over running: it puts far less strain on your joints. Even so, your body needs time after winter to find its cycling rhythm again, especially your knee joints and cycling-specific muscles.

Weeks 1 and 2: Two to three easy rides of 45 to 90 minutes each. Keep your heart rate in the GA1 zone (around 70–75% of your maximum heart rate), at a pace where you can still hold a conversation. Favour flat routes and deliberately skip climbs.

Weeks 3 and 4: Gradually increase your distance, by no more than 10 per cent per week. Gentle hills are fine now.

From week 5: Add targeted climbs and, if you wish, your first intervals. This is when proper season training begins.

One often overlooked tip: Easy gears at a high cadence are kinder to your knees than pushing heavy gears. Target cadence during the build-up phase: 80–90 revolutions per minute. If this feels unfamiliar, you will soon notice that it makes you tired. That is normal and improves as the season progresses.