Goodbye Daffodils, Hello Broom

A long varied ride, with quite an elevation gain. A mountainbike is required. Those without motor support, think twice. The trail has 1000 meter elevation gain, with some short steep as well as long moderate gradients. For those with an ebike, it is utterly enjoyable.

Most of the trail is on good forest roads - either asphalt or dirt. A few spots may be rutted or muddy. Out of the 53 Kilometers, only a few hundred meters are on a road, but even these see very little traffic.

From Kalterherberg we weave our way down to the Höfener Mühle. A short steep ascent and we are in Alzen - the part of Höfen from where hikes to the Daffodils may be undertaken (when in season: March and April). From here, we go near the windturbines, and cross the Bundesstraße to reach the Forest Station Rothe Kreuz.

From here, a 10 Kilometer descent begins towards Erkensruhr. It could be considered the best part of the ride, but there is more to come.

Just before the secluded valley of Erkensruhr hits another Bundesstraße, we turn right, going steeply uphill (those with a lot of time, or in need to recharge their own or their bikes batteries, may drive on to Einruhr and the Rur Lake - a great tourist spot with lots of open air restaurants and meeting place for outdoor enthusiasts).

When we say uphill, we mean it. Have a look at the elevation diagram. The steepest spot has an incline of 23%, and signs advise that cyclist should dismount. Perhaps the sign was put up before ebikes where invented -- those with electric support may just continue.

The 'uphill' continues for a long while, until you reach the Dreiborner Hochfläche (the plateau of Dreiborn). It used to be a military exercise area for British and Belgium troops - these have now gone and the area is part of the National Park Eifel.

We take a beeline towards the Olef dam - crossing a few valley in the process. With an ebike its fun, with a regular bike you only do it when you need a good exercise. WE descend to the Berescheid Stream and up to Berescheid, then down to the Schafbach and up to Harperscheidt, then down (possibly a little difficult) to the Olef Lake.

Relax as you ride along the lakeshore. Steep uphill to the Wahlersheidt Parking Place. From here, ride to the 'Großer Stern'. Observe the signposts here - in the event of military exercise you may have to add a little detour; simply follow the signs towards Kalterherberg. If everything is clear, continue straight into Belgium and into the restricted area. A nice ride leads you into the 'Jägersief' and back into Germany.

Note that, as you approach Gut Heistert, the first left turn is extremely steep. Novices may chose to ignore this turn and take the next instead, which also goes to Gut Heistert. If you still have battery power and are up for a test, take the left turn as per our coordinates.