Day 1  

New York City or cycling for advanced cyclists.

Day 5

Slowly my sweety got used to the American climate. 

Keep heading westwards, racing with the sun. 

Day 6

Let the adventure begin. 

Day 7

Ready for the 3rd state of my trip from New York to Los Angeles:

Pennsylvania - The Keystone State

Day 8

Thank you, Jack, for the solar charger and detailed maps.   

Numberless friendly and helpful people on my way turning my trip into something real special. One sketches the trail I have to take on paper, the other one loads my bike in his jeep to drive me safely over the busy Interstate. 

So far? I'm amazed!

Day 10

GOOD MORNING AMERICA!

Day 11

AMERICA THE COLOURFUL

Day 12

Wenn du keine Kraft mehr hast, der Berg aber trotzdem ruft...

When you don't have any power left but the mountain keeps on calling for you...

Never imagined I did sth that hard like bike climbing in Pennsylvania. 

Moshannon State Forest

Day 13

Thank you, Joe, for loading my bike in your car, driving me up the hill and letting me out at the motel. 

Just in time before the stormy flood would had hit me hard. 

Punxsutawney

Day 14

Punxsutawney

I am currently cycling through Groundhog territory.  

German immigrants once established the Groundhog Day ("Murmeltiertag"), celebrated on the 2nd of February, when Groundhogs were released for the first time (after hibernation) to make a forcast about the progress of winter. If the groundhog sees his shadow (and runs away scared...) then the winter would last for another 6 weeks. 

There is even a movie around "The Groundhog Day" ("Und täglich grüßt das Murmeltier")...

What I could all learn from Douglas (the guy on the picture).

Day 15

Every UP has its DOWN.

Today I broke through the cyclist's sound barrier. 

Day 16

I have no idea how I did this but somehow I managed to pass through the "Keystone State" Pennsylvania and in addition reached finally the 1000-kilometer-mark (both horizontally AND vertically).

Day 17

Hey Mr. Officer! 

Did I do sth wrong?

Don't worry. Everything is alright. 

Eric just joined me for a chat, while I was taking a break at the side of the road and he also offered me his help. 

Day 18

Maybe I wasn't looking effectively enough but this is the first bicycle trail after New York City which is exclusively designed for bikes and pedestrians. 

Seen and cycled on in Akron, Ohio.

Day 19

May I introduce Chief Ranger Dave Swinehart. 

I met him this morning while I had breakfast at Buckeye Woods Park, Medina, Ohio (Ohio-Rosskastanienpark, Medina, Ohio). BTW: "Buckeyes" has been the official Ohio State nickname.

Dave definetly knows how to make coffee :-) TY.

When you are on a bike tour in unknown terrain it's always helpful to meet locals. You might get some tips about the route and where to spend the night that can never be found in any map. 

Day 20

In the land of opportunity of course there got to be more than just one way to wear your trousers. 

Here we can see an example out of unlimited possibilities. 

Day 21

It's a new day, it's a new week and a new state on my way to California. 

Hello Indiana!

Day 22

Honestly, who needs a map or GPS when one can have the best guidance, especially through and out of big cities?

Sam is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and he basically lives on his bike. It was nice meeting him and driving one or the other mile together. 

Day 24

Notice:

If you are simply unable to get sunburned, try it with fresh brewed coffee. 

That'll do it. 

Day 25

Good Morning from the River Kankakee, Illinois!

Because of the terrible thunderstorm one night ago the river (and surrounding area) is completely flooded. 

I would still describe it as some kind of fun cycling through knee-deep water. 

Colour and flow velocity remind me of the Amazon. 

Day 26

Next milestone unlocked: 2000 km / 1243 mi

Somewhere on the wonderful Canal Trail which runs between River Illinois and the I&M Canal. 

Day 27

      Did I mention how much I love the canal trails of Illinois?

Today I cycled along the Hennepin Canal which connects the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.

It seemed to me like not many are using these trails (not even on a sunny Sunday afternoon).

So calm and remote that I could witness a medium sized turtle laying her egg right beside the trail. 

Day 28

New month, new week, new federal state: Iowa is already the 7th US-state on my summer roadtrip.

There are many i's at the moment...

By passing the Mississippi River I also crossed the border from Illinois to Iowa.

Three states with initial I in a row: 

Indiana, Illinois and Iowa

Day 29

Every dusk same hustle: Where do I spend the night?

At first sight it seems like there should be plenty of space for a tiny tent like mine but all that space turns out to be predominantly private property.

Oh boy, how do I miss the Scandinavian Allemansrätt (Jedermannsrecht) - every single evening...

Day 30

One of the most important thing on a bike trip is to eat healthy. 

Day 31

Happy Independence Day everyone! US-America is celebrating it's National Birthday. When back in the days on July 4th 1776 the declaration of Independence was signed. 

On this day the original 13 British Colinies were officially named as "United States of America" for the first time. 

Sort of a prehistoric Brexit in a way. 

Day 32

I must have looked a bit helpless as I sat there at the roadside and tried my best to catch some shadow. 

Because all of a sudden an angel stopped by and provided a cold drink and a power snack for me. 

Made my day!

Day 33

Things have changed...

Today my bike asked me confidentally better not to cycle over the Rockys. How could I ever  refuse one single request from my bike?

So here's the new approach on the way to San Francisco: Instead of East to West there will be North to South. Starting off in Seattle, Washington, all the way down the pacific coast line. 

Day 34

Just an inconspicuous sign at the side of the road can lead you to so much joy and hospitality! 

Stopped at Wilder Park in Allison, Iowa, yesterday and what I experienced then was just awesome: Brenda, the camp host, invited me for breakfast in the morning (Gosh, how I loved that Omelette!) followed by an exclusive tour around the park in a golf cart. One can explore so many in Wilder Park: for example a sweet chapel by the lake or a severe storm shelter, even a bike repair station - all raised by volunteers of the area. Not to mention the chance to wash my hair (after almost three weeks kind of necessary).

Day 35

Packing your 7 things in the morning can be either super fast or will take ages. 

In my case it all depends on the remoteness of the area and the sleep quality. 

Day 36

Took a shortcut by making a detour.

From Des Moines, capital of Iowa, I spontaneously turned north and rolled a bit.  

Here am I now, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, waiting for the train to get me out of the Middle West on the shortest way possible to Seattle, Washington.

Day 37

Boom! 

There's the thing: 3000 km (around 2000 miles)

First stage completed - just in time. 

On average I cycled 83,333 km every single day. 

Quite acceptable. 

Day 38

      Almost 40 hours of train driving to get me to Seattle. Eventhough I've catched some awesome views and reached the big city in the state of Washington relatively fast I would prefer the bike sattle to a coach seat every time. 

Day 39

From the lonely mountains into the bustling city. 

After two nights in a train coach seat almost sleepless in Seattle. 

Day 40

A tent with a view.

Day 41

Thousand shades of GREEN 

The state of Washington is not called "Evergreen State" without reason. 

Even the water in the numerous lakes is painted in a greenish blue. 

Wonderful!

Day 42

The moment I met Cathrine in the little town called South Bend in Willapa Bay my status changed instantly from homeless to VIP-special-guest in a cosy north american house.

Just to name a few examples of her hospitality: I had a warm shower (first one since a long time), could even wash all my clothes and slept in a real bed. 

After a nice and healthy breakfast the next morning I headed freshly strengthened and with a handmade polenta cake in my luggage south, always following Hwy 101 from now on. 

Day 43

Here's where I slept last night. 

With nothing but the Pacific Ocean in front of me. 

I only ask myself why is it called "Stiller Ozean/ Silent Ocean"...

Day 44

Even though Trudy just moved in to her new house in Chinook, Washington, and still had to fight the chaos, she invited me to stay till the next day.   

Didn't make any sense to continue my tour in such heavy and long lasting rain. Here on the northern Pacific Coast things can get incredible wet. 

So instead of driving through the rain I had a hot tomatoe soup and used my chance to rest on that awesome remote-controlled multifunctional sleeping chair. 

Day 45

- Astoria - 

Port city and place of the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains or 

where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. 

To jump from Washington to Oregon you have to take an exciting ride over the 6 km long Megler Bridge. 

Btw: The movie "Free Willy" was filmed in Astoria.

Day 46

Scenic Pacific Ocean Ride on U.S. Highway 101

Day 47

Sometimes it feels good to carry my personal fruit bowl around. 

They are really out there!

Still thrilled I wonder if they were Gray or Humpback Whales.

Day 49

What to do when the campground is full?

Well, wildcamping at the beach does not sound like the worst of all options. 

Only keep an eye on the tides. Otherwise the ocean might collect you in while slumbering peacefully. 

Day 50

Highlight of the day: a lonesome swimmer in Waldport, Oregon: a harbor seal. 

Day 51

Just some baby sea lions playing in the sun.

Sea Lion Cave is America's largest sea cave and the year-round home of Steller sea lion. 

Luckily some were chillin a bit away from the cave that requires admission. 

Day 52

Are you kidding me...

Someone brave enough to camp here?

Day 53

And today it happened for the very first time: Someone called 911 because of me. 

My crime? 

Driving over a narrow bridge (for cars constructed in the 30s) and making a single car driver felt disturbed by doing so. Eventhough there are flashing lights in the entrance of every tunnel and bridge to indicate a cyclist is in or on. Police Officer came immediately. We had a brief conversation and he wished me a safe trip. I guess this car driver just had a really bad day.

Day 54

A breakfast that makes a cyclist's heart jump higher. 

Day 55

Flying visit in the wonderful Garden of Gene Griffith, Gold Beach.

I don't know any fruit, berry or plant which does not sprout there. 

Day 56

Here in Oregon things run really slow. 

But hey: Constant dripping wears away the stone. 

This is how I finally made it to the 4000-km-milestone or in my case miletree. 

                                   Day 57

And here on that picture you can see a Berlin girl that is about to cycle her bike into the Golden State of California. 

Day 58

Giants.

The Redwood trees can grow over 120 m high and become more than 3000 years old...

Day 59

Look who I met here. This is Jon from Houston, Texas. Photo-Journalist and Motorcyclist. 

Unfortunately I couldn't keep up with him on the long distance. 

Day 60

It is simply impossible to find some place that you can't reach by car. 

Here in the States even trees are drivable-thru.

Day 61

Climbing, climbing, climbing... 

In Humboldt County, California.

It took me one whole morning to make it up to the clouds. 

For those who want to improve their patient skills: The hillside is a great teacher.

Day 62

This is Mark.

Pilot, Cyclist, Adventurer. 

His bike weighs no more than a feather. 

Day 63

Sleeping on the edge.

No people, no cars, no worries. 

There was only me, the crushing waves, a distant song of some sea lions and the stars above. 

Day 64

California - 

Fog in the morning, Gold in the evening.

Day 65

A bunch of California sea lions. 

Laziness at a whole new level. 

Spotted on Mendocino County Coast. 

Day 66

Driving down Highway 1 (Hwy 1) is neither a picnic nor a walk in the park but definitely worth a look at all times. 

Day 67

Today a selection of farns. 

Day 68

What can happen when finally taking an official campground rather than staying in the wild I experienced last night. 

My campsite was full of people - adults, children. Nice and kind party people, who come together on this campground every once in a year. They picked my site by mistake (free space) and set up a big party there. End of story: I got invited to have dinner with them :-)

Day 69

And never travel without a good book in your pocket. 

Day 70

There is something unique beautiful and magical laying over Point Reyes National Seashore (Marin County, California).

At 3 a.m. in the morning an elk trotted along my tent, snorted and went away - just like that. 

Day 71

I could not believe that I really made it to San Francisco. But then I pinched myself. And guess what? It hurt a little...

Milestone #5 unlocked: 5000 km :-D

      Day 72

If you're going to San Francisco

be sure to wear some sunprotection on your skin. 

Sightseeing.

Day 73

The result of pitching my tent in complete darkness. 

That night I coudn't even see my hands in front of me. But the tent stood like a rock in the surf (windy) including a surprising view the next morning. 

Day 74

Beautiful tide pools of Hollow Bean State Beach.

Aside from countless treasures to find down there this Striped Shore Crab seemed to pose and smile special for this picture. 

Day 75

Santa Cruz - The City where I met a bunch of friendly people. 

Starting with Justin (longtime cyclist, has seen almost every state of America) who shared strawberries, bacon, potatoes and experiences with me.

Followed by Chris from the Bike Church (teacher and bike shop volunteer) who replaced my front-wheel srew finally (wrong size since New Jersey). 

And at the end of the day I met Kenny (Santa Cruz resident, Ranger) who also travels by bike - but during the winter months. 

Unfortunately there isn't a photo of none of them. I guess I was to busy to snap. 

Day 76

Knocked Out.

It's Sunday and nothings goes anymore. 

My legs are like a lead weight and move tenacious like an old chewing gum. 

No power left. 

As if that wasn't bad enough the wind decided spontaneously to change direction and blew me right into the face. 

Unable to proceed that way I sat down doing nothing but waiting for better days to come. 

Day 77

Sunbathing in the morning.

Getting warmed up for Big Sur.

Day 78

Big Sur - The 114 km long, rugged costal stripe between Carmel in the North and San Simeon in the South, where the Santa Lucia Mountains rise apruptly from the Pacific Ocean, offers dramatic views, no doubt. 

But honestly speaking: For me as a cyclist it was just a Big Sur(vival trip). The narrowest roads winding up and down the rocks, a lot of road work is going on and last but worst: speedy cars which seemed to cuddle with me. I would not necessarily be the first to recommend this stretch to touring bicyclists...

No need to mention that I have seen none around during the two and a half days there.

Day 79

No, they are NOT dead! 

A group of Elephant Seals laying on the beach of San Simeon. 

Almost completed their molting season they don't eat on the coast. To waste no unnecessary energy they appear a bit lethargic. 

Day 80

Race finished, T-Shirt soaking wet. 

The temperature on the Pacific Coast changes so quickly from freezing cold to burning hot that I am never fast enough to take of my sweater. 

Day 81

I carry on with meeting nice, funny, adventurous and multi-talented rangers along my way.

Robb I met in Morro Bay, California. He plays the harmonica in a band and writes books for children. 

Together we planned my little excursion to one of the Channel Islands next week. 

Ferry? Done!

Campground? Done!

Day 82

Good Morning from Santa Maria!

Let's get it started. I am ready for the last miles on my Summer Road Trip 2019 and it is sunny as usual :-)

Day 83

So what?

Day 84

When you are the first on the beach, it's all yours: THE SUN, THE WAVES, THE SAND AND THE FRESH'n SALTY BREEZE. 

Last night I pitched my tent on the coastal bluff close to Santa Barbara. 

Today as the sun came up I went down to have a morning bath in the Pacific. 

Nothing better than that. 

Day 85

Hopped on Santa Cruz Island for two days. 

Bikes are not allowed on the Channel Islands. So no cycling for the next 30 hours. 

Day 86

Beautiful Island Life 

Only a stone's throw from LA away yet worlds apart. 

No shops, electricity or WiFi.

One of those places where I would have appreciated to stay longer. 

Day 87

Malibu - 

The place where the great beach palasts can be found. 

Proud to reside in my own mobile palast.

Day 88

Could not ask for a better finish line

Los Angeles!!!

 - 6000 km -

I would especially like to thank my bike who was always there for me, stood loyal to my side.

In good and in bad times.  

And - almost surreal - hadn't had a flat tire since now 15.000 km. 

Day 89

The most unpleasant task at the end of my journey: getting my bike packed and checked in.

What I would have done if William didn't give me his number and offer me his help (just in case) no more than a day ago? I don't know. 

Thank you, William, for turning up immediately in your Little Red Riding Hood and driving my bike to the airport. Hell of a job!!!

Day 90

Berlin Landing

Battered and shattered but so happy that I made it.