I'm just back from riding down half of the Elbe from Hamburg to Magdeburg which is about 440 kms over two weeks. This included far too much pig and a couple of salt spas. I've written it up on hubpages because that allows you to hold large photos, maps etc and while it is not yet complete it will be over the next few days.

High points are guess was that the ride was almost completely flat (those rivers eh!) accommodation was always good and despite the fact that some of the parts in Eastern Germany were a little disreputable the work continues to intergrate those areas into the whole of Germany.

If you want to see the details follow this link

http://bilboburgler.hubpages.com/hub...ip-Preparation

bilboburgler: what a great website you have constructed for bikers! Must have taken a lot of effort! Thanks so much for sharing!

Too bad you opted for the less scenic part of the Elbe bike trail. Upstream (From the Czech Republic into Germany) it is much more beautiful but equally flat.

Ingo, I plan to do both parts but you have to start somewhere. The scenary in the part we were in was perhaps less dramatic but still very pretty. 2012 we go back and I'm very keen to see Dresden

Ok, glad to hear that - see you on the trail next year ;-)

Ingo,
Is the bike trail along the river continuous from Dresden to CR, and beyond? It doesn't show up on my online bike routing maps.

I'm guessing it's about 50km from Dresden to Bad Schandau. Would make a good full day round trip. Or maybe train to Decin then ride back one way.

I can bring my gear, but would need to find a good bike rental shop - 54cm road bike with SPD. Bookmarking for my next trip.

J62, yes, the bike trail is continuous (almost all the way on both sides of the river), also from Decin. I did the bike Bad Schandau to Decin and back in spring, btw - it was a bit exhausting because of the wind. It kept blowing in my face in the morning but also on the way back in the afternoon. LOL

There are plenty of bike shops in Dresden, e.g. in the Neustadt district. Don't know exactly right now but will have a look later.

I.

bilboburgler, this is fascinating. I've bookmarked your other website too. Maybe someday I will plan an easy bike trip in Europe.

One recommended bike rental would be Radsport Tietz in Pillnitz:
http://www.radsport-tietz.de/radspor...ih/verleih.php

Another good place is this: www.radsport-paeperer.de
It's in convenient location at Körnerplatz/Loschwitz, long family tradition in the business.

I.

Thanks easytraveler and yk for the compliments. It takes a lot of time but it is a labour of love.

This is wunderbar, Bilboburgler! Thank you so much. Can't wait to read your self guided bike tour web site, too.

I still have another two days to complete but the weather in UK is so great at the moment I just have to be out-of-doors