Taunus Bikepacking:
Bettis Highlight of nature, challenge and inner strength
The Taunus Bikepacking race was without a doubt the highlight of my season – not just because of the stunning route but also because of the personal challenges I overcame along the way. In this post, I’ll take you with me on my journey through Germany’s central highlands: long days on the bike, short nights under the stars, and all the little moments that added up to something big.
Why bikepacking in the Taunus?
The Taunus is a low mountain range in Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, northwest of Frankfurt am Main, and part of the Rhenish Slate Mountains. With the Großer Feldberg standing tall at 881 meters, the region offers a scenic, varied landscape. When I first came to the area for work, it immediately struck me: this place is made for riding. Beautiful trails and dreamy gravel sections were just waiting to be explored. Another big plus: easy train access – no complicated logistics, just straight into the adventure.
More than just a race: Atmosphere and Community
This race is one of the most well-known bikepacking events in Germany – and I was beyond excited. This year also saw a record-breaking women’s field: 17 female starters made it the biggest yet, a strong sign of positive change in the scene. The route? Absolutely stunning. Technically manageable yet challenging enough – perfect for both beginners and seasoned riders. No unrideable sections, just smooth rolling through breathtaking landscapes.
The warm, familiar vibe of the organizers gives this race a special charm. Many participants return year after year – and now I understand why. Before and after the race, everyone gathers at a cozy campground that just invites you to stay a little longer. This is what real bikepacking culture looks like – stories, laughter, and a sense of belonging.
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Short, intense rides with hard intervals? Not my thing. I thrive on long and steady – that's my pace, where I feel at home. With work and family life, training time is limited, but experience plays a big role. Sometimes, that means starting a session at 4 a.m. before the rest of the day begins. It's tough, but always worth it. I’m built for long, not fast.
Betti Bögel
Many Firsts – and Countless Lessons
This race brought a whole list of “first times”:
First tubeless puncture – thankfully sealed up perfectly with sealant and held for 900 km.
Restless nights – which I normally never have when sleeping outdoors. I underestimated the cold, but warmer clothes helped.
A small crash – in a freshly graveled corner, but I got away without injury.
Bike trouble – on the last day, steering became tricky. I was worried, especially on descents. But I decided to keep riding for as long as I could. And I made it – all the way to the finish.
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Mental strength: my secret weapon
What continues to surprise me is how strong my mindset is. Even in tough moments when I doubt my performance – especially due to limited training – I manage to pull through. But I couldn’t do it alone. My husband is my rock and the one who keeps me going when things get rough.
Solo Time: Thoughts, Silence, Awareness
When I ride alone, I enjoy the time with my own thoughts. Fear? Not really – just a bit of unease if there’s a lot of wildlife at night. In those moments, I ride with extra care. Safety always comes before speed.
Quitting? Only If There's No Other Option
When the steering issue showed up, the thought of quitting crossed my mind. But I told myself: I’ll stop only when I absolutely have to. Luckily, that moment never came.
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My setup: Reliable and strong
My Bike: Asket CF LTD
My trusty companion for the race was the Asket CF LTD. With the SRAM Force and X0 Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, I had the perfect gearing for steep climbs and fast descents. The DT Swiss GRC 1100 wheels paired with Schwalbe G-One R tubeless tires (45 mm) gave me solid grip on all terrains – whether tarmac, gravel, or trails. The geometry fits me perfectly – even as a smaller rider – and despite the compact frame, I was able to mount all my bags without affecting ride quality.
My Sleep System: Short But Effective
I rely on a tried-and-tested combination: Nordisk sleeping pad and sleeping bag. I ride as long as I can, find a sheltered spot, and set my alarm for 2–3 hours of sleep. I always factor in 10 minutes to fall asleep. The amount of rest I get depends on how the race unfolds – but in general, the more efficient, the better.
Fueling the Ride: Strategy is Key
Food on a bikepacking trip is always a bit of a challenge. Here’s my system:
Day 1: Cooked potatoes or pasta from home – it gives me a sense of security.
Snacks: PowerBar bars, gummy shots, and carb pouches.
From day 2: I hit bakeries and supermarkets in the morning. Sandwiches, chocolate milk, buttermilk, and fresh fruit are must-haves.
Bonus: If there’s a kebab shop on the way, I’ll treat myself – usually only managing half and saving the rest for later.
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Takeaways for next time
Be better prepared for cold nights – sleep is crucial for performance.
Focus more on recovery – especially with limited training time.
Taunus Bikepacking 2025 challenged me physically and emotionally – and gave me so much in return. It was a journey full of nature, gear, emotion, and inner strength.
"Once again, I was reminded: bikepacking is more than a sport. It’s a way of life."