The Ultimate Cycle Adventure: Mülheimers Pedal from Homeland to Sicily
Challenging Mountain Terrain on Day 12 of Giro d'Italia for Charity: Athletes Need Extra Push – Unwanted Weight Elimination Required
An extraordinary journey awaits three buddies from Mülheim—Christian Pacheco Gonzalez (49), Patrick Kodjayan (50), and Pino Barbera (49)—as they embark on a 2,700 kilometers cycling expedition aiming for Trapani on the west coast of Sicily. Braving 20,000 meters of elevation over 24 days, they march forward asOne, determined to raise 20,000 euros for Friedensdorf Oberhausen, to acquire new sports and play equipment. As of now, they've garnered 3,000 euros in donations! You can contribute to their noble cause here!
- Read More: Mülheimers conquer 20,000 meters of elevation - by bike: "That'll be an adventure"
- Read More: Mülheimer tackles Paris-Roubaix: Bloodied thumbs in the cobblestone Hell
- Read More: Mülheimer club swears: "The best club in the world, I assure"
Having hatched the idea over a beer, the trio is headstrong and unwavering in their ambition, despite the daunting route and the daily goal of 120 kilometers. The journey commences at 8 a.m. each day, and they aim to reach their goal by midday, utilizing tents or pensions as overnight accommodations in the event of inclement weather.
Join us as we chronicle their cycling adventure through a blog!
Day 12: The appointment with Sweat Mountain
"Today was that moment of no return," affirms Patrick Kodjayan on completion of day 12. The team pedals another 125 kilometers along the coastline. Coasting against a robust headwind, they initially scale 750 meters of elevation, then confront three inclines that siphons every last drop of sweat from these Mülheimers.
On the brighter side, two factors cheer them up: The coastline and the escalating donation totals that amount to 8,465 euros due to a hefty donation of over 5,000 euros and numerous small contributions!
R.O. Interview - Aaging cyclist lends assistance to distressed senior
The trio took to R.O. (Radio Oberhausen) for a live broadcast, with Pino Barbera granting an interview. When asked about their progress, he remarked: "We've just woken up, already on the bike. We're heading towards Rimini and will go to Ancona today. Down the Adriatic coast. There have been one or two minor setbacks with a flat tire or a chain issue, but we're doing well."
Pedaling 120 kilometers, they're slightly ahead of schedule. Their plans are, however, delayed when an elderly woman needs assistance; Barbera stops to lend a helping hand, explaining the bike's problem and offering a solution.
Day 10: The Great Blue Calls
After another night spent beside an alfresco camping ground teeming with snails, the trio is back in the saddle, hoping to catch glimpses of the sea. This prospect fuel their motivation and anticipation.
- Also today: Mechanical malady hinders Patrick's progress - swift repair before resuming the journey
The team covers 134 kilometers today, finally laying eyes on the sea in Milano Marittima. A stroke of good fortune, the campsite boasts direct access to the beachfront.
Day 9: 20,000 euros - the ultimate donation target met - but there's a long way to Sicily
Brentino, Verona, Ravenna—here is where the trio sets off today. "Today was quite manageable, just 400 meters of elevation gain, about 130 kilometers. It was quite pleasant today," chirped Christian Pacheco Gonzalez. With the persistent wind abating, they glide smoothly.
Excellent news! Over 3,000 euros in donations have been collected so far.
Day 8: Sunburn bliss, a garden-like campsite, and a broken gear
The trio pedals north to south, clocking approximately 130 kilometers daily. They leave the Alps behind and head for the sea. The landscapes are breathtaking, while the vineyard-ensconced campsite offers serenity. Unfortunately, a malfunctioning gear threatens the durability of Patrick Kodjayan's bike.
Day 7: Two weeks in - The three Mülheimers cross the Brenner Pass
Post Germany and Austria, the trio maintains their 130-kilometer daily pace on Italian soil. Following an encounter with modest establishments less amiable to cyclists, they navigate jagged alleys dotted with traffic noise, but persevere, ultimately reaching Bolzano. Future directions lie to the south.
Day 6: The Alps command respect - a wildlife encounter amuses
"The Alps lay before us, still boasting quite a bit of snow. Truthfully, I am in awe," shares Patrick Kodjayan, gazing at the imposing mountain range. The Alpine pass has now been cleared, signaling the trio's entry into Austria. Their bikes sail smoothly, but challenges abound: persistent rain necessitates the use of raincoats, offering a stunning view of the mountains. The sixth day of adventure translates to 148 kilometers, with elevation gain reaching an anticipated zenith, foreshadowing the trials to come.
Just when the crew faces mounting difficulties, nature intervenes: a cow placidly observes the cyclists, adding a touch of humor to their momentous journey.
Day 5: A birthday couldn't be more beautiful
The trio presses onward, celebrating their fifth day on this epic cycling journey. Christian Pacheco Gonzalez turns another year older today. Happy birthday, mate! The sun shines brightly over the trio, as they make their way from Mannheim to Bolzano, covering around 700 meters of elevation gain.
Day 4: A bike malfunction - leading to an unexpected train ride
Day four wasn't a smooth ride for the trio. "We faced some difficulties today," says Patrick Kodjayan in a brief update as he climbs a hill, dampened by drizzle. They are eventually forced to spend the night at a pension due to the weather. A more pressing concern: Christian Pacheco Gonzalez's bike experiences mechanical issues, requiring emergency attention at a workshop in Weikersheim.
Undeterred, Patrick Kodjayan and Pino Barbera plod ahead, encountering leaner climbs as they head south.
Day 3: Rain first, then sun - and the first mountains
The trio kicks off their third day of cycling. The cyclists confront the morning rain, but their spirits remain undampened by the gloomy weather. Encouraged by the growing donation total of now 1,500 euros, the trio pedals on.
In the heart of the day, the rain abates, making way for sunshine. The first hills appear—a future indication of the formidable challenges they face. The team regenerates in Trochtelfingen before continuing their voyage towards the Austrian border. By Lauda-Königshofen, they call it a night at a pension, sheltered from the elements in their tents.
Day 1: Friendship over mountains and rivers
It's only 8 AM on Friday, and the trio is off on their adventure. A goodbye filled with heartfelt emotions marks their start.
- More information: The trio's cycling preparations, shared via a special report
As they pedal through their hometown, they encounter the beauties and challenges of the route ahead. Their first stop: the charming village of Bad Breisig am Rheineck.
- On the coastline and beyond: Despite the strenuous headwind and steep inclines, the Mülheimers push through, inspired by the coastline and the increasing donation total reaching 8,465 euros.
- A shared sense of sportsmanship: Amidst the grueling cycling expedition, the trio demonstrates the true spirit of sports by lending a helping hand to an elderly woman in need.
