Cyclists of the first hour on the Ruhr Valley cycle path

Then as now, 240 kilometers of cycling pleasure between Winterberg and Duisburg inspire people from near and far. In the summer of 2006, Thomas Goeke and his group of four were among the first cyclists on the river cycle path. In conversation, he recalls that they were the first cyclists in some of the hotels back then - and that the group still speaks fondly of this shared journey today.

Always following the signs: Then as now - 20 years after its opening - the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path follows the course of the Ruhr from Winterberg to Duisburg.

The Ruhr Valley Cycle Path's social media channels regularly publish up-to-date information, exciting information about projects and beautiful pictures of the banks of the Ruhr along the cycle path. And from time to time, older photos are also mixed in with the current photos, such as on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the cycle path. One person who sees these old snapshots is Thomas Göke. He writes a short comment under the old photos on Facebook: "Cycled the Ruhr Valley cycle path in 2006. From Winterberg to Duisburg. Watched the game between Germany and Italy in Schwerte. There were four of us. We were the first on the route at some of the hotels." That sounds exciting and like a real hero from the very beginning! Who better to open this series on the banks of Lake Kemnader in Bochum - 20 years after his first tour, the passionate cyclist is back on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path.

Thomas Goeke was one of the first cyclists on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path in the summer of 2006 - including here on Lake Kemnader in Bochum.

In 2005 he was out and about with friends on the Danube Cycle Path - in 2006 he heard about the newly opened Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, right on his doorstep. The decision was quickly made: let's do it. The trip was booked through a bike store in Bochum, and he has kept the travel documents as a souvenir of the tour to this day. The stages were a maximum of 60 kilometers long, the start was in Winterberg and from there it went to the mouth of the Rhine in Duisburg.

A different stage plan was very important for the tour group at the time. "It was very hot, so we planned a bit from ice cream parlor to ice cream parlor," recalls Thomas Goeke with a grin. And there was something else he remembers well: In many hotels, the group of cyclists were the first, the first to cycle along the Ruhr Valley cycle path, just a short time after the official opening. A real premiere group. And for many hotels and restaurateurs along the way, it was the start of a long and successful partnership.

To this day, the group likes to talk about the fact that they were on the cycle path together, because there was something for everyone: nature in the Sauerland, the cradle of mining in the middle of the cycle path and modern industry in Duisburg. An exciting experience that will leave a lasting impression. Because the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route simply writes beautiful stories and tours - then as now.

Fancy more insights from people who have shaped the RuhrtalRadweg over the last 20 years? Then take a look at Instagram and Facebook or keep an eye on this website. Throughout the anniversary year, we will be regularly posting new stories online from people around the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route.