Early Cyclists on the RuhrtalRadweg

Then as now, 240 kilometers of cycling fun between Winterberg and Duisburg continue to delight people from near and far. In the summer of 2006, Thomas Goeke, along with his group of four, was one of the first cyclists on the river bike path. In an interview, he recalls that they were the first cyclists to stay at some of the hotels back then—and that the group still enjoys talking about that trip together to this day.

Always follow the signs: Then as now—20 years after its opening—the RuhrtalRadweg follows the course of the Ruhr River from Winterberg to Duisburg.

The RuhrtalRadweg’s social media channels regularly feature the latest updates, exciting details about projects, and beautiful photos of the banks of the Ruhr along the bike trail. And every now and then, older photos are mixed in with the current ones—such as those posted to mark the bike trail’s 19th anniversary. One person who sees these old snapshots is Thomas Göke. He posts a short comment on Facebook under the old photos: “Cycled the RuhrtalRadweg in 2006. From Winterberg to Duisburg. Watched the Germany vs. Italy game back then in Schwerte. There were four of us. At some hotels, we were the first ones on the route.” That sounds exciting—and like a true hero! Who better to kick off this series on the shores of Kemnader See in Bochum—20 years after his first tour, this passionate cyclist is back on the RuhrtalRadweg.

In the summer of 2006, Thomas Goeke was one of the first cyclists to ride the RuhrtalRadweg—including here at Kemnader See in Bochum.

In 2005, he was cycling with friends on the Danube Cycle Path—then in 2006, he heard about the newly opened RuhrtalRadweg, right on his doorstep. The decision was made quickly: “Let’s do it.” They booked the trip through a bike shop in Bochum, and he’s kept the travel documents to this day as a memento of the tour. The stages were no more than 60 kilometers long; the trip started in Winterberg and continued from there to the confluence with the Rhine in Duisburg.

For the group, planning the stages differently was particularly important back then. “It was very hot, so we planned our route a bit from ice cream shop to ice cream shop,” Thomas Goeke recalls with a smile. And there’s something else he remembers well: At many hotels, the group of cyclists was the very first to travel along the RuhrtalRadweg, just a short time after its official opening. A true pioneer group, in other words. And for many hotels and restaurants along the route, it marked the beginning of a long-standing and fruitful partnership.

To this day, the group still enjoys talking about their time together on the bike path back then, because there was something for everyone: nature in the Sauerland, the cradle of mining in the middle of the route, and modern industry in Duisburg. An exciting experience that leaves a lasting impression. Because the RuhrtalRadweg simply makes for beautiful stories and tours—then as now.

Want more insights from the people who have shaped the RuhrtalRadweg over the past 20 years? Then check out Instagram and Facebook , or keep an eye on this website. Throughout the anniversary year, we’ll be posting new stories from people connected to the RuhrtalRadweg on a regular basis.