Berlin to Baltic sea: a meeting with the inner-self
My first solo bike tour (280 km in 2 days): 28-29 April, 2018

Since the re-arrival of Parmanu in my life, I am living with a sense of unpredictability in my life. Charmingly, our life is known to be unpredictable. Then, why this sense doesn’t bother anyone? …because we are unaware of the factor which may change our life tomorrow. Funnily, I happen to know the most probable factor in my life! So, I am just trying to get accustomed to this ‘new normal’!

Exactly one year ago, I finally gathered the courage to go on my first solo bike tour. With the little Parmanu on my back and the feeling that there will be no help around, I was fluctuating between excitement and lots of self-doubts. I packed basic bike tour essentials and some food for the journey. To avoid camping gear load, I planned to stay in hotels for the two nights. Also, I did not carry a camera and decided to take pictures using my mobile phone only.  For a beginner bike tourist, I actually set an ambitious plan of cycling 140 km per day with bike bags. But, as planned, I happily finished the whole distance (280 km) in two days.

The route of Berlin to Usedom goes through the rural north Brandenburg and Mecklenburg – Vorpommern. Germany is full of beautiful lakes and one gets to enjoy some breathtaking lake views on this biking trail too. After halfway on the route, one can see wind farms on both sides. On the second day, since I started at 4 am in the dark, the array of red lights on the wind turbines appeared like red stars in a vertical sky followed by real stars on the top. The view was mesmerizing. But I could not capture it as I did not have a proper camera. At dawn, I also saw a herd of deer fearlessly galloping in the yellow field. Berlin to Baltic sea is a well-known short bike touring route in Germany and many people do it every year during spring and summer seasons.

This trip gave me a good dose of self-confidence. It allowed me to ponder deeply into my circumstances, while surrounded by the grandeur of nature and the ocean. I realized that the ‘known uncertainty – my new normal’ is not that bad after all. I felt good about myself!

Here is a video showcasing this beautiful bike trail with various pictures I took on my way. If possible, please watch in HD and full screen. 

My itinerary:

Day 1: Berlin – Prenzlau (138 km) via Bernau, Rosenbecker Schleuse, Grimnitzsee, Fischteiche Blumberger Mühle

Day 2: Prenzlau – Koserow (142 km) via Ueckermünde, Stadt Usedom, Ahlbeck Pier, Heringsdorf Pier

I followed the Berlin-Usedom route planned by Komoot with some modification as per my convenience. On this route, there will be cobblestones paths while crossing small towns/villages and also, at times, some unpaved rough surfaces through the forests. For road bikes, it is easily possible to plan alternative paths for these patches. Here is the route I followed for my trip.

Lastly, the only non-selfie picture of me during the trip just before the uphill ride to Heringsdorf.

Tschüs!