Preparations and Arrival 2025 for EV 1 to Aberdeen

Preparations

We are once again setting off on our journey. After three sections of EuroVelo 13 (Iron Curtain Trail) and the southern part of EV 1 (Atlantic Coast Route), we are heading to the northern section of EV 1. This year, many have doubted whether another major cycling tour would be feasible for us. We were also among the doubters - at the end of November, Harald had prostate surgery and from mid-March to early May, he underwent radiation therapy. These weren't the only doubts; the planned tour has also been a significant concern for us. We have great respect for the upcoming challenges, for the stages in sparsely populated areas, for the weather with rain and wind, and for the midges... One evening, we had an extensive discussion about whether we truly wanted to go through with it - and the next day, we booked trains and ferries. We are now in eager anticipation and look forward to sharing our impressions, experiences, and stories with you again through our blog. In recent weeks, we have been working on our fitness, with Dominique often using Zwift and outdoor rides, and Harald diligently cycling with his gravel and road bikes in the tri-border area. Right at the beginning of the tour in Scotland, we will face long stages with significant elevation gain in Aberdeenshire and in the southern part of the Highlands. However, we can initially conserve our strength and enrich our culture during the four-day journey.

Basel - Amsterdam (June 2, Night Train) - Newcastle (June 3, Ferry) - Edinburgh (June 4, Train) - Aberdeen (June 5, Train) 

At 11:13 PM, the ÖBB NightJet leaves Basel heading towards Amsterdam. Part of the train is an IC from Deutsche Bahn with numerous bike spots. Ideal for us! As the train rolls leisurely through the night, we can rest up in the sleeper car to prepare for the upcoming challenges. In Amsterdam, we use the time until the ferry departs to visit the Rijksmuseum with its famous paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals. The first flat 30 km on the bike belongs to the Netherlands. By the time we reach the ferry, we get a little accustomed to the headwinds. The ferry to Newcastle is first-class equipped, and the staff is extremely friendly and helpful. They are mostly Filipinos who work here for eight months. I fondly remember my two visits to the Philippines in my younger years.

In the morning (June 4), we cycle 15 km to the train station in Newcastle. Along the way, we encounter well-developed bike paths where we meet retirees on their morning tours, who all greet us warmly. In a direct train, we arrive in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, in 90 minutes. We are already getting acquainted with the cooler winds that will likely accompany us on the rest of the tour. We visit the Scott Monument, erected in memory of the famous national poet, among others known for his novel about Sir Ivanhoe, and of course, the impressive Castle on the Castle Rock overlooking the city. It has been a fortress, royal residence, garrison, and prison for many centuries since the 12th century. The castle houses the Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in Britain. Mary Stuart also resided here before being imprisoned in 1567 and forced to abdicate in favor of her one-year-old son James VI, who later became King James I. We stroll along the famous Royal Mile with its many shops, cafés, restaurants, and public buildings until we reach Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British King in Scotland.

On June 5, we continue our journey to Aberdeen. The city has been significant since the 12th century. The city's skyline is characterized by the silver-grey granite from the once surrounding quarries. When the sun shines, the mica content in the granite sparkles, which is why Aberdeen is also fondly called Silver City. Nowadays, the port is of particular importance as a large portion of offshore oil is processed there.

We are more interested in Old Aberdeen with the buildings of the old university, King's College, and St Machar's Cathedral from the 12th century with its impressive west towers and sandstone tips. In the evening, there will be fish and very good mussels from the Shetland Islands to motivate us for the first tough tour tomorrow. We are excited and looking forward to finally getting on our bikes!