when it comes to mountain bike riding we consider ourselves lucky: the taunus hills provide trails for (almost) every taste & skill. every now and then, however, we have to check to see if there are better possibilities elsewhere.
this time we took a trip to the eifel. the eifel is old volcanic country: the hills and lakes were formed in a time when europe was a bit more violent, at least in geologic terms. it was literally ‘hot stuff’ then, this time only the weather was hot.
hills, streams & lakes are a good combination, perfect for a little bike trip.
pity all this is requires a 2-hour drive …
several bike magazines recommended a trail along the lieser, south of daun. we especially liked the notion that most of it is single trails.
they forgot to write about the river crossings.
no wonder, we did not actually have to cross the lieser, but it felt good – on a hot summer day. 
yeah, me. contemplating the new fork (rock shox pike – an excellent improvement) and the 8 inch disk. the little pump on the frame is a new addition: i recently had a flat and having to push your bike home can really spoil your trip. therefore: pump on the bike and tube in the saddle bag. i also notice i need to make an appointment with my hairdresser.
sometimes trails get a little steep, but nothing can stop kris.
the lieser winding its way towards manderscheid.
manderscheid castle. we did not stop for a visit: we found the local cafe a much more rewarding destination.
single trail action. kris has become quite good. i remember that just a couple of months ago she had trouble going round a flat corner on asphalt, now she takes small winding tracks perfectly.
lucky me.
on the one side steep rocks, on the other a long drop to the river.
at least the trees gave some shadow: we had 34 degrees that day.
one of the crater lakes, called ‘maar’.
well, it was a nice trip, but spending 4 hours in the car to find a nice trail seems a bit out of proportion. we agreed that next time we’d rather see how we can improve our ‘home trails’.