The German newspaper, Rheinische Post, in its March 14, 2024, internet edition advertised an upcoming yearly bicycle tour of the North Rhine-Westphalia region. The ride is sponsored by the Western Germany lotto system, WestLotto; the North Rhine-Westphalia Broadcast Network (NRW); and, West German Broadcasting (WDR 4), also located in the Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

While participation in the actual tour, still a couple of months away, would be preferable, the advertisement offers the perfect opportunity to become acquainted with the ‘Sichtwürdigkeiten’ (sights worth seeing) of the North Rhine-Westphalia region as we mount our virtual bicycles for a preview of what lies ahead for those who will be registering to take part in the ride.

The translated article begins below [translated from German by LOC]:

It’s going around again – yes, on two wheels: WestLotto, the NRW Foundation and WDR 4 extend an invitation to participate in the NRW Bicycling Tour 2024, a tour that every year roams a region of North Rhine-Westphalia. In 2024 it leads through the region of the east Ruhr and the Soerst Börde. Among the locations visited on the four days are sites around Bergkamen, Castrop-Rauxel, Dortmund, Datteln, Fröndenberg, Werl, Soest, and Welver. The tour starts and finishes in Hamm.

Special high points: The ‘Saddle Festival’ is visited on stage four – all cycling enthusiasts get their money’s worth on a 40-kilometer [25-mile]-long stretch blocked to traffic between Soest and Hamm.

Projects

Numerous nature and cultural projects lie along the route that are being promoted by the NRW Foundation out of lottery funds from WestLotto. There are the Hoesch Museum in Dortmund, the Chainsmith Museum in Fröndenberg, the Castle Mill Lippholthausen in Lünen, the Colliery Towers of the former anthracite coal colliery Erin in Castrop-Rauxel, the Green Sandstone Museum in Soest, the Graduation Tower in the spa park as well as the building complex “At the Bake Oven” from the year 1670 in Werl. Also included is the Buddemühle art forum in Welver. Nature projects on the tour’s route are the Flood Plain Preserve along the Lippe [River] as well as the Salzbrink Nature Reserve near Soest.

Summer Open Air

Evenings, at all stage finishes, there is a crowning conclusion to the day: WDR 4 Summer Open Airs, are free and take place under the stars. In recent years, WDR 4 has had national and international stars like OMD, Kim Wilde, or Sasha on the stage. Also, this year, famous performers and bands will provide a musical finale.

Registrations Required

Each participant of the NRW Bicycling Tour 2024 must register. The participation fee, depending on the overnight accommodations category, is between 220 and 430 euros for the entire tour. Announcements for overnight possibilities and further information are to be found in a brochure, which is displayed at all WestLotto acquisition sites as well as on the Internet. Registrations for permanent participants have been possible since March 12 at the acquisition sites as well as online at www.nrw-radtour.de ▶ .