TBP, Taunus Bikepacking – I’ve already heard a lot about this event, a self-supported bikepacking adventure that will take place for the eighth time in 2025. Always exciting and incredible stories!
Since Frankfurt is my birthplace, for me, it’s almost a „must“ to start there at least once. Organizer’s website.
The loop through the Taunus region should be completed in a maximum of one week, which means 1,000 kilometers on a mountain bike, crossing the region and passing numerous landmarks. The route runs mostly away from roads, on quiet farm and forest paths, as well as some trails.
There are no flat sections – it’s a constant up and down! You climb „mountains“ (as a South Tyrolean with German roots, I would call them „hills“ – and I don’t mean that in a dismissive way at all! From what I’ve read, they are extremely demanding, often featuring steep climbs in rough terrain).
The maximum 100 participants (and it’s getting harder and harder to secure a spot!) will have to conquer around 20,000 meters of elevation gain, meaning about 3,000 meters per day for me!
The ride starts in Eppstein-Niederjosbach, in southern Hesse. The „base camp“ is the unique campsite „The Eppstein Project“, nestled between forests and rolling hills – a retreat for stressed-out Frankfurt city dwellers.
Jesko von Werthern, the event organizer and a passionate cyclist and bikepacker himself, describes it like this:
„It’s not a race and not a commercial event – it’s simply what each participant makes of it. It can be a journey to discover the region, an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, an adventure, a challenge, or just a way to find out what it means for you. Let’s find out! Each on their own – and yet never really alone.“
I was lucky enough to get one of the rare spots, my campsite is booked, and I will be riding with my Trek Procaliber mountain bike and a tent.
I can’t wait for June! 🚴♀️💪
