Bikes and Carrying Capacity

When you think of Germany, what do you think of? Most people would say beer or Oktoberfest, but I think of bikes. Everyone here owns a bike and everyone is able to ride one. Children older than 3 are proficiently riding a bike without training wheels. For some (including us) it's the only vehicle they have and they use it rain or shine. It might be tradition or just plain instinct but it sure gets the young, old and healthy people out-- especially on sunny days.

One weekend, a month ago, we decided to join locals and tourists around Starnberger See for the day. It was beautifully sunny and warm so naturally everyone was out. We popped our bikes on the S-Bahn for the first time and headed off for a day of enjoyment.

And what a day it was! We expected to be the only bikes on the train but we were completely wrong. It was so jam- packed we barely had room to squeeze ourselves in let alone two big bikes. The scenery was amazing. We were right on the edge of the Alps, on the huge lake near Garmisch Partenkirchen.

Riding, swimming, eating and sun bathing were our activities for the day. Oh, and most importantly, bike watching. When eating at a restaurant or enjoying the view,

we watched the people go by on all different bikes. Most people were just out for a sight seeing ride but others were going to work in their suit and tie and some were really hard core training kids who flew by at lightning speed. Another thing we noticed while sitting there was the carrying capacity of the bike. If you have a bike, you have a basket, there's no doubt about it. And in your basket, you (of course) have stuff. Now just what kind of stuff we were looking for? Below is a list of all the things you can carry on a bike. (Things we have actually seen.)

Bike baggage.............

1. Suit cases- jumbo size

2. Matresses- or rather matress covers

3. Food- especially long bread rolls

4. Flowers-freshly picked

5. Dogs- alive ones in cages

Did you notice the last on the list? If you didn't check again. Yes you were right, it says dogs!

Having seen two poodles on the back of a bike and one wiener dog I have proof. People are crazy enough to take their dogs on their bikes. I would too though because when they are in the basket they are too adorable. Maybe people don't learn to ride their bikes at 3 years old for nothing........