Ines' Omafiet which I have available to use
Ines has left me the use of her European City Bike – also called a Omafiet. They are also referred to as Dutch Bikes since they originate from the Netherlands and are used extensively around there. They are great. Europe is excellent in ensuring its cities are bike friendly and bikes are everywhere. For relatively flat cities, this makes for a great alternative green form of transportation that gives you some exercise to boot. It took me a bit to get comfortable on the bike as their balance and feel is different from our typical mountain or road bikes we use in Canada. Of course most Canadians would think themselves too cool to use such a bike but they are prevalent around here and are comfortable to ride and very practical – I love them.
My reflection - looking oh so fashionable
I was a fashionable fiend biking about. My new scarf casually thrown about my neck flying behind me as I sat tall cycling through the streets exploring and discovering more of Cologne.
Eigelstein Gate Tower
My aim was to try and get to all the Roman and Medieval structures that were scattered throughout the city. The bike was going to give my poor feet a rest and also make covering the city more efficient.
The looming gate
There are a number of medieval gates throughout the city. Most built in the 13th century. They are massive and solid. You can see on the sides where the old city wall would have continued had it still been there. It is like it has been sheered off but without the intent of keeping the towers without reference to the old walls. In many of the museums are pictures / maps / models of Roman and Medieval Cologne that shows what the city would have looked like in this time with its walls intact.
Another tower built in the 12th century with a portion of the wall still erect.
A section of the medieval city wall built in 1180
Well there is just so much to see when biking around and I took so many pictures and most of them speak for themselves. I love how most of the gates and walls are placed in either parks or large city squares surrounded by cafes and pubs.
The old Roman Tower still in very good condition largely due to the fact that it had apparently been incorporated and protected as part of another building as a latrine.
Detail above the door of the neo-gothic house which is now part of the Roman Tower and is in private ownership
Great to have the use of the bike – certainly easier to get around and hopefully give your feet time to heal. Marion and I had a hard time with our feet when we toured New York.!!!
Well I think I will need a couple of months of no excessive walking for them to completely heal – but it might just be age too 🙁
I’m happy for you that you have the use of a bike while exploring Cologne, which will make your discovering so much easier (and give your feet a much needed break).
I love the pictures of the gates and towers. It is amazing how many centuries they have survived, but what is more amazing is how they have been incorporated.
Wishing you happy trails on your borrowed bike. 🙂
I feel so elegant riding it too…
Great to see you out there Loving the Bike….and what beautiful pictures to go along with it. Nice post.
Darryl
Well thank you – checked out your website. Interesting that we made the link.
Yes we are having a heatwave here – would love a break. However woke up this morning and it has been raining – tennis may be cancelled this time for rain instead of the heat.
I love biking, great way to get around, but I need lots of gears for the hills!
Yes – this bike is really only good for fairly flat cities as it only has three gears.