RTF Ruhrtaltouristik RTC Mülheim

This circuit for racing bikes leads through the varied landscapes of the Ruhr Valley and the foothills of the Bergisches Land. The route includes a series of climbs and descents that demand stamina and fitness. The majority of the ride is on tarmac side roads and special cycle paths with views of floodplains and regional forests. The route passes historic neighbourhoods and green belts, which illustrate the industrial and natural transformation of the region. An important landmark near the starting point is Broich Castle, the oldest preserved early medieval fortification north of the Alps dating back to 883 A.D. The complex originally served as a defence camp against Viking raids along the Ruhr. The terrain consists of rolling hills with occasional steep sections typical of the region's river valleys. Attention is required for navigation and traffic, with the biggest challenge being the physical strain of the elevation profile.