Cycling UK Forum

Many thanks indeed for the all information - and especially about the barriers, something I hadn't thought about, even though we have abandoned bike paths before because of endless gates (e.g. Elan Valley).
You are absolutely right, we won't rush, but sometimes on the tandem, if we're feeling good, just coasting along is enough to reach a fair speed. That's the dilemma if it's a busy path - the 'driver' has to watch the traffic, not the lovely scenery! However, your experience has reassured us, so we'll continue with the plans. Once again, many thanks!

Planning a possible ride from Donaueschingen to Vienna in early September, on a tandem. I have two concerns: the surface and the (bike/foot) traffic. The tandem is a 'road' type (not really touring), 25-28 mm tyres and not too laden. We generally pootle along at 15 mph average (probably a bit faster on the flat), so - will the surface be good enough for that type of riding, and is the path 'clear' enough for that speed? (given that it's September, not summer holiday peak). My attempts to view the path by online photos, etc. don't show the surface clearly enough to judge whether it's mostly tarmac or gravel/clay, or how much it varies over that route.