The unforgettable crossing of the Alps with the Solarride 120 WP
![Die unvergessliche Alpenüberquerung mit dem Solarride 120 WP](http://solarride.de/cdn/shop/articles/DSC05397_{width}x.jpg?v=1721049907)
Our product is designed to fully meet the requirements of demanding cycling trips and, as we are enthusiastic cyclists ourselves, the business trip couldn't have turned out better.
For this reason, at the beginning of May, I packed my e-bike for a 6-day cycling trip, mounted the Solarride 120WP and set off from Langenau with a motivated friend. Our destination was Lake Garda, 540 km away. We wanted to conquer the Via Claudia Augusta, which the Romans used 2,000 years ago. I will do the trip with a Bulls e-bike (550 WH battery) with a Brose motor and will mainly ride in Eco mode, except on the steep climbs.
For the first stage we had set ourselves the biggest challenge and that was to Füssen with a distance of 140 km and an elevation gain of 800 meters.
The weather was slightly cloudy with the sun breaking through now and then. We had planned our tour with Komoot and it took us through the beautiful Langenauer Ried to the Günzstausee in Waldstetten. Here we took our first break after about 30 km and I was able to recharge 15% thanks to the sun.
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After refreshment for ourselves and our e-bikes, we continued on a wonderful cycle path directly along the Günz and through nice villages for another 35 km.
After a long search we found a bench right by the Günz and had our lunch in lush nature. Fortunately the sun came out and I was able to recharge 20% during the hour-long lunch break.
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After setting off to tackle the next 70km, the route was good and I was able to almost completely compensate for the consumption with the charge during the journey thanks to the sun breaking through every now and then. By now, after almost 90km, our strength was waning and we still had 50km to go. Now it was time to grit our teeth and start pedalling.
We had already used up our provisions, so we had to go to a pub for a bite to eat. After 110 km we passed the perfect pub and couldn't pass up the cheese spaetzle. After we had finished eating, however, it was already 7 p.m. and we still had 30 km to go to our accommodation.
Normally, with all the luggage and the kilometers, the battery would already be empty, but thanks to the sun I still had 30% left. These 30% and willpower finally pushed us into the accommodation, where we arrived at 9 p.m., completely exhausted but happy.
Conclusion for the Solarride 120 WP on a cloudy day with the occasional sun breaking through and 140 km / 800 meters of altitude: The charging power when stationary in full sunlight is close to the socket, and charging while driving also works excellently thanks to the two 60 W solar panels connected in parallel. With all the charges on this day, I had an additional 70% battery capacity available. However, full self-sufficiency would only be possible here with a distance of around 70 km and therefore more charging time when stationary. With the included power pack, I was still able to charge my battery for the next day in the accommodation with the SunLight charger.
The next day came and after a good breakfast we started the second stage full of energy. Today the main focus was on climbing and we were going from Erkenbolingen near Füssen to Imst. The weather was not in our favour today, it was very cloudy and rain was forecast. But we didn't let that dampen our spirits and we headed towards the mountains with big smiles. The route first followed the river Lech upstream. However, we had been inspired by a mountain bike tour on the Via Claudia and so Komoot led us from the normal road onto a gravel path leading steeply uphill.
Once we reached the top, we were greeted by an impressive view of the Zugspitze and the limestone cliffs of the Mieminger chain. After a fun descent and 25 km of route, we stopped for lunch with a beautiful view of the mountains.
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Unfortunately the sun didn't come out, it was very cloudy and I could only recharge by about 6% due to the diffuse light. After the refreshment came the next climb and we rode another 30 km and 400 meters in altitude through a beautiful conifer forest to an inviting bench where the sun greeted us in full force.
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Here we were able to recharge our batteries, dry the washed clothes and, above all, I was able to recharge by 15% during the 45 minute break thanks to the full sunshine. After a strenuous climb, we were greeted by a beautiful mountain lake and some rays of sunshine that came out at the perfect moment. We had to take a moment to soak up the view, be grateful for nature and the freedom to make the journey.
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The last 20 kilometers were no problem and we arrived at the campsite in Imst after 80 km and 1000 meters of elevation and I still had 40% battery left in the "tank". After an outstanding pizza we went to bed because the Reschen Pass was on the agenda the next day.
Conclusion for the Solarride 120 WP on a very cloudy day with 1 hour of sun and 80 km of distance / 840 meters of altitude: The solar panel works much less well in the heavy cloud cover and therefore only 35% of the additional battery capacity was available over the course of the day. I was able to recharge most of it during the break in full sun. In this weather, full self-sufficiency is only possible on a 30 km route. Since the weather forecast for tomorrow was very poor, I fully charged it at the campsite for the next day.
On the third day, we were expecting a bit of rain in the morning, which didn't help when we were taking down the tent, but it wasn't a disaster either. After a ginger shot and a snack in the supermarket, we set off on our beautiful route, which today ran directly along the Inn, surrounded by the mountain panorama. The cycle path was perfectly constructed and we just whizzed through the kilometers, even though the weather was very cloudy and rainy today.
After about 50 km we had the big climb ahead of us. Unfortunately Komoot directed us straight to the Reschen Pass and we wouldn't recommend that to anyone because it's extremely dangerous to ride directly on the road. It was only when we spoke to another cyclist in Laatsch that we found out that there was another cycle path that you could use to bypass the Reschen Pass. But now we were on the Reschen Pass and were getting everything out of ourselves and the e-bikes to get back on a cycle path as quickly as possible. The result was that we arrived in Nauders completely exhausted but safe and sound and took a break here. I was able to recharge 10% during the hour break because the weather was unfortunately still poor.
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After another 10 km we had reached the highest point and drove to our accommodation in Laatsch, along Lake Reschen with a view of the Ortler, the highest mountain in South Tyrol. After a short stop at the impressive Fürstenburg in Burgeis we arrived and rewarded ourselves with an excellent meal in the evening.
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Conclusion on the Solarride 120 WP on a very cloudy day without sun and 91km of track / 1100 meters of elevation: On the third day we actually didn't have a single clear ray of sunshine, which meant that I could only recharge about 20% and self-sufficiency would only be possible here on a 20km route. However, since we provide the power pack for bad weather, I was still prepared for the next day.
The next day, the sun greeted us in the morning and we enjoyed breakfast with a beautiful view of the valley. Today's program included 132km and a lot of downhill riding. The cycle path led along the river Etsch through apple orchards and the sun didn't let us down that day either.
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The river Adige flows through the jewel of South Tyrol and so the route took us through the heart of the inviting city of Merano. Here we first had the unique feeling of having come to Italy by e-bike and having experienced the entire route. Bolzano is on our way and so we have a lot to marvel at again as we drive through the city in sightseeing mode. Little by little, more and more vineyards appear as we approach the South Tyrolean Wine Route.
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Today I'm doing a lot of recharging while riding and because I'm feeling a bit under the weather, I'm riding most of the time with almost full support (3 out of 4) instead of at level 1 out of 4 as before.
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Despite the many downhill sections at the beginning, the 132 km are a lot of work and so we drive until dusk and finally arrive in the idyllic community of Lavis, which is also known for its wine production. Situated on the Avisio torrent, Lavis has a typically Italian town center and in the evening the wine bars in the town are always worth a visit.
Conclusion on the Solarride 120 WP on a sunny day and 132 km route / 600 meters of descent: We had 7 hours of sunshine that day and I was therefore able to recharge around 110% with the charge during the ride and the two longer breaks. This would have made it possible to be completely self-sufficient on that day with a route of 110 km. However, since I was riding with almost full support due to my cold, I recharged my e-bike in the accommodation with the power pack provided.
The next morning we were looking forward to the final stage of 95 km and 450 meters of elevation gain to Bardoliono on Lake Garda. After the first few kilometers, however, we first pass through the important city of Trento, one of the largest cities in the Alps, and full of history with the cathedral square, the cathedral and winding streets.
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The route takes us along the cycle path along the Adige, which is used a lot by locals because it's the weekend. However, the further we get towards the climb over the mountains to Lake Garda, the less bicycle traffic there is. The sun is shining on us again today and I can hardly manage to run my battery down.
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After charging and refreshment breaks, we reach the final climb after 60 km to finally get a view of Lake Garda, from which we are separated by the mountains. The climb is not difficult for us, full of anticipation we climb the mountains and finally descend with a breathtaking view of Lake Garda. We actually made it to Lake Garda and will celebrate this evening!
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Conclusion on the Solarride 120 WP on a sunny day with 95 km / 450 meters of altitude: On this day, the route was completely self-sufficient, as I again completed the journey at level 1 of 4 and recharged a full battery charge.
We are now enjoying another full day at Lake Garda and will then drive the 30 km to Verona to visit the city and take the train home the next morning, which worked out wonderfully.
All in all, the cycling trip was an unforgettable experience that made us want more. For future tours, we would aim for a maximum of 100 km per day so that we could enjoy the trip more and have time to fully absorb the surroundings. The charging technology has more than proven itself and has given us the freedom to ride with more support, to cover longer daily distances and on two days, if we had covered fewer kilometers, we wouldn't even have had to stay in accommodation with a power connection. With the triple charging option, we were completely relaxed about the charging infrastructure, as there was always a charging option without having to plan all the charging stations in detail in advance.