Ampler Challenge proves that long cycling tours are for everyone

In May 2019, Ampler Bikes challenged the public to submit their dream route for the longest commuter bicycle test ride on the planet. The four chosen challengers were given their own Ampler bikes to complete a bicycle tour of up to 1000 km during the summer. All the challengers successfully completed their adventure, and their inspiring stories will be published throughout September. 

Here’s Thomas from Germany, a former Paralympic athlete who cycled 650 km in six days. Thomas’ main goal was to show that anyone can and should believe in themselves and take on new challenges, regardless of what curveballs life throws at you. After a 25-year career as a cross-country skier and biathlete as a para-athlete, he took up the new challenge and cycled from Schmalkalden in the middle of Germany to Hiddensee, a car-free island in the North-West of Germany.

“It’s really cool when you have so much power. I woke up with a smile and went to bed with a smile. Sitting on the bike was so relaxing and so much fun,” said Thomas about his experience.

The selected route was a tour through the landscapes of Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Thomas adjusted his Ampler Curt to have both brakes controllable by one hand. His average speed during the challenge was 23 km/h with the top speed reaching 57 km/h. Thomas charged his bike during lunch breaks, with the average battery range being 60 km. 

Thomas finished his challenge and proved that e-bikes open up longer bike tours for everyone who put their mind to it. 

The second and third Ampler Challenge stories will be published throughout September. The stories follow Rebecca and Ian from Palermo to Pompei (September 18) and  Andrew’s adventure from Morpeth - Iona - Morpeth (September 25).

The Ampler Challenge stories will be published here

Ampler Challenge received 3710 applications with the oldest applicant being 82 years old and the youngest, albeit a passenger, merely six months old. The project will be launched again in 2020. 

Pictures of Thomas' Ampler Challenge:

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About Ampler Bikes

Ampler Bikes makes light electric bicycles for urban commuters. The company launched in 2016 with a mission to create better commuting experiences and remove barriers from cycling. Currently, Ampler has 36 people working between the two offices located in Berlin and Tallinn. The Ampler Bikes showroom is located in the lively Berlin neighbourhood in Prenzlauer Berg, at Kollwitzstraße 47.