Fancy a little time machine? Four editions of long-distance fun in Düsseldorf are reason enough for a little look back, even if we're no longer part of the organizing team...

It all started with an idea. Chris Durham from the Düsseldorf Cycling Club envisioned a 300-kilometer randonneur circuit for his own club. Our role in the debut of the Düsseldorf Cycle Marathon in 2018, known as the Midsummer 300, therefore played a secondary role: thanks to our request, the Düsseldorf Road Safety Association was kind enough to escort the starters from the Apollo in a car out of the city at 5:00 a.m. The move impressed the 68 riders. In addition, we offered a vegetarian/vegan meal with plenty of carbohydrates at the finish line that evening for the arriving participants. In short: the party was fun for all participants in 2018, our small, modest contribution was part of its success, and so the Düsseldorf Cycling Club invited us to become a partner of the event starting with the second edition.

The 2019 edition took a significant step forward, certainly thanks in part to our involvement. The updated route was scouted by the CCD team, but it was nice to see that our small comments after a test ride were appreciated. We were also able to contribute our own strengths, creativity, and networking to the partnership, so in 2019 we not only brought the new title "Düsseldorf300" with us, but also asked some of our partners for support: Biehler Sportswear, Clif Bar, Schwalbe, Veltec, Wahoo, and the Schüren bakery made a special dus300 cap and starter bag possible.

The weekend of düsseldorf300 was all about the CCD: starter bags were packed, registration was processed, refreshment stations were set up, and food and drinks were provided. The club's tireless team provided food and drinks to the 143 participants "on the road" at the five designated refreshment stations, including Cycle Café Velbert, Jedi Sports, and Summiteer Cycles, as well as at the end of the evening at the food distribution during the pasta party. This turned into a celebration as the evening progressed, with the later the guests arriving, the louder the applause. Countless happy faces, an atmosphere straight out of an Audax picture book, an evening to remember.

With such momentum, the 2020 CCD advance sales took off on a high note, but barely had the momentum going when the coronavirus pandemic brought a sudden halt to the event. Events with more than 100 people gathered around a table after a sporting event were initially hard to imagine, and düsseldorf300 had to take a break. The 2021 version, which the Cycling Club Düsseldorf organized to avoid the entire long-distance Turkey, certainly helped keep the event alive, but an unplugged version without a fixed starting point, without refreshment stations, and without a pasta party was only small consolation in difficult times.

To be honest, there weren't any good things about the coronavirus, but if you want to look at the pandemic in a positive light, the move to cycling can be considered the only positive in a long list of negatives. Road bikes, gravel bikes, competitive cycling, and cycling holidays experienced a boom, which also fueled the long-distance cycling community.  

When the coronavirus lockdown was lifted in March 2022, none of us were yet in the can-do mode, but in the summer of 2023, there was no stopping us and the Cycling Club Düsseldorf team: düsseldorf300 was back. This time, it also included an official 200km course to allow more riders to enjoy a long-distance ride.

We'll be so bold as to quote ourselves from our statement on issue 23:

"And speaking of big emotions: we're giving a huge thumbs-up to the route planning and the refreshment stations, which the CCD took care of. The riders' response to these two incredibly important points was overwhelmingly positive. The good mood and support that the teams exuded on site are a big part of the success. And when cheese sandwiches, watermelons, and pickles come into play, we're back in the middle of those magical moments for some."

Otherwise, the 2023 edition suddenly shone in all-at-once weather mode, featuring a scorching hot morning, severe thunderstorms with torrential rain, and a massive drop in temperature of more than 12°C. Legendary images of an Antidote pavilion under high tension, held by many against the fiercest gusts of wind on the Allrather Höhe, will always be associated with the spirit of düsseldorf300.

A sign of the event's positive vibes: almost all of the 180 participants insisted on returning to the Mütze courtyard and ending the Sunday evening in a relaxed atmosphere, no matter how tired or soaking wet they were.

The number of happy participants at events always influences what follows. And in 2023, many riders had a great time. So it was hardly surprising that the 200 starting spots were quickly booked in 2024. The CCD volunteer team once again organized the packing of starter bags, registration, and pre-race catering for participants, as well as the organization of the individual refreshment stations, such as the Cycle Collective in Meerbusch.

We were the last team of the day to set off as breakdown assistance and a cycling sweeper, thus having a great time participating in at least the 200km course for the first time. Kerstin once again took countless photos and videos along the route, which will ultimately be preserved in a short film about the day. The images of the individual evenings, with participants recounting their day with happy faces over food and drinks, are forever etched in our minds. And they are the reason why such events are organized.

Within four editions, düsseldorf300 has developed into its own brand, one that is thoroughly positive. This is certainly partly due to the fact that we poured our ideas, our passion, and our energy into this fantastic event. So, saying goodbye is certainly not easy for us. Financial considerations played no role in either the organization or the separation; the proceeds from düsseldorf300 have benefited the work of the Cycling Club Düsseldorf.

Even though we didn't always see eye to eye, we leave düsseldorf300 with a sense of respect and appreciation for the Düsseldorf Cycling Club. The hard work, the positive atmosphere surrounding the event, and its success are all based on good cooperation.

We at the Mütze say a quiet farewell, wipe a tear from the corner of our eyes, spit into our hands, and look forward to our new activities with renewed vigor. We wish the CCD and all partners who will continue to write the story of düsseldorf300 much fun and success. Take care, the story remains dear to our hearts.

Have a safe journey, whether you're on a long or short journey. And always have fun!

Carsten

A video from 2018 (c) Axel Siebel