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

It all started with an idea. Chris Durham from the Düsseldorf Cycling Club had a 300-kilometer randonneur circuit in mind for his own club. Our role in the debut of the Düsseldorf cycling marathon in 2018 under the name Midsummer 300 was therefore also in the background: thanks to our request, the Düsseldorf traffic safety organization was kind enough to accompany the starters from the Apollo out of the city in a car at 5 a.m. The move made an impression on the 68 riders. In addition, in the evening at the finish line we offered the arriving participants a vegetarian/vegan meal with plenty of carbohydrates. In short: the party was fun for all participants in 2018, our small, modest contribution was part of the success and so the Düsseldorf Cycling Club invited us to contribute to the event as a partner from the second edition.

The 2019 edition was able to take a big step forward, certainly thanks in part to our involvement. The renewed route was scouted by the CCD team, but it was nice to see that our little comments after a test ride were well received. We were also able to bring our own strengths, creativity and networks into the partnership, so in 2019 we not only brought the new title Düsseldorf300, but also asked some of our partners for support: Biehler Sportswear, Clif Bar, Schwalbe, Veltec, Wahoo and the Schüren bakery made their own dus300 hat and starter bag possible.

The weekend of düsseldorf300 was all about the CCD: the starter bags were packed, registration was implemented, refreshment stations were set up and food and drinks were provided. The club's tireless team looked after the 143 participants "on the road" at the five designated refreshment stations, including the Cycle Café Velbert, Jedi Sports and Summiteer Cycles, and at the end of the evening at the food distribution as part of the pasta party. This turned into a celebration orgy over the course of the evening, the later the guests arrived, the louder the applause. Countless happy faces, an atmosphere like something out of an Audax picture book, an evening for eternity.

With such enthusiasm, the 2020 CCD advance sales started on the really big paper, but as soon as they got going, the emergency stop due to Corona became inevitable. Events with more than 100 people sitting together at a table after a sporting event were hard to imagine at first, and düsseldorf300 had to take a break. The 2021 version, which the Cycling Club Düsseldorf put together to avoid the complete long-distance turkey, certainly helped to keep the event alive, but an unplugged version with no fixed starting point, no refreshment stations and no pasta party was only a small consolation in hard times.

To be honest, Corona didn't have anything good about it, but if you want to look at the pandemic in a positive light, you can include the move to cycling as a lonely plus point in a long list of minus points. Road bikes, gravel bikes, sporty cycling and cycling holidays experienced a boom that also fueled the long-distance community.  

When the Corona measures ended in March 2022, none of us were in doer mode yet, but in the summer of 2023 there was no stopping the Cycling Club Düsseldorf team and us: düsseldorf300 was back. This time with an official 200km route to allow more riders to enjoy a long-distance ride.

We take the liberty of quoting ourselves from our statement on issue 23:

"And while we're on the subject of big emotions: we're giving a huge thumbs up for the route planning and the refreshment stations that the CCD took care of. The response from the riders to these two incredibly important points was extremely 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, for some of us we're right back in the middle of those magical moments."

Otherwise, the 2023 edition suddenly shone in everything-at-once weather mode, which included a scorching hot morning, violent thunderstorms with torrential rain and a massive drop in temperature of more than 12°. Legendary images of an Antidote pavilion under high tension, held by many to withstand the harshest gusts of wind on the Allrather Höhe, will always be associated with the spirit of düsseldorf300 for us.

A sign of the positive vibes of the event: almost all of the 180 participants made sure to return to the Mütze courtyard and end the Sunday evening in a relaxed atmosphere. No matter how exhausted or soaking wet they were.

The number of happy participants at events always influences what follows. And in 2023, many riders had a good time. So it was hardly surprising that in 2024 the 200 starting places were quickly booked up. The packing of the starter bags, the registrations and advance catering for the participants were again organized by the CCD helper team, as well as the organization of the individual refreshment stations such as the Cycle Collective in Meerbusch.

At the end of the day, we were the last team to set off on the journey as breakdown helpers and cycling sweepers, and so we had a lot of fun taking part in the 200km course for the first time. Kerstin also took countless photos and filmed the course, which will ultimately remain in a short film about the day. The images of the individual evenings, when the runners talk about the day with happy faces over food and drink, are forever etched in our minds. And are the reason why such events are organized.

Within four editions, düsseldorf300 has developed into its own brand, which is positively charged through and through. Certainly also a little because we put our ideas, our passion and our energy into the great event. So saying goodbye is definitely not easy for us. Financial reasons played no role for us in the organization or in the separation; the proceeds from düsseldorf300 went entirely to the work of the Cycling Club Düsseldorf.

Even if we didn't always agree, we left düsseldorf300 with a sense of respect and appreciation for the Cycling Club Düsseldorf. The work done, the positive atmosphere around the event and the success are based on good cooperation.

We at the Mütze say a quiet goodbye, wipe a tear from the corner of our eyes, spit in our hands and look forward to our new activities with great energy. We wish the CCD and all partners who continue to write the story of düsseldorf300 lots of fun and success. Take good care of it, the story is still close to our hearts.

Have a good trip everyone, whether it's a long or short journey. And always have fun!

Carsten

A video from 2018 (c) Axel Siebel