Crossing Borders 2026: Düsseldorf – Maastricht – Düsseldorf – The Long-Distance Cap Race - July 5, 2026 from 07:00 AM
In times when the idea of a free, open Europe is being discredited and in some places the return to nation-statehood is presented as viable for the future, we believe it is important to celebrate borderlessness as desirable. Since the days of the classic car tour, we have maintained friendly connections with the Netherlands, from Stalen Ros in Neerkant to our friend Paul's Giro De Caffé and Yorit's Pathfinder rounds, we enjoy being guests with our neighbors. Therefore, we were quickly enthusiastic when, in discussions with friends from Albion and Hunt, the idea of a ride in cooperation with Off the Map in Maastricht emerged. In March of last year, we implemented the first edition of Crossing Borders as a ride from Düsseldorf to Maastricht; in July, the first XL version followed with further support from Brooks, Climaid, and Chimpanzee, connecting Maastricht and Düsseldorf with different outward and return routes in the shape of a figure eight, crossing in the middle at the old Rur arm in Floßdorf.
The debut last year had little lead time and we had to improvise a bit in terms of organization, which, however, never got in the way of the fun of a long day on the bike. This year, we now have initial experience, a little more lead time, and have allowed ourselves a creative look at how to complement the concept. For the first time in 2026, it will be possible to complete Crossing Borders alone or with friends at your own pace. Of course, always within a time window in which our small team can also ensure the staffing of the aid station and the turning point at Off the Map in Maastricht. Corresponding time windows for the starters naturally help and give you the freedom to decide whether you want to go fast or slow. In addition, in 2026 we will again offer two guided groups that complement each other in pace but differ. While the regular group aims for our Mützen-Social-Ride pace of 25km/h on average, there will be a faster group that will be traveling at an average speed of 28-29km/h.
We will limit the number of tickets from Düsseldorf to 99 participants; the colleagues in Maastricht will start with a maximum of 50 riders. You can calmly consider how you would like to complete the route; we will ask at the beginning of June how and when you would like to embark on the journey.
So that we not only tell a nice story about crossing borders, but the ride also makes a tangible contribution, we will donate €1000 of the entry fees to the refugee aid organization "Flüchtlinge Willkommen in Düsseldorf e.V.". We hope for a sufficiently large number of participants so that we don't have to pay extra, but that's our risk. Given last year's edition, however, we are confident that we can welcome enough starters.
July 5, 2026, 07:00 to 22:00
The Crossing Borders – Ticket for €59 includes:
Espresso at the start in the "Mütze"
Catering in Floßdorf on the way to Maastricht
Catering at the turning point in Maastricht including drinks
Catering in Floßdorf on the way back to Düsseldorf
Pasta party at the end in the "Mütze" including non-alcoholic drinks.
Further information on opening hours of the aid stations and departure times will follow.
And we will certainly come up with one or two more surprises…
Generally:
The participation conditions listed below apply to all participants in the [event] by the
Schicke Mütze GmbH (hereinafter referred to as “SCHICKE MÜTZE” or “organizer”) organized bike rides (hereinafter also referred to as “event”).
Behavior/Order:
1. The outings of SCHICKE MÜTZE never had the character of a
This is a bicycle race. No times will be recorded, nor will any ranking of participants be determined. Participants who violate this rule may be immediately excluded from the ride by the organizers or their agents.
2. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, SCHICKE MÜTZE rides are road bike rides, in which only bicycles with so-called road bike racks are permitted.
Participation is permitted.
3. The SCHICKE MÜTZE values respectful and friendly interaction within
the group of participants, but also towards all pedestrians, cyclists and
Drivers encountered during the drive. Should a participant
exhibit behavior that, in the opinion of the organizer or their
If an agent of this rule contradicts it, they reserve the right to exclude that participant from
to exclude the exit.
4. The participant is responsible for the flawless technical condition and safety of his/her vehicle.
You are responsible for your own bicycle. Private bicycles will not be inspected by the [organization/person].
The event is cancelled. Should the organizer nevertheless list a bicycle as not suitable for the
If she deems the trip suitable, she can remove the participant from the trip at any time.
exclude – both before the start and during the exit.
5. The participant familiarized herself with the general group rules before the start of the trip.
Familiarized with and follows the rules of road bike rides. The organizer's briefing before a
Exit can only ever contain parts of these group rules.
6. During the excursions, the instructions of the organizer and their team must be followed.
The instructions of the agents must be strictly followed.
Driven:
1. The participant takes part in the SCHICKE MÜTZE outing at her own risk.
2. The participant is aware that the outings are events that take place on public roads on routes that are not closed or secured and therefore involve an increased risk potential, where, despite observing the necessary precautions,
Care cannot completely rule out the possibility of damage.
3. The road traffic regulations (StVO) must be observed.
4. Wearing a suitable bicycle helmet is mandatory.
Liability:
1. Each participant is required to have valid liability insurance.
The organizer provides no insurance coverage for the participants.
2. Upon request, the participant is obliged to provide the organizer with proof of
Proof of insurance coverage must be provided. Without sufficient insurance coverage, the
Participation in the excursion is not permitted.
3. The organizer is liable only for damages resulting from injury to life, health, or health.
Body, health, or property resulting from an intentional or grossly negligent act
The organizer's breach of duty is the basis for this.
Insurance / Requirements
Each participant rides at their own risk. The organizer does not provide accident insurance. Each participant should obtain their own insurance coverage. Helmets are mandatory. Everyone is responsible for ensuring their bicycle is in good working order.
Participants who violate the terms and conditions of participation may be excluded from the trip.
will be excluded without any entitlement to a refund of any participation fee.