Why We Ride: Chasing Freedom on Denmark’s Wild West Coast

Every adventure starts with a question: why?

Why leave the comfort of home, the warmth of a cozy bed, and the predictability of routine to pedal hundreds of kilometers through wind, rain, and whatever else the Danish coast might throw at us? For us, it’s about more than just the miles—it’s about the love for exploration, the hunger for freedom, and the need to push our limits, both physically and mentally. And let’s not forget, it’s also about the thrill of feeling the gravel crunch beneath our tires, the way our gravel bikes come alive on the mixed surfaces of the Vestkystruten. This route is a playground for anyone who loves the mix of rugged paths, smooth tarmac, and everything in between.

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But this journey isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the road itself. It’s about those quiet moments when it’s just us, our bikes, and the hum of the tires as we transition from forest trails to coastal roads, with nothing but our thoughts and the landscape to keep us company. It’s about the shared laughter that keeps us going when the path turns unexpectedly rough, and the occasional frustration that inevitably comes with navigating the unknown together. And, of course, it’s about the pure joy of discovering something new—not just in the world around us, but in each other and in ourselves. We’ve ridden countless roads before, but this ride along Denmark’s Vestkystruten feels different—like it promises something deeper. A stronger connection with nature, a tougher challenge for our bodies and minds, and, most importantly, the chance to experience it all side by side, as partners.

Our Motivation:

Back in 2022, we rode the Vestkystruten for the first time, and it was more than just a bike ride—it was a revelation. There’s a freedom on that road that’s hard to describe, the kind that seeps into your bones and makes you feel completely in tune with the landscape around you. The wild coast stretching out beside us, the vast skies, the relentless wind, and the varied terrain beneath our wheels—it all came together in a way that made us feel more alive than we had in a long time. We were hooked.

“Denmark’s wild west coast has always called to us. It’s not just about the scenery; it’s about feeling like you’re on the edge of something vast and untamed.”

But as magical as the ride up was, the journey back was a different story. We had to take several trains, including an unexpected overnight stay in Aarhus, because one of the trains we booked couldn’t take our bikes. And then there was the joy of dealing with Deutsche Bahn—squeezing our tired bodies and our gravel bikes into overcrowded carriages while trying not to lose our minds in the chaos. It was a mess, but it was our mess, and we loved every ridiculous minute of it. Still, this time, we wanted to do things differently. We wanted to push ourselves further, to see if we could handle even more of what the Vestkystruten had to offer. The plan? Ride all the way back down to Hamburg, completing a full loop of roughly 1,200 kilometers. When Jana suggested it, I couldn’t help but grin. “If we loved the ride up, why not double the adventure and ride back down too?” she said. The challenge is bigger, the distance longer, but so is our excitement.

The Journey:

Denmark’s wild west coast has always called to us, especially Jana. I still remember when we first started planning this trip—she looked at me and said, “It’s not just about the scenery; it’s about feeling like you’re on the edge of something vast and untamed.” She’s right. There’s something about tracing that rugged coastline, feeling the North Sea wind in your face, and knowing that each day brings something unexpected under our tires. The shifting terrain, from sandy paths to forest tracks to smooth roads, keeps us on our toes and makes every kilometer feel earned. Here, the elements are both your challenge and your reward. Every stretch we cover is a testament to grit and determination.

But we know this journey won’t be easy. The wind on Denmark’s west coast is no joke—it’s like a force of nature, pushing against you, testing your resolve. And riding for two weeks straight on varied surfaces? That’s something we’ve never done before. It’s daunting, to say the least, and there are moments when I wonder if we’re biting off more than we can chew. But then I remember why we’re doing this—because we can, and because we need to prove to ourselves that we can still take on challenges like this, together, on bikes that make every ride an adventure.

What helps is knowing our roles. Jana is the planner; she’s the one who makes sure we have everything we need to keep going, especially when it comes to food (because let’s be honest, without her, I’d probably forget to eat until I was ready to collapse). She’s the optimist, the one who pushes through the tough spots with a smile and a stubborn determination that I admire more than I can say. I’m the navigator, the one with the mood swings (Jana calls it “being passionate,” which is her way of being kind). I handle most of the photography because that’s how I process what we’re experiencing—through the lens, capturing the moments that make this journey ours. We balance each other out, keep each other grounded, and that’s what gets us through the toughest days.

“This time, we’re taking it all the way—completing a full loop of roughly 1,200 kilometers. The challenge is bigger, the distance longer, but so is our excitement.”

What to Expect:

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing the highs and lows of our journey along Denmark’s Vestkystruten. Each newsletter will spotlight a different day of the trip, diving into the experiences, challenges, and moments that made each one memorable. You’ll hear about our battles with the weather, the fellow travelers we crossed paths with, and the small victories that kept us going.

But this series isn’t just about the ride. We’ll be dishing out practical tips for anyone itching to plan a similar adventure—from route planning to scavenging for vegan snacks on the go, and, of course, how to capture it all with a camera without sacrificing the joy of the ride.

We’ll also take some detours to explore broader topics—like the ins and outs of traveling as a vegan in places where options are limited, or the delicate balance between living in the moment and documenting it. It’s all part of the adventure, and we’re excited to bring you along for the ride.

Join Us on the Road:

Whether you’re a seasoned bikepacker, someone dreaming up your next big adventure, or just curious about what it’s like to cycle through Denmark’s wild landscapes, we hope these stories resonate with you. This isn’t just our journey—it’s an invitation to see the world from the saddle, to feel the wind in your face, and to find the joy in every twist and turn of the road.

We’re not superheroes, just two people with a love for gravel bikes, the open road, and a desire to see where it takes us. So, gear up, grab your favorite snack (we recommend double-checking that it’s hummus, not aioli), and let’s get ready to ride.