The Road to Bespoked.

A 220km Ride from Berlin to Dresden with Cicli Bonanno.

As dawn cracked over Berlin, thirteen riders gathered outside Cicli Bonanno’s workshop, rubbing sleep from their eyes but charged with anticipation. It was 6:30am, and the city streets were still quiet as the group clipped in and set off on a journey that would take them 220km south to Dresden, where the Bespoked Handmade Bicycle Show awaited. This ride was part of the Roundabout Ride series, a community initiative by Katharina Siegel and Nico Bonanno, designed to blend the joy of riding with a celebration of craft, community, and adventure.

Roundabout rides: A Celebration of Craft and Connection

Katharina and Nico’s Roundabout Ride series is an ode to cycling’s ability to bring people together, to celebrate creativity, and to bridge the distance between makers and enthusiasts. Each ride has a unique destination and purpose, connecting friends, fans, and artisans in a way that feels like a moving festival. This particular journey, dubbed the "Road to Bespoked," felt especially fitting. It was a connection between the meticulous craftsmanship of Bonanno’s Berlin workshop and the vibrant showcase of handmade bicycles that Bespoked offers—a cultural pilgrimage, of sorts, for all who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of bicycles.

Leaving Berlin behind, embracing the open road

As the group pedaled out of Berlin, they quickly left the city’s familiar rhythms behind, trading asphalt for quieter country roads, blanketed in the soft tones of autumn. Early autumn is a unique time for long rides—the air is crisp, the sun casts a golden glow over the fields, and the crunch of fallen leaves under wheels brings a simple joy. Each mile brought them closer, physically and metaphorically, to Dresden and to each other, as riders found their pace, chatting and laughing as they fell into sync.

Highlights Along the Route: Lausitzer Seenland & the Rostige Nagel

A standout moment came as the group entered the Lausitzer Seenland, a network of lakes in eastern Germany. The story behind these lakes is a testament to nature’s resilience: once an extensive coal mining area, the region has been reclaimed and flooded to create a stunning lake district, now alive with birds and fresh air. Pedaling alongside these waters, riders soaked up the scenery, a striking contrast to the industrial past that still clings to parts of the landscape. In Senftenberg, the group passed the Rostige Nagel, or “Rusty Nail”—a landmark that stands tall as a symbol of both decay and renewal, mirroring the transformation of the Lausitzer Seenland itself. This 30-meter steel tower, a favorite spot for cyclists, provided the group with a quick, contemplative break before they pressed on towards Dresden.

Harmony on the road & arrival at Bespoked

As the kilometers ticked by, the group found a wonderful rhythm, with riders taking turns at the front, harmonizing their efforts to keep spirits high and pace steady. Energy snacks and shared stories fueled the journey, while the autumn sun held steady, illuminating every curve and hill along the route.

The group rolled into Dresden just in time for the opening of the Bespoked Show. Sweaty, wind-swept, and beaming, they pushed their way into the bustling crowd, the hum of excitement and admiration surrounding them as they celebrated the culmination of their journey. The Bespoked show was every bit the melting pot of bicycle artisans and enthusiasts they’d hoped for—a gathering of those who pour passion and craftsmanship into every weld and weave, every spoke and paint detail.

Grateful reflections & a toast to the road

With the show in full swing, the group took a moment to reflect and toast to the day’s adventure, grateful for the camaraderie, the beauty of the road, and the shared love of cycling that had brought them there. A heartfelt thank you was extended to everyone who had made the journey possible—those who rode, those who planned, and those who create and celebrate the craft that makes rides like these so special.

And as the sun set over Dresden, the riders, now a little sore but filled with that deep, satisfying sense of accomplishment, knew they’d created memories that would fuel many more miles and many more stories on the road ahead.

If you're looking to explore the backroads between Berlin & Dresden, find the route here.

November 13, 2024 — Jacob Rubio

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