Athletics or Physical Activities - Women from the Harz region head to the North Cape using running shoes and bicycles.
In their home region of Harz, sisters Malou Traina and Phelia Müller have a penchant for embarking on thrilling escapades. On June 13th, they're set to reach the finish line of their most recent Journey - the northernmost point in Europe accessible by road: North Cape. Along the way, they've covered approximately 3000 kilometers by bike and foot.
A day before their much-anticipated arrival at the scenic Norwegian landmark, Traina expressed eagerness and wondered if they'd immediately grasp the magnitude of their accomplishment after 36 days of hard work. "Maybe we'll only realize it when we don't hop back onto the bike the following day."
This adventure launched in Wassersleben, Schleswig-Holstein, and the Danish border. Their daily routine consisted of getting up at 4:30 a.m., packing their belongings, securing them onto the bike, and setting off.
Covering about 80 kilometers daily, Müller led the first 20 kilometers, followed by Traina, and then they covered another 40 kilometers together using a specially designed bike for disabled individuals. The sisters discovered this unique bike online, which featured two wheels but allowed both women to share the front seat while stepping on the pedals alternately. "It allowed us to experience both solo expeditions and riding as a team," said Müller.
Their priority was enjoying the fun and excitement of the trip, not necessarily striving for a record-breaking feat. Their experiences can be relived through their Instagram account "beatthemiles." This platform also showcased their spectacular weather, men's support, memorable encounters with elk and a beluga whale, and a taste of traditional Scandinavian sweets. Their one and only mishap included both sisters falling from their bicycles.
They didn't incorporate any days off into their travel. Müller expressed that they could've completed the journey in less time, as they'd originally planned for 38 days, but here they are at 36. The Harz natives have embarked on other adventures in recent years, including hiking around Lake Chiemsee and a running expedition from Bremen to the Zugspitze.
Before attaining their objective, the two women recognized that they'd hit a physical barrier. "It's like general fatigue - not necessarily muscle aches. Physically, you can feel it if you stretch while you're lying down on the mattress," Traina and Müller shared. They'll return to their home in the Harz in a few days and eventually revel in their next adventure. As Traina - one of the former Girl Scouts - put it, "We're adventurers, always on the lookout for something thrilling. We also enjoy rain and can withstand any discomfort."
