Stefan Hegger’s Epic “Tour Around Germany”
- Written by Velomobile World
A New Chapter on the Open Road
At 62, most people slow down. But Stefan Hegger decided it was time to do something bigger than ever.
Fresh into retirement and still fueled by a lifelong passion for ultracycling, Stefan set out in 2024 on a self-planned challenge that would push the limits of endurance, planning, and willpower: a 4,500 km velomobile tour around Germany – solo, unsupported, and on public roads.
“ I wanted an adventure. Something completely crazy,” says Stefan with a smile.
From Crew Member to Challenger
But let’s rewind. In 2022, Stefan was part of the technical support crew for Holger Seidel’s record-setting ride across Germany, from south to north – a 1055 km non-stop journey completed in under 30 hours in a Bülk MK1. That experience planted a seed.
“Seeing what Holger achieved in the Bülk… I knew I had to get one.”
Soon after, Stefan upgraded from his Milan GT to a Bülk MK1, drawn by its superior speed, comfort, and weather protection. In 2023, he tested its limits in several ultracycling events.
“I was moving fast, fully weatherproof, well lit, and completely independent. I realized I could cover huge distances each day – and still enjoy the ride.”
Live, Unfiltered, and Human
Together with his friends Fritz and Ralph, an idea took shape. Why not ride around the entire country?
The concept became a mission:
Tour Around Germany
Distance: ~4,500 km
Elevation: ~21,500 meters
Goal: 16 days
Luggage: on board
Public roads: No barriers, no assistance team
Hotels: booked spontaneously
Planned daily mileage: ~300 km/day
~10 hours of driving time per day, no racing
100% muscle-powered, no drafting
Navigation: BRouter Velomobile
“Compared to the Tour de France, we were going further, with no rest days, no teams, and carrying our own gear. It sounds crazy – and it kind of was.”
To put it in context: the legendary Tour de France spans about 3,500 km, spread across 21 stages and 2 rest days — with daily distance of 150 to 250 km. Stefan’s journey went further, with no stages, no rest days, and no support.
To make the journey more interactive, the trio set up live tracking via GPS. Fans followed their progress daily through the German Velomobilforum, where Stefan and the others shared photos, telemetry, and daily updates.
“That connection with the community was amazing. People cheered us on, sent tips, and even met us on the road.”
The journey was far from easy. Weather, fatigue, logistics, all played a role. But the Bülk MK1 proved its worth once again, allowing Stefan to cover distance in comfort, even when the conditions weren’t ideal.
“I’ve never felt this free on the road. The velomobile let me focus on the ride — not on surviving it.”
For those who want to relive the journey, Stefan has written a full, detailed travel report:
👉 Read the full Race Around Germany story here
The Story Isn’t Over Yet
But Stefan didn’t stop there. In 2025, Stefan will be lining up again – this time at the World Record Event in Aldenhoven, aiming to push his limits even further in the newly developed Bulk Race velomobile. With passion, experience, and unstoppable determination, he’s ready to show that age is no barrier to speed.
Experience the Bülk Difference
The Bülk velomobile combines unparalleled efficiency, safety, and all-weather comfort in a human-powered vehicle that can replace car trips while enhancing your daily experience. Explore the Bülk and other Velomobile World models at www.velomobileworld.com or schedule a free consultation to find the perfect model for your needs.