Project manager on pilgrimage routes: Cycling to the end of the world

The passionate cyclist has performed various tasks in Stadtwerke Offenbach's Geschäftsfeld Immobilien, including developing the port as project manager and implementing the bike lanes on behalf of the city as part of the Bike Offenbach project. Since the end of 2021, the architect has been responsible for new construction and energy-efficient refurbishment. "I like being actively involved in shaping my own city and implementing sustainable topics," says Lemke. At Stadtwerke, he also appreciates the flexible working hours and the family-friendly offers for all employees: "I am very grateful that my employer allows me to take this unpaid leave and gives me two months off."

Ulrich Lemke has been cycling almost every day since he was a child. Whether school, university or work - his favorite mode of transport gets him through the day: "It gives me an immediate feeling of leisure and relaxation." Lemke also prefers to explore faraway destinations on his bike: he and his wife have already cycled through Italy, France and Cuba. Now he is about to embark on his longest tour by far, which will literally take him from Offenbach to the end of the world, a distance of around 2,700 kilometers: The Way of St. James officially ends at Cape Finisterre, which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean 60 kilometers behind the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain.

Lemke has long since familiarized himself with his folding bike: "It also works well as a tent pole if the saddle is extended with a carbon rod." After all, the aim is to carry as little luggage as possible on the strenuous journey: Lemke is only taking just under ten kilos with him on the ten-week tour. Of course, Mariposa (Spanish for butterfly), as he affectionately christened his bike, is also on board: "It unfolds beautifully and gets moving quickly."

Lemke set off on Good Friday from the harbor steps in Offenbach. From there, he went to the farewell picnic in the Bergen-Enkheim district of Frankfurt before turning onto the Via Regia at the Hohe Straße entrance, with the first stamp in his pilgrim's passport. This ancient trade route has been a pilgrimage route for many centuries, leading from Kiev via Trier, Reims, Orléans and Bordeaux to Santiago de Compostela and Finisterre. Lemke doesn't expect to be able to cycle on the road: "If I can't get any further on my bike, I'll push and continue on foot." He calculates with around 50 kilometers per day. Thanks to his daily journeys, which add up to around 7,000 kilometers a year, the architect is well trained.

What exactly awaits him on the journey remains to be seen - even the overnight stays in guesthouses, pilgrims' hostels and campsites have not been pre-booked. The "why", however, is certain: "I have long wanted to simply cycle off, take a lot of time to reflect and experience the route on all levels." Ulrich Lemke is open to surprises - both outside and inside: "For me as a planner, it's nice not to have a concept for a change."

If you would like to know more about the trip, you can find out more on Facebook or Instagram: