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Stefan Knopp is undertaking an amazing 37-day trip by e-bike from Solingen, Germany, to Porto, Portugal. If you think the 3,600 km journey could be quite challenging, you’d be right…especially when you take into account the 42,000 metres of elevation he needs to cross.
Starting on Saturday, August 12th, 2023, the journey will take him through seven countries as he meanders from one steel bridge to another, until he visits a total of six.
Stefan is due to arrive at Ponte Dom Luis I, in Porto, on September 17th.
WHY ARE THE 6 BRIDGES SO IMPORTANT?
The collaboration between six European bridges resulted from an attempt by two German cities, Solingen and Remscheid, to gain UNESCO World Heritage status for the Müngsten Bridge that crosses the Wupper River and connects them.
Construction of the Müngsten Bridge commenced on February 26th, 1894, and the official opening was on July 15th, 1897. Measuring 105 metres in height and spanning 465 metres, this structure represents an incredible feat of engineering for its era and, even today, is the tallest active railway bridge in the country.
However, gaining World Heritage status proved more difficult than anyone had anticipated. In a bid to strengthen their position, the two cities joined forces with five other large arch bridges across Europe and submitted a joint application. The association comprises:
- Müngsten Bridge, Germany (1897)
- Ponte San Michele, Italy (1889)
- Viaduc de Gabarit, France (1888)
- Viaduc du Viaur, France (1902)
- Ponte Maria Pia, Portugal (1877)
- Ponte Dom Luis I, Portugal (1886)
THE 6 BRIDGES RALLY
In order to build awareness for the bridges and their historical relevance, Timm Kronenberg and Marc Baehr created a rally that runs from one bridge to the other—a round trip from Solingen, Germany, to Porto, Portugal, and all the way back again: the 6 BRIDGES RALLY.
Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal and Germany. Breathtaking landscapes, interesting routes and, of course, state-of-the-art engineering.
If we think about magnificent steel structures for a moment, one of the most significant that springs to mind is the Eiffel Tower in Paris, which was constructed between 1887 and 1889 as the centrepiece for the 1889 World Fair. As such, it is quite fitting that Gustave Eiffel’s great-great-granddaughter, Madame Myriam Larnaudie-Eiffel, is patron of the Six Bridges Rally, thereby lending it increased notability.
SIX BRIDGES FOR CHARITY
Sadly, and due to a lack of funding, this year’s 6 BRIDGES RALLY has been postponed until 2024. However, 2023 sees a premiere when Stefan Knopp, supported by @overlandeurope, embarks on an e-bike journey which will include waypoints at each of the six bridges. An expedition reflecting purpose, endurance, and engineering from three different centuries and taking the level of awareness for these magnificent structures to new heights.
Following the concept to make each journey worthwhile, the special purpose behind Stefan’s 2023 expedition is to raise funds for the German charity SOS-Kinderdorf.
SOS-KINDERDORF
For over 60 years, SOS-Kinderdorf has made it its mission to provide children with a safe home.
The politically and denominationally independent social organisation is committed to giving young people a good start in life. The association is a recognised provider of voluntary child and youth welfare services in Germany and a member of the German Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband (DPWV).
As a member of the umbrella organisation SOS-Kinderdorf International, SOS-Kinderdorf e.V. supports and actively shapes the SOS commitment worldwide.
THE MISSION STATEMENT
For more than six decades, the committed members and supporters behind SOS-Kinderdorf, who, working either full-time or on a voluntary basis, are united by the idea of empowering young people and giving them hope and a future.
This commitment, along with transparent structures, modern management, and clearly defined statutes, secures the future of the charity.
THE STRATEGY
The strategic goal of SOS-Kinderdorf e.V. is to support disadvantaged young people so that they can successfully shape their lives.
The association not only wants to expand its services and thus reach even more disadvantaged children, young people and their families. It also aims to make its work effective and sustainable. In doing so, it is important for the association to maintain continuity and, at the same time break, new ground: Children need families—that is and remains the hallmark of the work of SOS-Kinderdorf e. V.
Within the scope of the organisation, children and young people experience care and family integration, can develop their relationship skills, and achieve educational success.
In order to meet its strategic goal by 2024, SOS-Kinderdorf e.V. focuses on three fields of action:
- Developing diversity in the Children’s Village family
- Strengthening children’s rights and caregiver protection
- Making comprehensive use of the opportunities offered by digitalisation
FOLLOW STEFAN’S PROGRESS
There are several ways for you to follow Stefan’s progress:
- Stefan’s Instagram page 247 Move For Change
- Here on this website
- Our Facebook and Instagram pages
Follow the different accounts to be the first to receive the updates.
SPONSOR THE RIDE
By clicking on the image below, you can donate directly to SOS-Kinderdorf and receive a tax relevant receipt. No matter how small or large, every donation helps.
ABOUT STEFAN
Ever since he was a child, Stefan’s enthusiasm for photography and nature has played a major role his life to such an extent that he can usually be found out of doors during his free time, either with his family, friends, or simply on his own.
His hobbies include bush craft, hiking, camping, and sailing.
But of everything that motivates him, travel comes in first and foremost. He has toured the south of England in his Land Rover Defender and ventured across Scandinavia and southern Europe in his van.
Stefan, who has worked as an instructor for Land Rover Experience since 2014, is keen to share his expertise and enthusiasm for off-road driving and 4x4s.
In 2021, Stefan launched his brand 24/7 Travel ’n’ Gear with the motto Move for Change at the forefront.
Recent achievements include:
- 2017: 720 km Duisburg to Sylt on foot
- 2022: 3,000 km e-bike journey around Germany on behalf of SOS-Kinderdorf
The story behind each of the above challenges can be found on his website (German language)
