Description:
A one-day bike tour through the Austrian oilfields north-east of Vienna, an area which also forms part of the southern Weinviertel. You will see the familiar “donkeys” pumping oil, and maybe even some drilling rigs, surrounded by beautiful rows of vines. The route follows, for the most part, a cycle path established by the leading Austrian oil and gas group OMV. Along the way, there are 11 education points giving you interesting information on the geological formations, exploration methods, drilling and production equipment, and facts and figures on the Austrian oil and gas industry. You will also pass along the Erdöl- und Erdgaslehrpfad, a kind of open air museum of old oil exploration and production equipment.
The route begins at the railway station in Deutsch-Wagram and finishes at a very nice heurige in Pillichsdorf, where we can rest, eat and sample the local wines. There are many pleasant stopping points along the way, and we will pass through three or four small towns where refreshments can be obtained. On leaving the heurige in Pillichsdorf, you will have three options of returning to Vienna. You can return by train from nearby Obersdorf. Alternatively, you can cycle back to Vienna along a disused railway line (now a high quality cycle path). For those choosing to travel by car to the starting point, you can take a cycle path directly back to Deutsch-Wagram.
Length of activity, difficulty:
The distance from Deutsch-Wagram to Pillichsdorf is about 50 km, mostly on asphalted, traffic-free roads. There are one or two small hills, but the route is mostly flat. It should be within the capability of any reasonably fit cyclist.
For those choosing to cycle from Pillichsdorf back to Vienna, the extra distance is about 20 km or so. For those wishing to return to Deutsch-Wagram, the extra distance is 10 km.
Meeting point and ending point:
The meeting point is the railway station at Deutsch-Wagram at 10:15. The Schnellbahn S1 leaves Wien Südbahnhof at 09:33, Wien Mitte 09:40, Wien Nord 09:44, Wien Handelskai 09:49, Floridsdorf 09:53, arriving at Deutsch-Wagram at 10:06. You will need a ticket for 2 zones. For the return to Vienna from the end point at Pillichsdorf, the Schnellbahn S2 runs regularly from nearby Obersdorf (also 2 zones). There are also some railway stations en route if anyone needs to cut short the tour, but the trains are infrequent, typically every 2 hours.
Recommended equipment:
The route is suitable for any type of bike in good condition. Please note, the condition of your bike is your responsibility – please check things like tyres, brakes, cables, chain, spokes, pedals, saddle, etc. Bring a small repair kit for common repairs, especially punctures, and preferably a spare inner tube. Also bring a water bottle and some small snacks to nibble on while en route, and – dare I suggest? – sun tan lotion. A cycling helmet is, of course, recommended.
Registration:
The number of participants is not critical, but it would be useful for me to know who is intending to come, so that you can be contacted in case of postponement or cancellation. So please contact me by e-mail or phone if you intend to come.
Contact details of trip leader:
Denis Wymer E-mail during working hours:
E-mail outside of working hours:
Telephone: Home: (01) 269 7389
Handy (Lynn Wymer) 0664 581 0909