" It ’ s a great challenge . I will have to carry the bike in places where the snow is too deep ”
" It ’ s a great challenge . I will have to carry the bike in places where the snow is too deep ”
The trails into the mountains run for miles , and cover a variety of terrain , much of which is forested . The contours of the ground take the rider over rock and root , over mountain and meadow , and provide a fantastic view over the surrounding scenery of the German state of Hesse , of which Frankfurt is the largest town .
Intrepid members of the Early Bird club volunteer to join Lutz in a morning ride up the mountain , reaching the summit at around 06.00 local time , before riding downhill in the sunrise towards Frankfurt and Allianz Global Investors ’ office .
“ When you ’ re up on the mountain , there is no stress , not even one thought . You have to focus on the ride , because it ’ s challenging . The scenery is incredible . It ’ s you , your bike and the mountain ,” he said . “ It really helps to get rid of any stress , and you come to work really happy .”
Lutz was introduced to the sport by Eric Böss , global head of trading at Allianz Global Investors . In 2005 , by coincidence Kalthoff spotted Böss on his way to the mountain , with his bike . In 2008 , they began to make plans for a crossing of the Alps by bike . In 2009 , they set out from southern Germany , near Stuttgart , crossing the Alps over the next six days and finishing up in Italy near Lake Garda .
“ I came to biking through Eric ,” said Kalthoff . “ At that time he was head of derivatives and I was head of equities , so we were equal . Now , he ’ s my boss . But in biking , it ’ s the other way round . Now he likes to follow me . Because I ’ m an explorer , finding new tracks and new routes . I enjoy organising the trip and planning a route . He always says he likes riding with me .”
Similar in some respects to skiing , mountain biking can involve jumps , which vary from one metre to 10-15 metres . Kalthoff ’ s group focuses mainly on the smaller jumps , just a few metres . All routes are carefully planned by Kalthoff to take account of the different people on the ride and their skills and abilities .
“ We regularly do trail camps . For example , we book a nice hotel for five days . Next weekend , we are going to Rheinland Pfalz , 110km from here and we will do a 1,600 metre climb in a oneday trial . You can do 700 metres in a few hours .”
Kalthoff has been mountain biking in Switzerland , Austria , Italy , France , Germany , Indonesia . “ I try on every holiday to do at least one ride ,” he said . On the upcoming ride in Germany , he says part of the appeal is the scenery .
“ It ’ s the biggest forest in Germany . There are places you can go where you don ’ t see anyone . The forest goes for miles . There are some food huts where walkers go near the main entrances , but if you venture out further than that , there are very few people .”
The next challenge is always on the horizon . At the moment , Kalthoff is considering one of his most ambitious ideas yet , involving a special kind of mountain bike with extra-thick tyres , which is used in winter conditions and especially crossing areas with thick snow .
FUTURE PLANS ? “ I ’ m thinking to do a crossing of the Alps in winter on the fat bike ,” he said . “ In the fresh snow , you can ride in 15 to 20 cm of snow . It ’ s somewhat like surfing . I ’ m thinking to visit the Alps in January . It ’ s a great challenge . I will have to carry the bike in places where the snow is too deep .”
Good luck Lutz Kalthoff , we salute your bravery and wish you well on your adventures !
October 2016 www . buysideintel . com
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