Its been awhile but I spent a year there working at the Uni.

Great city. Tons of hills. I did most of my running in the forests around the University. The University is outside the city separated by lots of extremely well used trails. The forest is called the Pfaffenwald I think. I can't recall any names as it was awhile ago. I did a lot of laps around the Baeren See which is a small lake near the University. There is also a psuedo-mountain made out of the debris from the city after the war. There is a spiral road to the top. Its short, but good. You will have no problem finding running trails. They are everywhere. Probably some of the best running terrain I've ever seen. Take the S-bahn until you get to Schwabstrasse. Then go UP until you get into the forest. The trails aren't really mountain bike trails, but with some digging, you will find what you are looking for I think.

As for cycling, its Germany and there are paved trails all over the country. I didn't do any cycling at the time, so I can't comment on specifics. There were a few people I knew from the University who did and that's where I would start if I were you. I remember riding down the river a few times...more like touring though.

Pools will drive you crazy, but I'm sure you've heard that already - no lanes unless you find a team.

As for the scene, I wasn't racing at the time so I don't know specifics, but the University is the best place to start. I joined a climbing club for 10euro or something and they had regular weekly outings and long trips that were dirt cheap. Student life in Germany was awesome.

In general, its a great city - best beer venues (Palace de Republic, Schlossgarten, etc..), good location close to the alps...its got everything.

Very good summary.
If you need more info, let me know. I know triathletes there and my sister (a runner) is living in S.
Best if you get back to us once you are there, know exactly where you stay and still have questions.
Cheers
Uli

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CAMPAGNOLO GRAN FONDO NEW YORK

I believe that I'll be at PATCH Barracks at EUCOM. I'm definitely interested in meeting people when I arrive in January.

Cheers,
Puskas

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http://wattieink.com/elite-team/
Raising funds to help wounded veterans and racing RAAM 2013 with http://team4mil.org/
"If you are gonna charge... CHARGE HARD!"

I lived in Sindelfingen (just south) and swam at the world class "Sindelfinger Badezentrums" 50M indoor and outdoor pools all the time on my own. I think Stuttgart is too urban for good road biking and prefer the areas south like Sindelfingen.

Bottomline you'll be in triathlon heaven and there are no causal triathletes there. A top 10% finish in a local tri the states will get you MOP there.

Only 3 hrs from world class skiing as well!

Is is possible to get from Patch Barracks to the "country" for riding by bike?

I won't have a car.

What bikes would you bring? I'm guessing Road (I can add clip-ons for tris) and a full-squish MTB (for those train trips to the Alps).

Or would you recommend a CCX bike due to the nature of the roads?

Basically, I'm limiting myself to 2 bikes, a bunch of running shoes (Adidas of course), and a very open schedule since I don't know which races sound appealing (although Roth is tempting).

Cheers,
Puskas

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http://wattieink.com/elite-team/
Raising funds to help wounded veterans and racing RAAM 2013 with http://team4mil.org/
"If you are gonna charge... CHARGE HARD!"

Roads are smooth and plenty - no need for CX.
However, there are also hundreds of tracks in the forests where you would not need a MTB but be better off with a CX.
There are of course trails where MTBs are more adequate but if I'd go offroad in Germany, I'd chose CX over MTB.
If you plan many trips to the alps, then certainly your MTB is the better choice.

If I were you, I'd bring road and CX in January and figure out a way to get the MTB to Europe by June.

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CAMPAGNOLO GRAN FONDO NEW YORK

What Uli said. But for even nicer riding in Germany, check out the area near the Bodensee and the Donautal, that is where I grew up. :-)

Okay.

But, I need you guys to start giving me time/distance references because I don't have a clue what I'm doing at this point.

Here's what I know...

1. I speak French (not useful in Germany)
2. I'm living at Patch Barracks
3. I'll be there for 9 months
4. I'm bringing my Colnago C-40 (second bike TBD)
5. I arrive in January
6. I hope to run an ultramarathon this season and complete at least one longer triathlon (preferably something unusual)

Is Bodensee in Stuttgart?

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http://wattieink.com/elite-team/
Raising funds to help wounded veterans and racing RAAM 2013 with http://team4mil.org/
"If you are gonna charge... CHARGE HARD!"

The Bodensee is the Lake of Constance and no it is not in Stuttgart. It is bordered by Germany, Switzerland and Austria, about 100k south of Stuttgart.
Nice thing in Germany, there are all kinds of trains where you can bring your bike.

H

www.alpine-davos.ch

www.embrunman.com

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CAMPAGNOLO GRAN FONDO NEW YORK