Germany is a country which not only enjoys fine automobiles and fast roads; but also has taken great care to provide a fine network of cycle routes and dedicated cycle paths for the large number of bicycle riders of all ages.
We've combined a couple of very popular cycle tours in Bavaria; which will give you an idea of what you may expect on your own adventure. Bavaria, in southern Germany, is dotted with castles and postcard perfect towns, as well as scenic rivers and fertile countryside.  Although these rides do not take you through the Alps, they can be seen as an awesome backdrop in the distance. We've made use of German Rail in order to easily combine two routes and cover more ground. The Deutsche Bahn rail system is very accommodating to cyclists; just check in advance to see if reservations are required for your bicycle.   Follow the map as you read the following description of a round trip from Munich. The entire route is a total of 450 km by bicycle, including some sightseeing around Munich.
It’s about an hour train ride to Munich by rail from Munich airport. Keep in mind that cycles are not allowed on this train during morning and afternoon rush hours. We arrived by air and after reassembling our bikes at the airport and stowing the boxes, we easily boarded the train from the airport into downtown Munich for a good night's sleep.
We had booked a hotel in advance, as reasonable reservations can be hard to find in the busy summer months; and during Oktoberfest events. The next morning we hopped back on a train heading east to Passau; a major cycling hub at the convergence of three rivers, including the Danube. We chose a direct route, so no rail changes were necessary.
The 1st stage is a 64.5km ride north from Passau to Deggendorf on the Danube River.  Armed with our maps we wound our way out of the city and alongside the river. Much of today's ride is on dedicated cycle paths and right beside the river. Many cyclists take this popular route downstream; but as we planned to join the Romantistrasse route later on, we chose to follow upstream instead.
The 2nd stage is a 47.6 km ride. We continue along the Danube from Deggendorf to the surprising town of Straubing. What a warm welcome to cyclists, with it's large central square and fascinating frescoes.
The 3rd stage crisscrosses back and forth over the Danube on a level ride, with the exception of an interesting side trip to the Walhalla monument on the hill overlooking the river. The day ends in the historic city of Regensburg with over fourteen hundred historic sights; a reason to stay an extra day. Total mileage today 60.1km.
The 4th stage combines trail and boat rides. Total cycling mileage is 55.3km. On a clear day this is one of the prettiest stretches of the Danube. Again we cross the river several times; arriving in Kelheim for a pleasureable cruise past the high limestone cliffs of the Danube gorge to the abbey at Weltenburg; then finishing at Neustadt just in time for their summer festival; with plenty of food, beer and entertainment.
The 5th stage is 61.5km back and forth across the Danube over varying terrain with a lunch stop in colorful Ingolstadt and ending in Neuberg for a quiet evening's stroll around the castle on the hill.
The 6th stage, a 38.3km ride has some hills as the Danube disappears from view. At the end of the day, you're back beside it at Donauworth; another cycling crossroads.
At the 7th stage, we bid farewell to the Danube and ride off on the "Romantic Road." Today has some climbs, as you head up on the rim of the Ris (ancient meteor crater) and into the totally walled and walkable town of Nordlingen; a total of 35.6km. 
The 8th stage ends at another walled town; Dinkelsbuhl.... only 37km. Another climb today; this time up and out of the crater. Dinkelsbuhl is even more quaint and touristed; but quieter at night as we followed the costumed nightwatchman on his rounds.
 The 9th stage of 50.8km takes us to perhaps the most quaint of Romantische Straße towns; Rothenburg. A good reason to spend an extra day to roam around and peek at the fascinating museums and sights. Also time to catch up on laundry before the return to Munich by train. Don't miss the calorie filled Rothenburg "snowballs."
The 10th stage is by rail. We boarded the train in Rothenburg. The train and bike car were packed as it was "happy weekend discount fare." After a couple quickly timed changes we arrived back at Munich. It's a big city; but has plenty of cyclists and is great for walking. There's no shortage of places to stop off for a brew or a pastry. We can only imagine the hubub during Oktoberfest.
Then it's back to the airport via the train and back home to prepare for another future adventure.
 

If you'd like to know more details about this ride, check out our DVD.