ARA MUC 400: Bavarian Pre-Alps Loop in Snow, Sleet and Sunshine

I actually wanted to ride the “Voralpen” brevet – the 400 km one that goes over the Spitzingsattel, the Sudelfeld and the Gerlospass into the Zillertal. When booking, however, I selected the “Bayrische Voralpen Rundfahrt” instead. That turned out to be the better choice: it was snowing at the Gerlos that day. 😅

The Key Stats

Distance	403.51 km
Elevation	3,859 m
Riding time	15:16:16
Total time	~16:09 h
Avg. speed	26.4 km/h
Avg. power	180 W (weighted: 189 W)
Calories	11,211 kcal
Temperature	Avg. 8°C, feels like 5°C
Bike	Custom build with ICAN carbon frame and wheels
Perceived Exertion	Hard

Start at Roecklplatz

Early morning at Roecklplatz in München. ARA München/Oberbayern (Club 111005) organizes the brevet – maximum 90 participants. Get the brevet card stamped, quick briefing, and off we go. My fourth 400 km brevet – the routine is there, but the respect for 400 kilometers remains.

The route initially shares the course with the shorter Pre-Alps loop: heading south, over the Irschenberg (gradients up to 16%!) and on to Oberaudorf. From there the routes diverge.

Sudelfeld Pass: 1,123 m, Sleet and Slush

The highest point of the route – and the most uncomfortable one at the same time. Gradients over 10%, and when I reached the top I was greeted by sleet and rain. There was a thin layer of slush on the road. I rode the wet descents accordingly carefully – on wet tarmac at single-digit temperatures, every meter of braking distance is precious.

Through the Samer Berge to the Dorfcafe

From Oberaudorf it went via Brannenburg into the Samer Berge – also with gradients over 10%. Checkpoint at the Dorfcafe in Grainbach. Get the stamp, catch your breath briefly, move on.

Chiemsee, Traunstein and the Hochberg

A wide arc along the southern shore of Chiemsee – Aschau, Grassau, Bergen, Siegsdorf. The Hochberg viewpoint was a highlight, shortly followed by the checkpoint in Traunstein.

The Nutrition Problem

The maltodextrin from my trusted brand apparently no longer agrees with me. After a few hours I had to switch completely: bread rolls, pastries and energy bars instead of drink mix. Not an ideal situation on a 400 km ride, but it worked out in the end.

Lesson learned: Always have a plan B for nutrition. And never use products at an event for the first time after a long break – even if you’ve “always” tolerated them before.

200 km: The Turning Point

After 200 kilometers the rain finally stopped. The roads were mostly dry, spirits lifted. Through the beautiful Tittmoning and at dusk I reached Burghausen – checkpoint and at the same time the mental turning point. From now on it was homeward bound.

Heads up in Burghausen: after the checkpoint there are about 2 km on the main road – depending on the time of day with heavier traffic.

The Clothing Drama

In such changeable conditions, choosing the right clothing is a real challenge – especially when you want to minimize stop time.

“I’ll keep the rain pants on, the next front is coming anyway” or “You can keep the rain jacket on for the next climb too.” Completely overheated, I eventually took both off after all. 😅

For the next brevet I’m making a resolution: Better to change one time too many than to ride overheated for an hour. You easily make up the 2 minutes of stop time on the bike.

The Grafing Incident

A real downer on the way back: the toilet at the train station in Grafing. Refilling water – should be simple. Paid the fee (no change of course 😅), and then no water came out of the tap. The Taverna Orfeas across the street saved me. 👌

Tip for all randonneurs: Gas stations and restaurants are more reliable than public toilets for water supply.

Return: Kraiburg, Gars, Haag, München

The last 150 kilometers via Kraiburg, Gars and Haag (final checkpoint) to München. Mostly back roads and farm tracks – typical for ARA brevets. The legs were heavy, but the mind knew: it’s just straight ahead from here.

Conclusion

I would have liked to arrive in München a bit earlier, but the stop time was solid – there wasn’t much more to squeeze out. More power would have helped, but it just wasn’t there that day.

What I’m taking away:

• ✅ Prepare a nutrition strategy with a backup plan
• ✅ Clothing management in changeable weather is at least as important as fitness
• ✅ Plan water sources in advance, don’t rely on public infrastructure
• ✅ The 400 km brevet remains demanding – even the fourth time around
• ✅ The “wrong” booking can be the right decision

The next brevet? Already on the list. Maybe the München – Bassano del Grappa in June. Or maybe not – that’s part of it. 🚴