When we changed the route in 2020, we still thought that it would only be an exception for one year. Unfortunately we have to adjust the track again this year. The BTG not only “suffers” from Corona, but also from an even more dangerous virus: the African Swine Fever has also been spreading in Germany since 2020. Our scout Stefan G. informed us about closures of forest roads in the east of the country, which also affect the BTG.
We have therefore decided to relocate almost 300 km of the route to the West. A few weeks ago two scouts were out to see the new part. After crossing the Elbe, the track leads to Bautzen and follows the Spree river for a long time. One highlight is the “Spreewald” area with miles of trails on the banks of small canals. In summer, however, you should be particularly considerate of walkers on those trails.
Checkpoint 4 also had to be relocated along with the route. The new checkpoint is a lookout tower in the east of Cottbus, where a new lake is being created from a former opencast mine, which they call the “Ostsee”. The tower is currently closed due to the pandemic, but maybe it will be accessible in July when our ITT riders are on their way.
Below are a few impressions from scouting. Thanks to Scout Falk for taking us along.
