Maria had been planning this cycling tour for months. She wanted to cycle through the beautiful countryside with her three best friends. The tour would last five days and cover over two hundred kilometers. Her friends Thomas, Lisa, and Peter were all experienced cyclists. They had bought new cycling gear especially for this adventure. The morning of their departure was cool and misty. Maria checked her bicycle one last time before they set off. She had packed water bottles, energy bars, and a first aid kit in her bag. The first day's route would take them through rolling hills and quiet villages. 'Is everyone ready?' Maria asked her friends. They all nodded enthusiastically and started pedaling. The fresh morning air felt wonderful against their faces. Thomas took the lead since he knew the route best. After cycling for two hours, they stopped at a small café for breakfast. The café owner was curious about their journey. 'Where are you heading?' he asked while serving them coffee. Maria explained that they were cycling to the coast. The café owner recommended a scenic route through the forest. They thanked him and continued their journey. The forest path was shaded and cool. Birds were singing in the trees above them. Lisa noticed a deer watching them from behind a tree. 'Look!' she whispered, pointing at the beautiful animal. They stopped to admire the deer before it disappeared into the forest. By noon, they had reached the halfway point of the first day. They found a quiet spot by a stream for their picnic lunch. Peter unpacked the sandwiches that he had prepared the night before. The sound of the flowing water was relaxing after the morning's effort. After lunch, they checked their map to plan the afternoon route. The afternoon brought some challenging hills. Maria found the steep climbs difficult but rewarding. When they reached the top of the highest hill, they could see for kilometers. The view of the valley below was breathtaking. They took many photographs to remember this moment. The descent from the hill was fast and exciting. Thomas reached speeds of almost fifty kilometers per hour. By late afternoon, they arrived at the small town where they would spend the night. They had booked rooms at a cozy bed and breakfast. The owner welcomed them warmly and showed them where to store their bicycles safely. After a shower, they gathered in the dining room for dinner. The local food was delicious, and they were very hungry after the long ride. They discussed the highlights of the first day while eating. Everyone agreed that the forest path had been the best part. They went to bed early because they needed rest for the next day. The second morning brought unexpected rain. They put on their waterproof jackets and continued regardless. Cycling in the rain was more challenging but also more adventurous. The roads became slippery, and they had to be more careful. Lisa almost slipped on a wet curve but managed to stay on her bicycle. By midday, the rain had stopped and the sun came out. Steam rose from the wet roads as the sun warmed them. The second day's route followed a river through farmland. They saw cows grazing in the green fields. A farmer waved at them as they passed his property. The afternoon was peaceful, with flat roads that made cycling easy. They made good progress and arrived at their accommodation before sunset. That evening, they found a small restaurant with outdoor seating. They watched the stars appear while enjoying their meal. The third day was the most difficult of the tour. They had to cross a mountain pass that climbed over eight hundred meters. Peter struggled with the steep incline and had to take several breaks. His friends waited for him and encouraged him to keep going. 'You can do this, Peter!' shouted Maria from ahead. After three hours of climbing, they finally reached the summit. The mountain air was cold but refreshing. They could see snow on the peaks in the distance. A small café at the top sold hot chocolate and fresh pastries. They rested there for almost an hour to recover their energy. The descent was even more thrilling than they had expected. The winding road required careful concentration. They reached the valley just as the sun was setting behind the mountains. The fourth day brought them closer to the coast. They could smell the salt in the air. The landscape changed from mountains to gentle coastal hills. They passed through vineyards and olive groves. A local winemaker invited them to taste some of his wine. They only had a small sip because they still had to cycle. In the late afternoon, they finally saw the ocean. 'There it is!' Lisa exclaimed with excitement. The blue water sparkled in the afternoon sunlight. They cycled down to a small fishing village by the sea. The village had colorful boats bobbing in the harbor. They decided to spend their last night there before the final day. The guesthouse was right on the beach. After dinner, they walked along the shore in the moonlight. The waves crashed gently against the rocks. They talked about all the memories they had made on the trip. The final day of the tour was bittersweet. They were happy to complete the journey but sad that it was ending. The last stretch followed a coastal path with stunning views. They could see colorful houses clinging to the cliffs. Seagulls flew overhead, calling out to each other. At noon, they reached their final destination: a beautiful coastal city. They parked their bicycles and hugged each other in celebration. 'We did it!' Thomas shouted with joy. They had cycled over two hundred kilometers through mountains, forests, and along the coast. To celebrate, they went to a restaurant on the pier. They ordered fresh seafood and raised their glasses in a toast. 'To friendship and adventure!' said Maria. They agreed that this cycling tour had been one of the best experiences of their lives. They promised to plan another tour together the following year.
English Story (B1)The Cycling Tour
This B1 English story is designed for intermediate learners. Click any word for instant translation and build your vocabulary as you read.
aboutStory
Maria and her three friends embark on a five-day cycling tour through the countryside to the coast. They face challenges like steep mountain passes and rainy weather, but also enjoy beautiful scenery, local food, and wildlife encounters. The adventure strengthens their friendship and creates lasting memories.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
How long was the cycling tour planned to last?
2
What did Lisa notice in the forest?
3
What was the most difficult challenge on the third day?
4
