A stereotype that absolutely rang true: the legendary friendliness and openness of Americans. We experienced it 24/7 – on the streets, in diners, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. Service is a top priority, and the obligatory “How are you?” is, in most cases, more than a throwaway line. Forget the polite reserve often found in Germany; here, it’s all about genuine curiosity and a love for connection.

The service in the U.S. (not just in hospitality but everywhere – even bike shops!) was so great that it almost made up for the plastics overload and fast-food culture – but only almost. Sadly, those aren’t just clichés. When it comes to single-use plastics and food safety (hello, chemicals!), Germany is still miles ahead. But hey, isn’t it great that we can still learn from one another?

Germany is the beer and beer garden expert, so finding a good beer in the U.S. was about as challenging as expected. More surprising: the scarcity of outdoor seating. In the sunny South, cafés and restaurants seem to operate almost entirely indoors. Outdoor seating is a rare find, and when it exists, it’s often empty – the lure of air conditioning is hard to beat. And figuring out if a place was open? That felt like a guessing game. Many businesses have dark, tinted windows that give off a “members-only” vibe. Thankfully, the (stereotypical) flashing neon “Open” signs were always there to save the day.

Why the hidden fronts and indoor seating? Maybe it’s linked to strict alcohol laws. Then again, alcohol can’t be too taboo if you can grab a cocktail at a drive-thru. Yes, really: Daiquiri drive-ins are a thing. Just order your frozen cocktail in a plastic to-go cup (disguised as a cola cup, naturally), and off you go. Cheers!

Expectant mothers shouldn’t partake in those drive-thru daiquiris, of course. You’d think that goes without saying, but every bar helpfully provides a sign to remind you. Likewise, there are mandatory “Employees must wash hands” notices everywhere, offering plenty of chuckles for visitors like us.

Speaking of signs, Americans seem to love them. Barely a yard is without some kind of personal statement. From political campaign posters to over-the-top lawyer ads that feel straight out of “Better Call Saul”, it’s perfectly normal here to advertise your beliefs or business in your front yard. Cycling through small towns and suburbs, it was easy to see what mattered most to the locals – and it was never boring!

Something else that held true: distances are huge, and mobility is king! The U.S. is a car country through and through. On the highways, we couldn’t help but notice some stark differences from German roads. For instance, while German “Lastkraftwagen” stick to the right lane at lower speeds, American trucks speed along at the same pace as cars – and often in the middle lanes. As cyclists, it made for some nerve-wracking moments.

But we were always cheered by the enthusiasm of the locals for all things German. The friendliness toward German tourists was heartwarming and often led to conversations about – no surprise – German cars (“You’re from Germany? I own a Porsche!”) or ancestry (“My ancestors are from there, too!”).

The list of quirks is long – not all of them to our taste, but endlessly fascinating nonetheless. After five months on American roads, we’re leaving with both smiles and tears. The U.S. has amazed, surprised, and occasionally baffled us. It’s a remarkable country – a mix of movie set and genuine connection. In many ways, it’s just as we imagined it – and yet entirely different.

Stay tuned as we return to exploring Europe’s bike trails – or maybe head back to the Wild West someday! Follow along on Instagram and YouTube as we keep rolling.