Alea iacta est
After a good night's sleep we breakfasted in a gallery overlooking the courtyard of the Gasthaus. A 9.15 start via the tourist information office to purchase a map saw us immediately faced with a rough steep forestry track. European cycleway R1?
There is no way that this should be a route for tourist bikes loaded up with bikes and tents! However despite Derek's tears, in the true British bulldog spirit we accepted this insane challenge. We averaged just over 5 mph as we skidded, swerved and swore our way to Wernigerode. (22 miles in 3 hours 45 minutes). At last we emerged from the gloom and were presented with a view of our next destination.
Arriving at 1 o clock in this delightful small town, with its 16C Rathaus considered to the finest in Germany, splendid facade and superimposed windows, we sampled our first bratwurst of the trip.
To add injury to insult Derek was pinned against a railing when my carelessly parked bike fell onto him. He was being rescued by two concerned Germans as I sauntered back with my ice cream.
The next part of the route defies description. All that needs to be said is that we arrived at our campsite in Thale exhausted after yet more battles in ravines full of leaves still purporting to be the R1. We were not amused. Derek is at this very moment penning a letter of complaint to Angela Merkel.
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| Couldn't show the worst bits - too busy clinging on. |
Today's mileage - 38.1 miles
We are having problems publishing photos because of poor internet connections. If we ever do complete the journey you will have to scroll back to view.
And to make it even worse, Murray lost. Forest trails or tracks are not the best at any time, and with a fully loaded bike, sympathy to Derek. I did notice you seem to be short of a pannier, is Derek carrying some of your stuff. It will be so much easier for you with less weight.😈
ReplyDeleteCut down on my stuff thank goodness. It would have been interesting on the tandem. A bit like the Canal du Midi with hills.
DeleteI guess it's a bit like the Canal du Midi with hills.
ReplyDeleteSo is the die cast the fact that you are departing from the R1? Will we actually see you in Berlin or might we have to send out search parties?
ReplyDeleteDo you really finish at 11.02 or are you time travelling? In that case you could be in Berlin before you started the ride and have nothing to remember as you will not have done it ?!? Or maybe you are in a different time zone.
ReplyDeleteDifferent time zone. Pacific something or other. Have no idea how to change it.:)
DeleteIt looks awful now you've published photos. No way it's a proper cycle route.
ReplyDelete