Morituri te salutamus.
The frequent heavy downpours during the night although disturbing our sleep didn't raise the River Weser's water level enough to wash us away.
We had to get up!
A brew of tea soon revived us and we were away by 7.50. An early breakfast after 12 miles was taken in Stadtoldendorf. There followed a wonderful morning's cycling through rolling countryside until after 38 miles we reached the lovely old town of Einbeck. In the Middle Ages the town had 700 breweries and supplied the whole of Germany with 'Einpokisches Bier' (now known as Bockbier and is said to be the strongest bier in Germany). Needless to say even though the church bells were just striking 12.00 we had to sample it.
If we had only known what was to follow we would have stayed and had a couple more. The hills started and the legs went! Chanting those famous words ' we have plenty of time, we can stop when we want, we will enjoy ouselves' we soldiered on. The final 15 miles of torture led us on rough forest tracks and silence reigned. Eventually Derek was heard to mutter 'blooming Nora this is supposed to be the road to St Petersburg not Whinlatter forest'.
No campsite was evident in our scheduled stop of Bornhausen so we pressed on and were eventually rescued from the depths of the forest by a kindly mountain biker. Once we were again on track we skidded and stumbled towards Goslar. Exhausted we decided against searching for the campsite and opted instead for a Gasthaus in the centre of town. Here a wonderful old lady rushed down stairs, vigorously shook our hands and showed us to our splendid room. Derek then offered these words... 'that was an interesting experience that I would like to try again sometime - preferably by Landrover'.
A walk round the old town centre revived the spirits.
Miles cycled - 68.3
Definitely not gladiators.
ReplyDeleteI think your hoping and breathing quote should have been in Japanese accompanied by the sounds of heavy metal.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you earned your bed for the night!
ReplyDelete