Today has been a good day but quite a hard day's cycling. Kees and Lisbeth the Dutch couple and the unnamed Quebecois and I had breakfast in the watery sunshine.
They were cooking but I had two bananas and a cup of coffee from the machine. They were in no apparent haste to leave and I was aware that the nearest campsite was 75 kms into a cold stiff head wind, so I set off by 09.00.
I hadn't realised but today is Ascension day and a big German holiday. EVERYTHING was shut. Eventually I found a chain cafe open so I stopped for coffee and cake to make sure that I had some calories. It was just as well because I didn't find another all day until I reached Neuburg about 15.30.
The route was far from flat and after Donauworth I had to engage my 28th gear several times. But the cold headwind was more troubling and whilst the sun was out most of the day it never felt warm. However the forecast is for improvement at the weekend so I might eventually be able to lose my waterproof jacket.
The route to Donauworth was uneventful and mostly alongside quiet roads. Donauworth was very atractive as you will see from the photos. It was a little tricky getting out because the Danube had split into several parts as well as turning sharply south, not to mention the enormous eurohelicopter factory which dominates one side of Donauworth. However I eventually found the way out and climb, climb, climbed.
The only person I met all day, apart from a brief chat with three young German lads who were cycling ftom Ingolstad to Donaueshingen, was Mick from London but currently living in St Austell (I remember it well) who was on day 12 of cycling around the world!! He has allowed a year and a half to complete it. It didn't half put my puny efforts into context. We cycled along together for maybe 10 kms before we went our separate ways. He has been wild camping with a hotel once a week to get clean and charged up. Incredible.
Neuburg is a very photogenic town dominated by the Schosshapelle Palace which seems to tower over the town. I spent a happy hour wandering its ancient streets and taking lots of photos. The campsite for the night is again right by the Donau but in the grounds and sharing the facilities of the Neuburg Ruger Club (the canoe club) Tomorrow is 95kms to Regensburg (which was our first stop on our recent Danube Cruise) Hopefully it will look different from a different perspective.
Thank you to all of you have sent messages of support either directly or indirectly through Pauline. It may not sound like it at times but I am enjoying dawdling down the Danube and as the weather improves so should my level of enjoyment. Camping is something best done in a warm climate.
distance cycled so far: 496kms
Well done yet again, Brian. Delighted that you are making good progress despite the variety of different challenges. Always good to read that Vienna is getting closer irrespective of what Germany is throwing at you.
ReplyDeleteI celebrated your first week by doing a lap of honour on your behalf. Up the hill, Craigmead followed by Onecipherus in one go. Boss at Centre sends her best wishes. Your help in getting to this point is inestimable. Keep rolling, keep granny gearing and give yourself a big pat on the back after a first week of progress. Well done, Brian.