Woohoo - day off! Love the pedalling, and love the days off! Listening to the cathedral bells ring whil planning the day. It’s a German bank holiday so not much beyond the restaurants will be open so a walk, food and naps are on the agenda.
Found a great flat for our rest day! The flat is perfect for a couple nights stay and meets all the selection criteria - just off the route, not up a big hill, very close to restaurants (an easy walk), etc. Really nice to have the extra space and a lockup for the bike. Managed to manhandle the coffee machine and the washing machine this morning so fully caffeinated with clean clothes! We wash our gear at the end of each day and dry it overnight, but it’s nice to give everything a proper wash before the next stage.
Donauworth is a pretty town which was not destroyed in WWII. Loads of old buildings and cobblestone streets. Serious walls to protect against flooding. Found a great spot for lunch. We seem to be landing in all the Italian places. Well, at least we can speak more of the language! Had an Insalata di Mare’ and pizza - day off food! Tried yet another taste of beer. Nope, not that one either! The Italians do make a proper coffee! Having stretched our legs, went back to the flat for the second nap of the day. We're well into Bavaria now and have done over 200 miles.
Random thoughts:
No matter how much you train beforehand, still have to manage the pain: Sore legs and backsides this morning. Used the whole ‘long distance cycling medical kit’ yesterday. This detail is only for those in the group who are thinking about doing big days in succession. The biggest thing to avoid is any chafe as there is no opportunity for it to heal - chamois cream in the morning and midday, Sudocreme after showers.Testing Jess’s ‘magic lotion’ this trip - Voltarol. During the day every two hours - ibuprophen, paracetamol (Tylenol), repeat. Don’t wear the same make / brand of shorts every day as the seams will all chafe in the same places.
It’s a bit much, hotels doing self service: I don’t mind doing the whole find a key, unassisted check in with Airbnbs and flats. I do mind arriving at a big hotel in the middle of a city where I’d pre-arranged bike storage and being greeted by an empty lobby and a computer screen - one which tells me they can’t process my reservation and to go find a staff member (who was hidden behind an unmarked door). First time we’ve seen this when we’ve travelled over here. Lots of reminders to pre-check in with links that don’t work or providing a PIN code in black print in a black background. Cost cutting gone mad. Grumble, grumble, chunter, chunter…
That wasn't the case in Donauworth though - gorgeous place! Loving the whole thing! Early night tonight - going to try and stay up until 7:30!
Comments:
Whilst the laundry was going on, it was clean, lube and adjust the bike for me. All seems well, ideally would have been able to get all the sand & grit off the transmission (chains, gears and derailleurs) but there is only so much stuff you can carry.
Who knew ice cream for dinner could be so filling🤔, there was a lot of it though. Bavarian beer is just as good as I remember it, Katherine‘s response was an ecstatic endorsement compared to how she usually reacts to beer!!
Pretty gentle day tomorrow (just under 40 miles), weather looks “set fair” for the rest of the week, quite warm later in the week. Onwards and upwards as they say….
Whilst the laundry was going on it was clean, lube and adjust the bike for me. All seems well, ideally would have been able to get all the sand & grit off the transmission (chains, gears and derailleurs) but there is only some much stuff you can carry.
ReplyDeleteWho knew ice cream for dinner could be so filling🤔, there was a lot of it though. Bavarian beer is just as good as I remember it, Katherine‘s response was an ecstatic endorsement compared to how she usually reacts to beer!!
Pretty gentle day tomorrow (just under 40 miles), weather looks “set fair” for the rest of the week, quite warm later in the week. Onwards and upwards as they say….
Pizza, beer, and ice cream all in the same day - sounds heavenly. Enjoy, you’ve certainly earned it.
ReplyDeleteI like the circle artwork hanging over these streets even better than the flower orbs from yesterday’s post. Both beautiful!
Have to get some pictures of the houses with all the window boxes - beautiful!
DeleteThose were pretty big ice creams!!
ReplyDeleteThe houses are so charming.