After the epic ride yesterday today was always going to be a struggle. After we managed to lock the bikes away and shower it was 1.30 before we crashed out, and about midday when we left the hotel. I was not prepared to pay 78 euros for breakfast therefore the first stop was a "Subway", a foot long special for everyone was soon devoured. Then followed by a shop in the supermarket for provisions for the day. This task was left to Chris who came out with nearly a trolley load of food, somehow we crammed this into the panniers and headed out of Venlo.
After a couple of miles we crossed the border and entered Germany, even though there are cycle paths in Germany they are not up to the Dutch standard and some of the sign posts are hard to spot. This resulted in the inevitable wrong turns, especially in the suburbs of Munchen Gladbach. Today was always going to be a struggle in route finding as we were crossing one of the most densely populated regions in Europe. Cycling was slow and we were all very tired, certainly the low point of the trip so far.
We stopped in a park for lunch and a game of football. Yes, Kate decided that a football had to be taken, there again she only brought 3 Tee shirts/tops, one of which will probably never be worn. By comparison Rachel & Sarah have brought 9.
We decided we would stop quite early in the town of Neuss, after the stop we found some good roads and soon got to Neuss, as we rode through the suburbs Sarah got her wheel stuck in the edge of a kerb, she managed to get out of the rut only to crash head on into the the fence of a restaurant and only just managing to prevent going over the handle bars. Fortunately the bike was ok, oh and Sarah. Chris was still laughing when he too managed to fall off his bike. I think tiredness was beginning to take control.
We found a good hotel and had a lovely Thai meal, 6 dinners, starters and 6 drinks for 58 euros, Germany is so much cheaper than the Netherlands. A good end to a mentally tough day.
Today's stats
Distance 60.51k
Time 3.20.00
Average speed 18.1 kph
Climb 159 m
Total distance 595k
After the very late finish the day before I think you deserved an easier day. Very good average speeds, it's amazing how time flies by. Good luck with the rest of the trip.
ReplyDeleteDid you mention the war?
ReplyDeleteHi Guys, just been catching up with the blog. Belated Birthday wishes to Paula, certainly one to remember!! Kate and a football, now there's a surprise. Happy cycling, keep safe and don't get lost to much!!
ReplyDeletePhil
This day was probably our lowest day mentally. The kids were all saying different things like why are we doing this, or why can't we have a normal holiday like everyone else? I must admit I have had my doubts, this is hard and maybe too hard to achieve! Personally I thought my cycling would have got better, much better by now and so easier. I am still the slowest especially up even the slightest hills!! Heaven knows how I will manage on the real hills to come!! One positive to note is that it's only Brendan suffering with a sore bottom, I honestly thought we would be far worse than him. Hopefully with the rest at Ali and Bills everyone will be refreshed. Will add some more thoughts later....... BFN love to you all Pxx
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