Day 36 - Wednesday, June 29, 2011 - Rusovce to Gyor, etc - Trip 113.06 Time 6:07:33
Add Hungary to the list of countries that I've cycled through. Today after checking out I left for Cunovo, SK - Rajka, Hungary and was there in the blink of an eye. But first let me tell you about b'fast at a 4 star hotel in Rusovce, Slovakia. I went down for b'fast at 7:20 AM. There were just 2 other guest in the restaurant. B'fast was a-la-carte so no chance to make a sandwich or whatever for lunch later. I ordered orange juice, scrambled eggs with crispy bacon, toast and hot chocolate. The OJ was freshly squeezed, the hot chocolate was so sweet and thick you could almost stand a spoon up in it and they had two more packets of sugar with it in case you didn't find it sweet enough. The crispy bacon was not so crispy and the scrambled eggs were sunny side up and a bit on the runny side. Eggs and bacon were fried up together. Oh and the toast were OK but no butter. Ketchup, which I had to order, came in a cream server. The bacon and eggs also came with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red, yellow and green peppers.
After b'fast I returned to my room to finish packing. I realized I had forgoten my blue bandanna in room 106 when I moved over to 108. I went down to the reception and asked if I could get back into room 106 to get my bandanna. The receptionist called the cleaning staff on her walkie-talkie and asked them to let me into room 106. My bandanna was still hanging up on the shower stall where I had left it to dry. I paid 60 E plus a tax of 1.65 E when I checked out. The receptionist was curious and wanted to know what I was doing in Rusovce, Slovakia. I told her I was on a cycling tour that had started in Amsterdam on May 26th and that I was going to Istanbul. she almost fainted.
Once I got out of the hotel lobby it was quite cool due to a nice breeze. I set off for Cunovo at 8:45 AM. It was a lovely morning. The sun was shinning and I had a tailwind. I arrived at the border crossing at 9:00 AM. It was like a ghost town, broken windows, tattered, torn curtains flapping in the breeze. Not a soul in site. I stopped to take some photos. I continued on to Bezenye and wanted to stay on the 150 to Haliszi but there was a "no bicycles allowed" sign. I was able to cycle on a path beside the road that was not in the best of shape and which was covered by 2 or 3 day old mown hay. This was quite dangerous as it was slippery and covered some of the more severe bumps. After about 3-4 kms of that nonsense I got off the path and rode on the highway. It really wasn't all that busy, as a matter of fact there was hardly any traffic at all!
I arrived safely in Halaszi and continued on to Arak, Darnozseli, Hedervar, Asvanyrar, Dunaszeg and eventually Gyor where I stopped for lunch at the main town square. On the way I saw a couple of huge fields of sunflowers. They were all facing East towards the sun. I also saw some farmers harvesting wheat and bailing the left over straw. Some of the wheat fields had been severely affected by the high winds yesterday. Also, on the way, I had stopped for a break at 11:00 AM. An American couple from California, who saw my Canada jersey, stopped to say hello and have a chat in English. They had bought used bicycles on arrival in Germany and had cycled from Passau and were on their way to Budapest. They were only cytcling 30-40 kms/day so I wished them a safe ride and went on ahead.
For lunch I had 2 small Cola Light and a bowl of chicken vegetable noodle soup which came to 1290 Ft or 5.16 E. I paid in Euros 5.20. After leaving Gyor I set my GPS for Nagyhegy or Szolohegy. I can't remember which now. In any case I ended up getting thoroughly lost and ended up in G......... which wasn't on my Danube guide maps. I had to back track several times after resetting my GPS for Bony. At one point my GPS told me to turn right onto a nicely paved road which became a badly paved road, which became a very loose gravel road, which became a muddy, loose dirt road. I was slippping and slidding all over the place. I almost fell over several times. I made it back to the main highway OK. I wanted to go right but the GPS wanted me to go straight ahead. I ended up in G........ again. I tried a different direction but that came to a dirt/gravel road that went into a forest so I made another U-turn. Eventually I ended up back in Gyor! It started tipping down. It was 4:00 PM and I had now cycled over 100 kms. I saw a sporting goods store and was able to pull right in to the front entrace to get out of the rain. I put my rain gear on and set my GPS for the nearest hotel which was 3.5 kms away. It started pouring again. The hotel turned out to be fully booked. The receptionist told me there was a Pension not far away but her direction were rather vague and I couldn't find it. I tried the next hotel listed in my GPS. It turned out to be a 3 star hotel at 40 E with b'fast and Wi-Fi included. The receptionist showed me where I could store my bike for the night and helped carry my panniers up to my room on the 2nd floor. He was quite out of breath by the time we reached my room. He had taken the 2 heaviest bags.
I checked out the Internet and was able to log on without any problems. I went downstairs to the bar and had a nice cold beer and filled in my journal. Before going out for dinner I went back up to my room and had a shower. I walked for about 400-500 M and found a nice restaurant which I thought looked a bit pricey but I wasn't in the mood for any more walking. It was a huge restaurant with room for about 200 people but there were only a handful of customers. I ordered "Gordon Bleu" with a salad and a 1/2 L of white wine. When my food arrived I couldn't believe the size of the snitzel. It was enough to feed two people and still have some left over. I ate the whole damn thing. My next suprise was when I got the bill. I expected to pay over 15 E. The bill came to 10 E. or 2540 Ft at 250/Euro. When I got back to the hotel I checked the exchange rate on the Internet and it is 267/Euro so I guess I got a pretty good deal.
Well it's getting a late and I have to try and find Bony again tomorrow.
Cheers, Roly
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Day 35 - Europe 2011
Day 35 - Tuesday, June 28, 2011 - Vienna to Rusovce, SK - Trip 94.25 kms Time 5:26:30
Well that now makes it 6 countries I've cycled through since beginning my Europe 2011 cycling tour i.e. Holland, Belgium, Germany, France, (Germany again), Austria and now Slovakia.
I woke up several times during the night. Once to close my door as it was banging in the breeze. I guess I was anxious about not oversleeping and making Martin late for work. I got up at 6:30. Martin was having his shower so I had a bowl of cereal and a banana for b'fast. After showering I finished packing, made myself a cheese and turkey breast sandwich since Martin insisted I have something to take with me for lunch. He then helped me carry my panniers down to the bicycle storage room. I loaded my panniers on my bike, thanked Martin for his wonderful hospitality and set off for Bratislava at 7:40 AM.
That is the earliest I've ever started cycling on this trip. But in the end it turned out to be a good thing as I avoided most of the morning rush hour traffic and was able to get on the Danube bike trail without to much difficulty. Also, the maps Martin had printed off for me the previous evening proved to be very helpful as I did miss a couple of turns, the sort of keep right or keep left turns.
I had come to the traffic ring where I had to get on the Hauptallee but wasn't sure how to go about negotiating the twist and turns. I had to stop at a traffic light and a nice young lady pulled up beside me on her bike on her way to work. I asked her if she knew where Hauptallee was. She said she was headed in that direction and to just follow her. Hauptallee was a very long and quite wide stretch of road that went on for about 5 kms. No cars, no motorcycles, no mobilettes, just bicycles, joggers, people walking their dogs, etc. As I was cycling along I noticed a convertible car coming towards me with a camera on the front of it. They were filming a guy riding down the Hauptallee riding his bicycle. I had my camera ready so I took a picture of them. I may end up in their movie so watch for me in my Viannese cameo role coming to a theatre in your neighbourhood soon.
I missed the turn at the bridge and had to backtrack about 1 km. Ran into the film crew again. This time the director was waving at me to get out of the way. I totally ignored him.
I found the path leading along the Praterbrucke and crossed the canal. It was quite an impressive view from up on the bridge. Got in trouble for not keeping to the right!!! as I was to busy gawking at the spectacular view of Vienna off in the distance.
Once I got across the bridge I headed for Lobau but ended up at the entrance to a National Park. There was a map at the entrance to the park and it showed a path that zig zagged all over the place. I wasn't up for that kind of an early morning ride so I backed out of there and set my GPS for Schonau. I ended up on the B3 going through Wittau, Probstdorf, Mannsdorf and Orth a. d. Donau. Which was OK because I needed to find a bank so I could get some Euros which I was able to do in Orth. From there I was able to get on the bicycle route again. It was a long stretch, very flat, isolated and rough pebbly cement. It went on forever, I thought it would never end. Eventually I arrived in Hainburg at noon. I had covered 60 kms by this time. I found a bit of shade by a warehouse along the road and had my lunch. The wind was really starting to pick up. I thought it was going to knock my bike over it was blowing so hard.
I set off for Bratislava at 12:30. It was only 10-11 kms away and arrived at 1:00 PM. Bratislava is a very large city, pop. 427,000 plus. I decided it was to early to stop cycling so gave it a miss and continued on to Rusovce. Crossing over from Austria to Slovakia there was no border crossing, no customs, just rolled right on through.
I couldn't find the cycle route so ended up cycling on a fairly quiet road. I arrived in Rusovce at 2:00 PM. I stopped at a Pension. They didn't speak any English or French, just a bit of German and Russian. It was 30 E for a room. Not to sure about b'fast and surely no Wi-Fi. I decided to go on and see if there was any thing else available. I went right through Rusovce and was on my way to the next town when I saw Hotel Ponteo in the middle of nowhere. It was a brand new 4 star hotel in a sub-division that was still under construction. I stopped and went in to check it out. They wanted 89E for a double but I bargained it down to 60E with b'fast and Wi-Fi.
After having my shower and doing my laundry I set up the Notebook on the desk in my room and checked out the Internet. It worked fine. Then I discovered I had little red ants crawling all over the place!!! Why me??? I went down to the reception and told them about the ants. They quickly arranged for me to move across the hall to room 108. So far no more ants.
After cheking my e-mail I lay down for a nap. Somebody started boucing a basketball. Just like the kid across the street back home. Whenever I lay down for a nap in the afternoon he starts boucing that damn basketball. It actually turned out to be a bunch of guys playing volleyball. Then there was the little yappy dog. I got up and went down to the bowling alley, yes a 10-pin 6 lane bowling alley, but that was to noisy (screaming kids, loud music) so I went up to the restaurant and sat out on the patio. Ordered a large beer and filled out my journal and tried to ignore the constant ringing of cellphones.
Later on I had dinner. A nice meal of roast pork (very tender) with horse radish (whipped cream on top of it), vegetables, fried potatoes and onions. All very tasty. Oh yes, and tatziki sauce. The whipped cream really fooled me though. I didn't know there was horse radish hiding under it and took a large dolop to taste it. That's where the tatziki came in real handy to cool things down a bit. It was all very tasty though along with a nice glass of red wine.
Well folks that's all for tonight. I'm off to Gyor or possibly Komarom or Komarno, which is just north of Komarom, tomorrow.
Cheers, Roly
Well that now makes it 6 countries I've cycled through since beginning my Europe 2011 cycling tour i.e. Holland, Belgium, Germany, France, (Germany again), Austria and now Slovakia.
I woke up several times during the night. Once to close my door as it was banging in the breeze. I guess I was anxious about not oversleeping and making Martin late for work. I got up at 6:30. Martin was having his shower so I had a bowl of cereal and a banana for b'fast. After showering I finished packing, made myself a cheese and turkey breast sandwich since Martin insisted I have something to take with me for lunch. He then helped me carry my panniers down to the bicycle storage room. I loaded my panniers on my bike, thanked Martin for his wonderful hospitality and set off for Bratislava at 7:40 AM.
That is the earliest I've ever started cycling on this trip. But in the end it turned out to be a good thing as I avoided most of the morning rush hour traffic and was able to get on the Danube bike trail without to much difficulty. Also, the maps Martin had printed off for me the previous evening proved to be very helpful as I did miss a couple of turns, the sort of keep right or keep left turns.
I had come to the traffic ring where I had to get on the Hauptallee but wasn't sure how to go about negotiating the twist and turns. I had to stop at a traffic light and a nice young lady pulled up beside me on her bike on her way to work. I asked her if she knew where Hauptallee was. She said she was headed in that direction and to just follow her. Hauptallee was a very long and quite wide stretch of road that went on for about 5 kms. No cars, no motorcycles, no mobilettes, just bicycles, joggers, people walking their dogs, etc. As I was cycling along I noticed a convertible car coming towards me with a camera on the front of it. They were filming a guy riding down the Hauptallee riding his bicycle. I had my camera ready so I took a picture of them. I may end up in their movie so watch for me in my Viannese cameo role coming to a theatre in your neighbourhood soon.
I missed the turn at the bridge and had to backtrack about 1 km. Ran into the film crew again. This time the director was waving at me to get out of the way. I totally ignored him.
I found the path leading along the Praterbrucke and crossed the canal. It was quite an impressive view from up on the bridge. Got in trouble for not keeping to the right!!! as I was to busy gawking at the spectacular view of Vienna off in the distance.
Once I got across the bridge I headed for Lobau but ended up at the entrance to a National Park. There was a map at the entrance to the park and it showed a path that zig zagged all over the place. I wasn't up for that kind of an early morning ride so I backed out of there and set my GPS for Schonau. I ended up on the B3 going through Wittau, Probstdorf, Mannsdorf and Orth a. d. Donau. Which was OK because I needed to find a bank so I could get some Euros which I was able to do in Orth. From there I was able to get on the bicycle route again. It was a long stretch, very flat, isolated and rough pebbly cement. It went on forever, I thought it would never end. Eventually I arrived in Hainburg at noon. I had covered 60 kms by this time. I found a bit of shade by a warehouse along the road and had my lunch. The wind was really starting to pick up. I thought it was going to knock my bike over it was blowing so hard.
I set off for Bratislava at 12:30. It was only 10-11 kms away and arrived at 1:00 PM. Bratislava is a very large city, pop. 427,000 plus. I decided it was to early to stop cycling so gave it a miss and continued on to Rusovce. Crossing over from Austria to Slovakia there was no border crossing, no customs, just rolled right on through.
I couldn't find the cycle route so ended up cycling on a fairly quiet road. I arrived in Rusovce at 2:00 PM. I stopped at a Pension. They didn't speak any English or French, just a bit of German and Russian. It was 30 E for a room. Not to sure about b'fast and surely no Wi-Fi. I decided to go on and see if there was any thing else available. I went right through Rusovce and was on my way to the next town when I saw Hotel Ponteo in the middle of nowhere. It was a brand new 4 star hotel in a sub-division that was still under construction. I stopped and went in to check it out. They wanted 89E for a double but I bargained it down to 60E with b'fast and Wi-Fi.
After having my shower and doing my laundry I set up the Notebook on the desk in my room and checked out the Internet. It worked fine. Then I discovered I had little red ants crawling all over the place!!! Why me??? I went down to the reception and told them about the ants. They quickly arranged for me to move across the hall to room 108. So far no more ants.
After cheking my e-mail I lay down for a nap. Somebody started boucing a basketball. Just like the kid across the street back home. Whenever I lay down for a nap in the afternoon he starts boucing that damn basketball. It actually turned out to be a bunch of guys playing volleyball. Then there was the little yappy dog. I got up and went down to the bowling alley, yes a 10-pin 6 lane bowling alley, but that was to noisy (screaming kids, loud music) so I went up to the restaurant and sat out on the patio. Ordered a large beer and filled out my journal and tried to ignore the constant ringing of cellphones.
Later on I had dinner. A nice meal of roast pork (very tender) with horse radish (whipped cream on top of it), vegetables, fried potatoes and onions. All very tasty. Oh yes, and tatziki sauce. The whipped cream really fooled me though. I didn't know there was horse radish hiding under it and took a large dolop to taste it. That's where the tatziki came in real handy to cool things down a bit. It was all very tasty though along with a nice glass of red wine.
Well folks that's all for tonight. I'm off to Gyor or possibly Komarom or Komarno, which is just north of Komarom, tomorrow.
Cheers, Roly
day 34 - Europe 2011
Day 34 - Monday, June 27,2011 - Vienna - No Cycling
I slept OK through the night until they came to empty the bottle bins at 7:00 AM. One for green, one for brown and one for white. What a racket!!!
Martin was up early and left for work at 7:10 while I had a leisurely b'fast, a bowl of cereal with a banana.
I decided I would focus on getting my blog up-to-date so started typing Day 32 of my adventures. I also needed to do another load of laundry i.e. trousers, shirts, T-shirts, etc. Also checked my RBC bank account and noticed that two goverment cheques had been deposited that I was not expecting. One Federal for $237.++ and one Provincial for $100.00. I'm not sure what that's all about - will have to figure it out when I return home.
I was on a roll. Got the laundry hung out on the drying rack and started on Day 33 of my blog. After that was done I checked on directions for getting from Martin's place on Gassergasse to the start of the Danube bike path at Hauptallee. It was a fairly complicated route but between Google Maps, my cycle guide book and Martin's map of Vienna I was able to work out a route.
It was soon lunch time so I decided to go out for a walk to see what I could find. As I turned the corner I discovered there was a grocery store at ground level. I was awfully tempted to go in and see what I could find for lunch but decided I should do a bit of exploring first.
Before setting off I had decided not to put any plasters on my sore toes, just the ointment I had gotten from the Apoteke. It was much better and I was able to walk for several blocks without any discomfort. I found a Restaurant Sarajevo and the pictures of the food on the menu outside looked very tempting. I went in and ordered the Cevapcici (5 pieces of minced lamb in the shape of small sausages), some bread and a salad for 3.50 E. It was 12:25 PM and I was the only customer other than one other guy watching the "Hit Parade" in Slovakian I think? The restaurant was just a bit smoky from the smell of cigarettes but otherwise it was OK.
I walked back to the apartment. Had to be careful where I stepped as they were putting fresh asphalt on the sidewalks. I went into the grocery store to buy a few things, i.e. apples, bananas, snacks, bar of soap, etc. In the wine section I saw a bottle of Bordeaux for 2.69 E. Well, who could resist a bargain like that!!! Groceries ended up costing me 32 E.
I returned to the apartment and did some more work on my blog i.e. uploaded several photos. It was hard work and by 4:30 I needed a nap.
I got up at 5:30 and uncorked the red wine and had myself a nice glass of Bordeaux while reading up on my next day's ride. Martin arrived home at 6:30. He had to go to the grocery store to get some supplies for the office but quickly returned and joined me for a glass of wine.
Martin offered to treat me to dinner and it was up to me to decide where we should go to eat. I chose Italian. Martin knew of a nice Italian restaurant in the neighbourhood within walking distance and since it was a pleasant evening we decided to walk there. It was several blocks but my foot was doing OK. The restaurant featured a large outdoor garden patio with lots of trees and shade. I had a spaghetti bolognaise while Martin chose to have a pizza.
I had discussed the route I planned to take to find the Danube bike trail with Martin and once we got back to the apartment Martin got on the Internet and mapped out the route for me using Google Maps and printed it off on his colour printer. At the time I thought it wasn't really necessary and a waste of paper but...
Since Martin had to leave by 8:00 in order to get to work by 9:00 I needed to make an early morning departure. Did some packing and was off to bed at 11:30.
Cheers, Roly
I slept OK through the night until they came to empty the bottle bins at 7:00 AM. One for green, one for brown and one for white. What a racket!!!
Martin was up early and left for work at 7:10 while I had a leisurely b'fast, a bowl of cereal with a banana.
I decided I would focus on getting my blog up-to-date so started typing Day 32 of my adventures. I also needed to do another load of laundry i.e. trousers, shirts, T-shirts, etc. Also checked my RBC bank account and noticed that two goverment cheques had been deposited that I was not expecting. One Federal for $237.++ and one Provincial for $100.00. I'm not sure what that's all about - will have to figure it out when I return home.
I was on a roll. Got the laundry hung out on the drying rack and started on Day 33 of my blog. After that was done I checked on directions for getting from Martin's place on Gassergasse to the start of the Danube bike path at Hauptallee. It was a fairly complicated route but between Google Maps, my cycle guide book and Martin's map of Vienna I was able to work out a route.
It was soon lunch time so I decided to go out for a walk to see what I could find. As I turned the corner I discovered there was a grocery store at ground level. I was awfully tempted to go in and see what I could find for lunch but decided I should do a bit of exploring first.
Before setting off I had decided not to put any plasters on my sore toes, just the ointment I had gotten from the Apoteke. It was much better and I was able to walk for several blocks without any discomfort. I found a Restaurant Sarajevo and the pictures of the food on the menu outside looked very tempting. I went in and ordered the Cevapcici (5 pieces of minced lamb in the shape of small sausages), some bread and a salad for 3.50 E. It was 12:25 PM and I was the only customer other than one other guy watching the "Hit Parade" in Slovakian I think? The restaurant was just a bit smoky from the smell of cigarettes but otherwise it was OK.
I walked back to the apartment. Had to be careful where I stepped as they were putting fresh asphalt on the sidewalks. I went into the grocery store to buy a few things, i.e. apples, bananas, snacks, bar of soap, etc. In the wine section I saw a bottle of Bordeaux for 2.69 E. Well, who could resist a bargain like that!!! Groceries ended up costing me 32 E.
I returned to the apartment and did some more work on my blog i.e. uploaded several photos. It was hard work and by 4:30 I needed a nap.
I got up at 5:30 and uncorked the red wine and had myself a nice glass of Bordeaux while reading up on my next day's ride. Martin arrived home at 6:30. He had to go to the grocery store to get some supplies for the office but quickly returned and joined me for a glass of wine.
Martin offered to treat me to dinner and it was up to me to decide where we should go to eat. I chose Italian. Martin knew of a nice Italian restaurant in the neighbourhood within walking distance and since it was a pleasant evening we decided to walk there. It was several blocks but my foot was doing OK. The restaurant featured a large outdoor garden patio with lots of trees and shade. I had a spaghetti bolognaise while Martin chose to have a pizza.
I had discussed the route I planned to take to find the Danube bike trail with Martin and once we got back to the apartment Martin got on the Internet and mapped out the route for me using Google Maps and printed it off on his colour printer. At the time I thought it wasn't really necessary and a waste of paper but...
Since Martin had to leave by 8:00 in order to get to work by 9:00 I needed to make an early morning departure. Did some packing and was off to bed at 11:30.
Cheers, Roly
Monday, June 27, 2011
Day 33 - Europe 2011
Where I got lost in Vienna. As I was leaving this complex my GPS told me to turn right at the next roundabout. I looked up to see if I could spot the roundabout and the next thing I knew I was boucing down some steps. Thankfully they were very short steps but they sure gave me a scare!!!Day 33 - Sunday, June 26, 2011 - Klems to Vienna - Trip 98.13 kms Time 5:30:26
I had a good night's sleep for a change. No church bells. No street noise. No leg cramps. Ummm must have been that 1/2 L of white wine that did the trick. I got up at 6:30 AM as I wanted to get an early start for Vienna not knowing what to expect once I got there. Bandaged up my sore toe and went down for b'fast at 7:30 AM. Quite busy in the restaurant. I returned the modem and paid 67 E for my room. Returned to my room and collected my panniers, etc. Loaded them on my bike and set off for Vienna at 8:40 AM.
After finding the cycle path along the Danube I crossed over the bridge and followed the route on the Right Bank (South side) of the river to Hollenburg. I then had to make my way around the power station at Altenworth and on to Zwentendorf, through 4 other small villages, then Tulln. I stopped at a Gasthof on the Danube at Muckendorf for lunch at 11:50 AM. At this point I had managed to cycle 63 kms since leaving Krems. The route was very well signed, paved and no hills all the way. Also there was no one, or hardly anyone else on the route. Not like yesterday. Although after lunch there were more people out cycling, jogging, walking their dogs, etc. I noticed that the houses along this stretch of the river were all 2 level homes probably because of flooding. The main living quarters were above the garage/car port.
I crossed over to the Left Bank (North side) of the river at the Kraftwerk Greifenstein. (After dark you have to use the speaker phone to ask the attendant to open the gate). I arrived on the outskirts of Vienna at 2:00 PM. As I got nearer to Vienna I could hear very loud musiic coming from a park across the river. Later on I was to find out from Martin and Book 3 of the Danube Bike Trail that this was the venue for the "Donauinselfest" the city's annual mega-party. The music (noise) could be heard for miles around. As expected it took me and my GPS 1.5 hours to find Martin's apartment on Gassergasse. I rang the bell but got no answer. Martin had said he might be out as he had to pick up some people at the train station. I went down the street a little ways to the Cafe Poesie and asked the barmaid for help re calling Martin on my cellphone. I couldn't figure out how to do the + sign. Because the cellphone was in French she also has some difficulty but suggested I try 0043... and that worked. I was able to let Martin know that I had arrived and that I was waiting for him at the Cafe Poesie. While waiting I had a beer and started filling in my journal for the day.
Martin arrived at 4:30 PM and we walked back to his apartment. I put my bike away in the ground floor storage room and we took the elevator up to Martin's apartment on the 5th floor. A very nice 2 bedroom apartment. I had a shower and a beer before we went out for dinner.
We took the tram into centretown to the University area and had dinner at a local restaurant which featured a nice patio overlooking a park. I had chicken brochette with rice and tzasiki sauce and 1/4 L of white wine. Afterwards I noticed there was a basket on the table with an assortment of bread rolls and huge pretzels. I shared a pretzel with Martin. When I asked for the bill the waiter added 2 E on for the pretzel!!!
My foot was to sore to go walking about to do any sightseeing so we took the tram back to Martin's apartment. Martin very thoughfully asked if I had any laundry to do which I did. Did a load of laundry and put it on a clothes rack to dry. I was able to check out the Internet after plugging into the router with a CAT 5 cable. No problem making a connection.
Martin had to get up early for work the next day and I was quite tired so it was off to bed at 10:30 PM.
Cheers, Roly
I had a good night's sleep for a change. No church bells. No street noise. No leg cramps. Ummm must have been that 1/2 L of white wine that did the trick. I got up at 6:30 AM as I wanted to get an early start for Vienna not knowing what to expect once I got there. Bandaged up my sore toe and went down for b'fast at 7:30 AM. Quite busy in the restaurant. I returned the modem and paid 67 E for my room. Returned to my room and collected my panniers, etc. Loaded them on my bike and set off for Vienna at 8:40 AM.
After finding the cycle path along the Danube I crossed over the bridge and followed the route on the Right Bank (South side) of the river to Hollenburg. I then had to make my way around the power station at Altenworth and on to Zwentendorf, through 4 other small villages, then Tulln. I stopped at a Gasthof on the Danube at Muckendorf for lunch at 11:50 AM. At this point I had managed to cycle 63 kms since leaving Krems. The route was very well signed, paved and no hills all the way. Also there was no one, or hardly anyone else on the route. Not like yesterday. Although after lunch there were more people out cycling, jogging, walking their dogs, etc. I noticed that the houses along this stretch of the river were all 2 level homes probably because of flooding. The main living quarters were above the garage/car port.
I crossed over to the Left Bank (North side) of the river at the Kraftwerk Greifenstein. (After dark you have to use the speaker phone to ask the attendant to open the gate). I arrived on the outskirts of Vienna at 2:00 PM. As I got nearer to Vienna I could hear very loud musiic coming from a park across the river. Later on I was to find out from Martin and Book 3 of the Danube Bike Trail that this was the venue for the "Donauinselfest" the city's annual mega-party. The music (noise) could be heard for miles around. As expected it took me and my GPS 1.5 hours to find Martin's apartment on Gassergasse. I rang the bell but got no answer. Martin had said he might be out as he had to pick up some people at the train station. I went down the street a little ways to the Cafe Poesie and asked the barmaid for help re calling Martin on my cellphone. I couldn't figure out how to do the + sign. Because the cellphone was in French she also has some difficulty but suggested I try 0043... and that worked. I was able to let Martin know that I had arrived and that I was waiting for him at the Cafe Poesie. While waiting I had a beer and started filling in my journal for the day.
Martin arrived at 4:30 PM and we walked back to his apartment. I put my bike away in the ground floor storage room and we took the elevator up to Martin's apartment on the 5th floor. A very nice 2 bedroom apartment. I had a shower and a beer before we went out for dinner.
We took the tram into centretown to the University area and had dinner at a local restaurant which featured a nice patio overlooking a park. I had chicken brochette with rice and tzasiki sauce and 1/4 L of white wine. Afterwards I noticed there was a basket on the table with an assortment of bread rolls and huge pretzels. I shared a pretzel with Martin. When I asked for the bill the waiter added 2 E on for the pretzel!!!
My foot was to sore to go walking about to do any sightseeing so we took the tram back to Martin's apartment. Martin very thoughfully asked if I had any laundry to do which I did. Did a load of laundry and put it on a clothes rack to dry. I was able to check out the Internet after plugging into the router with a CAT 5 cable. No problem making a connection.
Martin had to get up early for work the next day and I was quite tired so it was off to bed at 10:30 PM.
Cheers, Roly
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Day 32 - Europe 2011
The Stein Tor at 
Krems
KremsDay 32 - Saturday, June 25, 2011 - Grein to Klems - Trip 83.05 Time 4:32:54
In spite of a nice quiet secluded private house I was up during the night/early morning 4 times because of cramps in my lower legs. I got up at 7:00 AM when I heard the Backerei delivery van arrive with fresh bread, etc. I went down for b'fast at 7:30. I was the only guest, just me and the cat who took off as soon as I entered the room. There were the usual cold meats, cheese, dark bread, brotchen, butter, jam and hot chocolate. I made myself a sandwich for lunch before going back up to my room to finish packing after paying 26 E.
Frau Johanna had changed and was waiting at the door for her son to pick her up at 8:30. I came down at 8:20. She was very pleased to see me and had already gotten my bike out of the garage for me. She was going to the Tyroll for her 36 year old nieces funeral. It started spitting so I put my pannier covers on.
I tried to set my GPS for St. Nikola but it couldn't find it. May have been a spelling problem I think. I set off in the general direction and soon found the Radweg Donau signs indicating Emmersdorf. It was a smooth well paved path along the banks of the Danube through such small towns as Struden, Sarmingstein, Hirschenau, Weins, Persenbeug, Hagsdorf, Marbach, Klein-Pochlarn and Emmersdorf. The scenery went from steep forested banks to farmland and finally the famous Wachau vineyards, Austria's best-known wine producing region.
There were no hills to climb today just weather. Wind and rain!!! Thankfully it was mostly a tailwind and the rain storm only lasted 15 or so minutes. I found shelter under a tree like several other cyclists and was able to keep from getting thoroughly soaked. I stopped for lunch at a town square where I could get a cold drink from an outdoor vending machine. As I sat down on a nice long bench in the shade to eat my sandwich several other people decided to join me including a local lady who was having a smoke break while walking home with a 6L pack of bottled water. She commented on my helmet mirror.
After Emmersdorf I went on to Aggsbachmarkt, Spitz, Weissenkirchen, Durnstein, Stein and arrived at Krems at 2:00 PM. I had now done 80+ kms and decided it was time to start looking for an hotel. The 1st Gasthof I tried was full. I think they don't like single guys on bikes. They prefer couples? I checked out the Hotel Unter den Linden next and it was 67 E/night (double room) with b'fast and free Wi-Fi included. I checked in at 2:30 PM. Also it was getting quite hot. My room was on the 2nd floor. I took the elevator up to the 2nd floor but couldn't find room 217! I left my panniers in the hallway and went back down to the reception to get some help. The receptionist took me back to the elevator and showed me I had to get off at the 1st floor then take the stairs up to the 2nd floor to get to room 217. Go figure!!!
After settling in I went down to the reception again with my Notebook, etc. to check out the Internet. I sat in the bar and ordered a beer. I had no problem with Wi-Fi connection. I was able to type up my blog for Day 30 and call Martin in Vienna using Skype without any interuptions.
I went back up to my room. While paying for my beer the recptionist insisted I take a modem so I could use the Internet in my room. I said I was quite happy to use Wi-Fi in the bar but he insisted. I was thinking it would be a 54 baud modem and slower than molasses in January. The modem came in a little black satchel with 3 cables: 1) Internet cable 2) CAT 5 cable 3) power cable and 3-way outlet adapter and it was a state-of-the-art modem. Once I got it plugged in along with my Notebook I had wires going all over my room!!! But it worked extremely well.
I lay down for a nap before going out for dinner. I got directions at the reception to the Steiner Tor and pedestrian mall where I would find restaurants. As I was going through the Tor I passed a Japanese/Chinese/Thai restaurant. The cooking odors were to much for me to passby. Plus the menu prices were very reasonable. I ordered a 1/2 L of Reisling to go with my meal. It wasn't on the menu. 1/8 L or 1/4 L or 750cl but not 1/2 L. I insisted. The waitress brought me a 1/2 L of white wine in a tall beer glass!!! I kid you not. She even showed me the mark on the glass indicating 500 cl. I then had to ask for a wine glass. She managed to produce a Spitzer glass. I ordered Sushi (6 pieces) with chicken Satay in noodles with vegetables in peanut sauce. It was delicious. Thank goodness I spotted the marble size ball of WASABI!!! and didn't eat the whole lot in one mouthful. I had a bit of a discussion about the peanut sauce. I was expecting something like what you get with a Malaysain satay. I'm guessing the peanut sauce was the oil used for stir frying the noodles, etc. In any case I assured the waitress and manager that it was very tasty since I had eaten the whole thing.
I filled in my journal while enjoying my 1/2 L of Reisling. I walked back to the hotel. Had to use my key to get in main entrance of hotel. The reception was closed. No one about! How do they do it? I went up to my room, typed up Day 31 of my blog and was off to bed at 11:00 PM.
Cheers, Roly
In spite of a nice quiet secluded private house I was up during the night/early morning 4 times because of cramps in my lower legs. I got up at 7:00 AM when I heard the Backerei delivery van arrive with fresh bread, etc. I went down for b'fast at 7:30. I was the only guest, just me and the cat who took off as soon as I entered the room. There were the usual cold meats, cheese, dark bread, brotchen, butter, jam and hot chocolate. I made myself a sandwich for lunch before going back up to my room to finish packing after paying 26 E.
Frau Johanna had changed and was waiting at the door for her son to pick her up at 8:30. I came down at 8:20. She was very pleased to see me and had already gotten my bike out of the garage for me. She was going to the Tyroll for her 36 year old nieces funeral. It started spitting so I put my pannier covers on.
I tried to set my GPS for St. Nikola but it couldn't find it. May have been a spelling problem I think. I set off in the general direction and soon found the Radweg Donau signs indicating Emmersdorf. It was a smooth well paved path along the banks of the Danube through such small towns as Struden, Sarmingstein, Hirschenau, Weins, Persenbeug, Hagsdorf, Marbach, Klein-Pochlarn and Emmersdorf. The scenery went from steep forested banks to farmland and finally the famous Wachau vineyards, Austria's best-known wine producing region.
There were no hills to climb today just weather. Wind and rain!!! Thankfully it was mostly a tailwind and the rain storm only lasted 15 or so minutes. I found shelter under a tree like several other cyclists and was able to keep from getting thoroughly soaked. I stopped for lunch at a town square where I could get a cold drink from an outdoor vending machine. As I sat down on a nice long bench in the shade to eat my sandwich several other people decided to join me including a local lady who was having a smoke break while walking home with a 6L pack of bottled water. She commented on my helmet mirror.
After Emmersdorf I went on to Aggsbachmarkt, Spitz, Weissenkirchen, Durnstein, Stein and arrived at Krems at 2:00 PM. I had now done 80+ kms and decided it was time to start looking for an hotel. The 1st Gasthof I tried was full. I think they don't like single guys on bikes. They prefer couples? I checked out the Hotel Unter den Linden next and it was 67 E/night (double room) with b'fast and free Wi-Fi included. I checked in at 2:30 PM. Also it was getting quite hot. My room was on the 2nd floor. I took the elevator up to the 2nd floor but couldn't find room 217! I left my panniers in the hallway and went back down to the reception to get some help. The receptionist took me back to the elevator and showed me I had to get off at the 1st floor then take the stairs up to the 2nd floor to get to room 217. Go figure!!!
After settling in I went down to the reception again with my Notebook, etc. to check out the Internet. I sat in the bar and ordered a beer. I had no problem with Wi-Fi connection. I was able to type up my blog for Day 30 and call Martin in Vienna using Skype without any interuptions.
I went back up to my room. While paying for my beer the recptionist insisted I take a modem so I could use the Internet in my room. I said I was quite happy to use Wi-Fi in the bar but he insisted. I was thinking it would be a 54 baud modem and slower than molasses in January. The modem came in a little black satchel with 3 cables: 1) Internet cable 2) CAT 5 cable 3) power cable and 3-way outlet adapter and it was a state-of-the-art modem. Once I got it plugged in along with my Notebook I had wires going all over my room!!! But it worked extremely well.
I lay down for a nap before going out for dinner. I got directions at the reception to the Steiner Tor and pedestrian mall where I would find restaurants. As I was going through the Tor I passed a Japanese/Chinese/Thai restaurant. The cooking odors were to much for me to passby. Plus the menu prices were very reasonable. I ordered a 1/2 L of Reisling to go with my meal. It wasn't on the menu. 1/8 L or 1/4 L or 750cl but not 1/2 L. I insisted. The waitress brought me a 1/2 L of white wine in a tall beer glass!!! I kid you not. She even showed me the mark on the glass indicating 500 cl. I then had to ask for a wine glass. She managed to produce a Spitzer glass. I ordered Sushi (6 pieces) with chicken Satay in noodles with vegetables in peanut sauce. It was delicious. Thank goodness I spotted the marble size ball of WASABI!!! and didn't eat the whole lot in one mouthful. I had a bit of a discussion about the peanut sauce. I was expecting something like what you get with a Malaysain satay. I'm guessing the peanut sauce was the oil used for stir frying the noodles, etc. In any case I assured the waitress and manager that it was very tasty since I had eaten the whole thing.
I filled in my journal while enjoying my 1/2 L of Reisling. I walked back to the hotel. Had to use my key to get in main entrance of hotel. The reception was closed. No one about! How do they do it? I went up to my room, typed up Day 31 of my blog and was off to bed at 11:00 PM.
Cheers, Roly
How I was served a 1/2 L of wine in an Asian restaurant in Krems, Austria
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Day 31 - Europe 2011
The view entering Grein, Austria, on the Left Bank
Day 31 - Friday, June 24, 2011 - Linz to Grein - Trip 69.36 kms Time 3:55:13
Had a pretty good night's rest. No church bells after 10:00 PM. No street noise, etc. No cramps. I got up at 7:00 AM and went down for b'fast at 7:30. After b'fast I walked about 200 M to a nearby Apoteke which opened at 8:00. I explained to the pharmacist that I was from Canada and had a nasty blister on my toe. She spoke very good English and asked to have a better look. I was wearing sandals - no socks. She recommended a very dark, molasses like, ointment that would dry up my infection. I also bought some plasters (20) as I had exhausted my first aid kit ones. The ointment and plasters cost 9.95 E. I walked back to the hotel, finished packing, put some ointment on my toe blisters and checked out. I paid 70 E for the hotel.
On the way out of Linz there is only a bike path on the Left Bank (North side of the river). I had to cross over the Nibelungen-Brucke which was directly opposite the hotel. Once across the bridge I turned right and headed for Wien (266 kms) or so the Radweg Donau sign said.
Since I had a late start i.e. 9:30 AM my plans were to cycle 70-80 kms for the day and see where that would get me. In my guide book there is a TIP i.e. "after 2 Ks it is possible to ride up to the embankment and down to the Pleschinser See (Lake) with its beaches, camground, restaurant, NUDIST AREA, etc." Well I kept my eyes wide open but never saw any NUDIST. As a matter of fact there was no one about. Perhaps it was to early or just a tad to cold to be running about in the NUDE!
I passed by Steyregg. To my right was the river and on my left forested hills. Very smooth paved path. At Abwinden I had to leave the Danube and go through St. Georgen then back down to the Danube at Mautthausen where there was a slight deviation to get across the Aist River and on to Au. The terrain now changed to farmland. At Scheigen there was an option of crossing over the Danube and continuing on through Wallsee. I chose to stay on the North side and headed for Mitterkirchen or so I thought. The path was blocked by road works so I had to go back 200 M or so to follow the Umleitung signs. Somehow I ended up in PERG (short for Perguatory I'm sure). I was not using my GPS and Perg was not shown on my bike guide maps. I went into an auto parts store and asked for directions. The parts guy got out a local map and showed me where I was and how to get back on the Donau Weg. I was only 8 kms North of Mitterkirchen where I wanted to be. He let me keep the map. I set my GPS for Mitterkirchen and arrived there at 12:30 PM. I was getting hungry and needed to make a pit stop. I found a Gasthof that was open and had a delicious Goulash with Semmel (brotchen) and tea for 7 E. I think I was over charged as I'm pretty sure the menu said the goulash was 3.60 and not the 4.80 I was charged!
I continued on to Mettensdorf, Mitterhaufen, Dornach and Grein. The stretch of the Danube from Dornach to Grein was especially scenic. By this time I had done 65 kms, it was 2:00 PM and my foot was bothering me a bit. I decided to look for a place to spend the night. I tried 4 or 5 places but they were all fully booked. I went back to the Tourist Info Office and she was able to call a Privat Gasthof and booked a room for me at 26 E with b'fast included.
I didn't think there would be any beer or cold drinks waiting for me at the Privat Zimmer so I stopped at a Backerei to get a cold drink and a sticky bun before setting off to find Bruckner Strasse 19. It was uphill all the way for about 1 km. Just what I needed to finish off my legs for the day. Frau Johanna Hametner was waiting for me at the garden gate. She was very welcoming. We had a nice chat in German about where I was from, where I was going to, how old I was, etc. She told me was 82 and that tomorrow she had to leave early (8:30) to go to her 36 year old niece's funeral. I said that I was sorry for her loss and that it would be no problem for me to get up early and be off before 8:30.
She helped me carry my panniers up to show me my room. It was a room with two single beds. She asked me which bed I wanted to sleep on. I chose the bed on the right. She then covered over the bed that I would not be using with a blanket.
I filled in my journal. It started raining at 4:00 PM. Very steady downpour for 15 minutes then it cleared up again. I lay down for a nap before going out for dinner but a fly kept buzzing me! Then there was a big thunderstorm with lightning. I got up and went downstairs to put my bike in the garage.
Had a pretty good night's rest. No church bells after 10:00 PM. No street noise, etc. No cramps. I got up at 7:00 AM and went down for b'fast at 7:30. After b'fast I walked about 200 M to a nearby Apoteke which opened at 8:00. I explained to the pharmacist that I was from Canada and had a nasty blister on my toe. She spoke very good English and asked to have a better look. I was wearing sandals - no socks. She recommended a very dark, molasses like, ointment that would dry up my infection. I also bought some plasters (20) as I had exhausted my first aid kit ones. The ointment and plasters cost 9.95 E. I walked back to the hotel, finished packing, put some ointment on my toe blisters and checked out. I paid 70 E for the hotel.
On the way out of Linz there is only a bike path on the Left Bank (North side of the river). I had to cross over the Nibelungen-Brucke which was directly opposite the hotel. Once across the bridge I turned right and headed for Wien (266 kms) or so the Radweg Donau sign said.
Since I had a late start i.e. 9:30 AM my plans were to cycle 70-80 kms for the day and see where that would get me. In my guide book there is a TIP i.e. "after 2 Ks it is possible to ride up to the embankment and down to the Pleschinser See (Lake) with its beaches, camground, restaurant, NUDIST AREA, etc." Well I kept my eyes wide open but never saw any NUDIST. As a matter of fact there was no one about. Perhaps it was to early or just a tad to cold to be running about in the NUDE!
I passed by Steyregg. To my right was the river and on my left forested hills. Very smooth paved path. At Abwinden I had to leave the Danube and go through St. Georgen then back down to the Danube at Mautthausen where there was a slight deviation to get across the Aist River and on to Au. The terrain now changed to farmland. At Scheigen there was an option of crossing over the Danube and continuing on through Wallsee. I chose to stay on the North side and headed for Mitterkirchen or so I thought. The path was blocked by road works so I had to go back 200 M or so to follow the Umleitung signs. Somehow I ended up in PERG (short for Perguatory I'm sure). I was not using my GPS and Perg was not shown on my bike guide maps. I went into an auto parts store and asked for directions. The parts guy got out a local map and showed me where I was and how to get back on the Donau Weg. I was only 8 kms North of Mitterkirchen where I wanted to be. He let me keep the map. I set my GPS for Mitterkirchen and arrived there at 12:30 PM. I was getting hungry and needed to make a pit stop. I found a Gasthof that was open and had a delicious Goulash with Semmel (brotchen) and tea for 7 E. I think I was over charged as I'm pretty sure the menu said the goulash was 3.60 and not the 4.80 I was charged!
I continued on to Mettensdorf, Mitterhaufen, Dornach and Grein. The stretch of the Danube from Dornach to Grein was especially scenic. By this time I had done 65 kms, it was 2:00 PM and my foot was bothering me a bit. I decided to look for a place to spend the night. I tried 4 or 5 places but they were all fully booked. I went back to the Tourist Info Office and she was able to call a Privat Gasthof and booked a room for me at 26 E with b'fast included.
I didn't think there would be any beer or cold drinks waiting for me at the Privat Zimmer so I stopped at a Backerei to get a cold drink and a sticky bun before setting off to find Bruckner Strasse 19. It was uphill all the way for about 1 km. Just what I needed to finish off my legs for the day. Frau Johanna Hametner was waiting for me at the garden gate. She was very welcoming. We had a nice chat in German about where I was from, where I was going to, how old I was, etc. She told me was 82 and that tomorrow she had to leave early (8:30) to go to her 36 year old niece's funeral. I said that I was sorry for her loss and that it would be no problem for me to get up early and be off before 8:30.
She helped me carry my panniers up to show me my room. It was a room with two single beds. She asked me which bed I wanted to sleep on. I chose the bed on the right. She then covered over the bed that I would not be using with a blanket.
I filled in my journal. It started raining at 4:00 PM. Very steady downpour for 15 minutes then it cleared up again. I lay down for a nap before going out for dinner but a fly kept buzzing me! Then there was a big thunderstorm with lightning. I got up and went downstairs to put my bike in the garage.
The view from my room at Brucknerstrasse 19
Frau Johanna offered me an umbrella for the walk into town so I could go and have dinner. I said no thanks. I had a bit of food with me and would make do.
The rain stopped so I put on my arm and leg warmers, jacket and cycled into town (2.43 kms round trip). I had dinner at a Doner Kebap restaurant which cost 6 E for a Doner Kebab and a large beer. I got all my change (4 E) in .50 & .20 pieces.
I cycled back to my Privat Zimmer which I thought was going to be a lot easier now that I didn't have my heavy panniers to deal with but I still had a tough time getting up that hill!!!
Played some solitaire on the Notebook and watched Pratice 2 of the Spanish Grand Prix before going off to be at 9:30.
Cheers, Roly
I cycled back to my Privat Zimmer which I thought was going to be a lot easier now that I didn't have my heavy panniers to deal with but I still had a tough time getting up that hill!!!
Played some solitaire on the Notebook and watched Pratice 2 of the Spanish Grand Prix before going off to be at 9:30.
Cheers, Roly
Day 30 - Europe 2011
Leaving Obernzell, Germany,on the ferry.Day 30 - Thursday, June 23, 2011 - Obernzell to Linz - Trip 79.44 kms Time 4:21:03
I slept fairly well. Maybe it was because of the 2 Paracitemol tablets I took before going to bed. No church bells. No traffic noise. Very quitet. I got up at 7. Did some first aid on my toe and some packing before going down to b'fast at 8:00. I was the first to arrive for b'fast. The Dutch couple then came down and joined me. There was also a German couple. The guy had really bad signs of alcohol abuse. His face and nose were all red and puffed up. There were also an elderly German couple and another Dutch couple who were also cyclists.
I asked for the Dutch couple's names and they wrote them out on a post-it note that I provided. They asked if they could take my photo which they said they would e-mail to me. I had given them my card last night.
After paying 26 E for the night I set off to find the ferry to cross over to the right bank of the Danube. I arrived just as the ferry was pulling away. I called out "Bitteschon" and they allowed me to get on. I paid 2 E for the ferry crossing. Once across I set off for Engelhartszell. The paved cycle path soon ran out and I had to cycle on the road. It turned out to be quite hilly. Two girls passed me - one was wearing a New Zealand jersey. I called out "Canada" but they probably didn't hear me and just kept on going. They weren't carrying any panniers. A third cyclist from the same group caught up to me and said "passing". I asked if he was from NZ. He said he was Australian - that his wife liked to wear the NZ jersey. They were on a supported camping tour from Paris to Istanbul! I said I was also headed for Istanbul but I was doing it the hard way. He also said one of the girls in the group was from Canada. Because of my heavier load and the hills I was never able to catch up to them. We did agree to meet in Istanbul but I doubt if that's ever going to happen. It was nice to know that I was not the only idiot cycling all the way to Istanbul.
I cycled on to Wesenufer and Schlogen where I was able to get on the cycle path along the Danube again. From then on it was paved and flat. some barge traffic on the river. A lot of swans. They make quite a racket when they take off. I stopped for lunch at Aschach. Just a Cola Light and a noodle soup (5.80 E). At Withering I once again had to cycle on the road. Since it was a holiday there was not much traffic and thankfully no lorries.
I arrived in Linz at 2 PM. The first hotel I tried was not open until 3 PM. The 2nd was a 3 star at 70 E including b'fast and Wi-Fi. It had started raining and I needed the Internet so I could use Skype to call Johnson Ins to extend my coverage beyond 40 days.
After checking in I went looking for the bicycle room. I had a bit of trouble finding it as it was located about 100M down a sort of alleyway. It looked like a dungeon with huge black oaken doors all along the cobbled stoned alleyway. I had to carry my panniers up the first flight of stairs to the hotel lobby but from there I was able to take the elevator up to the 4th floor.
I was unable to connect to the Internet in my room. On my way down to the reception to get help I discovered that once I was out in the 4th floor lobby I had a connection. There was a coffee table with very low chairs so I set myself up there and was able to call Johnson using Skype. Of course the Johnson operator gave me a 1-800 number to call. It was in Edmonton which is an 8 hour time difference from Austria. I would have to wait until 5 PM local time to call them. In the meantime I typed up Day 28 of my Blog.
I called Johnson Ins. in Edmonton at 5 PM and was able to speak with an agent who said she would look into extending my coverage. We
nt back to my room and did my laundry. I lay down for a nap but the damn church bells kept waking me up.
I went down for dinner at 7 PM. It was still raining. I found a nearby Greek restaurant and had a nice Mousaka and a beer for dinner. When the waiter brought my bill he served me a complimentary shot of Ouzo. Wow!!! that stuff is like fire water.
I forgot to mention that while cycling along the Danube I saw a couple who were holding hands while cycling. How romantic is that!!! I went back to my room and typed up day 29 of my blog before going off to bed at 11:00 PM.
Cheers, Roly
I slept fairly well. Maybe it was because of the 2 Paracitemol tablets I took before going to bed. No church bells. No traffic noise. Very quitet. I got up at 7. Did some first aid on my toe and some packing before going down to b'fast at 8:00. I was the first to arrive for b'fast. The Dutch couple then came down and joined me. There was also a German couple. The guy had really bad signs of alcohol abuse. His face and nose were all red and puffed up. There were also an elderly German couple and another Dutch couple who were also cyclists.
I asked for the Dutch couple's names and they wrote them out on a post-it note that I provided. They asked if they could take my photo which they said they would e-mail to me. I had given them my card last night.
After paying 26 E for the night I set off to find the ferry to cross over to the right bank of the Danube. I arrived just as the ferry was pulling away. I called out "Bitteschon" and they allowed me to get on. I paid 2 E for the ferry crossing. Once across I set off for Engelhartszell. The paved cycle path soon ran out and I had to cycle on the road. It turned out to be quite hilly. Two girls passed me - one was wearing a New Zealand jersey. I called out "Canada" but they probably didn't hear me and just kept on going. They weren't carrying any panniers. A third cyclist from the same group caught up to me and said "passing". I asked if he was from NZ. He said he was Australian - that his wife liked to wear the NZ jersey. They were on a supported camping tour from Paris to Istanbul! I said I was also headed for Istanbul but I was doing it the hard way. He also said one of the girls in the group was from Canada. Because of my heavier load and the hills I was never able to catch up to them. We did agree to meet in Istanbul but I doubt if that's ever going to happen. It was nice to know that I was not the only idiot cycling all the way to Istanbul.
I cycled on to Wesenufer and Schlogen where I was able to get on the cycle path along the Danube again. From then on it was paved and flat. some barge traffic on the river. A lot of swans. They make quite a racket when they take off. I stopped for lunch at Aschach. Just a Cola Light and a noodle soup (5.80 E). At Withering I once again had to cycle on the road. Since it was a holiday there was not much traffic and thankfully no lorries.
I arrived in Linz at 2 PM. The first hotel I tried was not open until 3 PM. The 2nd was a 3 star at 70 E including b'fast and Wi-Fi. It had started raining and I needed the Internet so I could use Skype to call Johnson Ins to extend my coverage beyond 40 days.
After checking in I went looking for the bicycle room. I had a bit of trouble finding it as it was located about 100M down a sort of alleyway. It looked like a dungeon with huge black oaken doors all along the cobbled stoned alleyway. I had to carry my panniers up the first flight of stairs to the hotel lobby but from there I was able to take the elevator up to the 4th floor.
I was unable to connect to the Internet in my room. On my way down to the reception to get help I discovered that once I was out in the 4th floor lobby I had a connection. There was a coffee table with very low chairs so I set myself up there and was able to call Johnson using Skype. Of course the Johnson operator gave me a 1-800 number to call. It was in Edmonton which is an 8 hour time difference from Austria. I would have to wait until 5 PM local time to call them. In the meantime I typed up Day 28 of my Blog.
I called Johnson Ins. in Edmonton at 5 PM and was able to speak with an agent who said she would look into extending my coverage. We
nt back to my room and did my laundry. I lay down for a nap but the damn church bells kept waking me up.I went down for dinner at 7 PM. It was still raining. I found a nearby Greek restaurant and had a nice Mousaka and a beer for dinner. When the waiter brought my bill he served me a complimentary shot of Ouzo. Wow!!! that stuff is like fire water.
I forgot to mention that while cycling along the Danube I saw a couple who were holding hands while cycling. How romantic is that!!! I went back to my room and typed up day 29 of my blog before going off to bed at 11:00 PM.
Cheers, Roly
Arriving on the Right Bank (South side) of the Danube before setting off for Linz, Austria.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Day 29 - Europe 2011
A view of Passau from the Schanzlbrucke (I think).
Day 29 - Wednesday, June 22, 2011 - Deggendorf to Obernzell - Trip 74.83 Time 4:18:47
I had a good nights sleep for a change. No church bells. No street noise, well, not until 4:30 AM! I got up at 7:00 and went down for b'fast at 7:30 after doing some first aid on my sore blistered toes. Made myself a ham and cheese brotchen for later plus a large orange. I took my panniers down to the lobby in the elevator then continued on down to the garage to fetch my bike. Several other cyclists were already busy putting their panniers on their bikes. I didn't recognize the language they were speaking. It could have been Scandinavian or Czech? I took my bike up to the lobby in the elevator which was far easier than loading panniers on in the basement garage and then having to push a heavy bike up the steep garage ramp. I paid 45E for room. Put panniers on my bike and set off for Deggenau, Niederalteich, Winzer, Mitterndorf, Hofkirchen, Windorf, Gaishofen, Maierhof, Passau, Lindau, Erlau and Obernzell.
The route, which was paved, followed the Danube up to just before Winzer where I was able to take a short cut. I stopped at 10:30 for a break at a park bench in the shade by a cross. They are all along the route. An elderly German couple joined me. We were able to have a nice chat in German about our cycling and children, etc. They warned me about a bad stretch up ahead. I should have got off the cycle path and gone on the road but I missed my chance. I soon found out that they weren't kidding. A big shovel was busy widening the path. What a mess it was making. Then the path was blocked and it was an "umleitung" over very loose gavel for 300-400 M. I barely made it. It then became nice pavement again with a couple of hard packed gravel stretches. The corn, wheat, etc. fields became more pasture like and there was a lot more barge/boat traffic on the river.
I stopped at a Snell Imbiss on the cycle path for a Cola Light and a bowl of fish soup with brotchen. I went inside to order and was told I could sit at a table on the patio as there was "service". I was told this by a 50 ish year old guy who I thought was a customer. Turns out I was the only customer. While I was having lunch the Aussie couple went by. I waved but they just kept on going. I passed them later on as they were taking a break in a shady spot. She was really feeling the heat!
I arrived in Passau at 1:30 but decided it was to early to stop for the day and much to hot to go sightseeing. That was the end of book 1 of the Danube cycling series. I had to get book 2 out in order to go on. Book 2 is Passau to Vienna so look out Martin here I come.
It recommended taking the left bank route as it was in better shape and flat. In order to get to the left bank I had to back over the busy bridge I had just crossed. Fortunately there is a seperate lane for cyclists. Once I got over the bridge I set off for Obernzell. I arrived at 2:30 and stopped at a gas station for a cold drink and kuchen. I asked about a zimmer frei just on the off chance that she might know of one nearby. She got the phone directory out and called Gasthaus Zum Freishutz and reserved a room for me at 26E including b'fast. No Internet though.
I continued cycling down the main street for about 1 km and found the Gasthaus. I checked in and put my panniers in m y room. I checked the blisters of my right foot toes. They didn't look to bad. It was a very hot day - much to hot to stay in my room. I went down to the garden patio for a beer. I took my watch off to check the temperature. It was 35.8 C in the shade. When I took my watch off it was registering 33 C! I filled out my journal. To hot to do anything else so had another beer.
Two other couples arrived including the Dutch couple at 4:30 and 5:05 PM! It started raining with thunder and lightning. I asked about dinner. I was told "18:00 uhr". I went up to my room, had a shower and did my laundry.
When I went down for dinner the Dutch couple were already in the restaurant. I joined them and we had a nice chat in English. I gave them my card. They didn't introduce themselves. I still don't know their names! I guess I should have asked. While having dinner we were treated to an Umpah Pah band that went marching by in the street. The Dutch couple went out for a walk. My foot was to sore.
Before going up to my room I asked Frau about b'fast. Since tomorrow was a holiday b'fast would be at 8:00. I tried for 7:00. Nein! I tried for 7:30. Nein! She said something about being on her own ... I read the section on cycling from Passau to Linz following the right bank. Early night. Off to bed 9:00!!!
Cheers, Roly
I had a good nights sleep for a change. No church bells. No street noise, well, not until 4:30 AM! I got up at 7:00 and went down for b'fast at 7:30 after doing some first aid on my sore blistered toes. Made myself a ham and cheese brotchen for later plus a large orange. I took my panniers down to the lobby in the elevator then continued on down to the garage to fetch my bike. Several other cyclists were already busy putting their panniers on their bikes. I didn't recognize the language they were speaking. It could have been Scandinavian or Czech? I took my bike up to the lobby in the elevator which was far easier than loading panniers on in the basement garage and then having to push a heavy bike up the steep garage ramp. I paid 45E for room. Put panniers on my bike and set off for Deggenau, Niederalteich, Winzer, Mitterndorf, Hofkirchen, Windorf, Gaishofen, Maierhof, Passau, Lindau, Erlau and Obernzell.
The route, which was paved, followed the Danube up to just before Winzer where I was able to take a short cut. I stopped at 10:30 for a break at a park bench in the shade by a cross. They are all along the route. An elderly German couple joined me. We were able to have a nice chat in German about our cycling and children, etc. They warned me about a bad stretch up ahead. I should have got off the cycle path and gone on the road but I missed my chance. I soon found out that they weren't kidding. A big shovel was busy widening the path. What a mess it was making. Then the path was blocked and it was an "umleitung" over very loose gavel for 300-400 M. I barely made it. It then became nice pavement again with a couple of hard packed gravel stretches. The corn, wheat, etc. fields became more pasture like and there was a lot more barge/boat traffic on the river.
I stopped at a Snell Imbiss on the cycle path for a Cola Light and a bowl of fish soup with brotchen. I went inside to order and was told I could sit at a table on the patio as there was "service". I was told this by a 50 ish year old guy who I thought was a customer. Turns out I was the only customer. While I was having lunch the Aussie couple went by. I waved but they just kept on going. I passed them later on as they were taking a break in a shady spot. She was really feeling the heat!
I arrived in Passau at 1:30 but decided it was to early to stop for the day and much to hot to go sightseeing. That was the end of book 1 of the Danube cycling series. I had to get book 2 out in order to go on. Book 2 is Passau to Vienna so look out Martin here I come.
It recommended taking the left bank route as it was in better shape and flat. In order to get to the left bank I had to back over the busy bridge I had just crossed. Fortunately there is a seperate lane for cyclists. Once I got over the bridge I set off for Obernzell. I arrived at 2:30 and stopped at a gas station for a cold drink and kuchen. I asked about a zimmer frei just on the off chance that she might know of one nearby. She got the phone directory out and called Gasthaus Zum Freishutz and reserved a room for me at 26E including b'fast. No Internet though.
I continued cycling down the main street for about 1 km and found the Gasthaus. I checked in and put my panniers in m y room. I checked the blisters of my right foot toes. They didn't look to bad. It was a very hot day - much to hot to stay in my room. I went down to the garden patio for a beer. I took my watch off to check the temperature. It was 35.8 C in the shade. When I took my watch off it was registering 33 C! I filled out my journal. To hot to do anything else so had another beer.
Two other couples arrived including the Dutch couple at 4:30 and 5:05 PM! It started raining with thunder and lightning. I asked about dinner. I was told "18:00 uhr". I went up to my room, had a shower and did my laundry.
When I went down for dinner the Dutch couple were already in the restaurant. I joined them and we had a nice chat in English. I gave them my card. They didn't introduce themselves. I still don't know their names! I guess I should have asked. While having dinner we were treated to an Umpah Pah band that went marching by in the street. The Dutch couple went out for a walk. My foot was to sore.
Before going up to my room I asked Frau about b'fast. Since tomorrow was a holiday b'fast would be at 8:00. I tried for 7:00. Nein! I tried for 7:30. Nein! She said something about being on her own ... I read the section on cycling from Passau to Linz following the right bank. Early night. Off to bed 9:00!!!
Cheers, Roly
Does anybody know what these strange looking plants are? I saw several patches of the eerie looking things along the route.
Day 28 - Europe 2011
Day 28 - Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - Regensburg to Deggendorf - Trip 95.03 kms Time 5:35:10
Another terrible night. The church bell kept waking me up every couple of hours. I had to get rid of the duvet as I was to hot - then I was to cold... Went down for b'fast at 7:00. It was quite busy so no chance to make myself something for lunch. I checked out of the hotel at 9:00 but before setting off I had to go to the bank to get more "geld" and also I wanted to go back to the shop where I saw the track suit last night. I eventually found the shop which was just opening for the day. After having a closer look I decided the material was to heavy and the jacket didn't have a full zipper.
I set off for Reinhausen just North of Regensburg in order to get on bike route to Passau. It felt like I was going in the wrong direction for the first couple of Ks but eventually I found the Passau route. It was very well signed and I was able to make it all the way to Deggendorf without getting lost. I passed through Tegernheim and Donaustauf. Saw the WALHALLA modelled on the Parthenon. When I stopped to take a photo with telelens (I'll be damned if I was going to climb all the way up there) a father and his 10-11 year old son arrived on their bikes. They noticed my helmet mirror. The young lad was curious about my mirror so I let him try on my helmet. They were doing a 100K timed ride to practice for an upcoming competition. I continued on to Demling, Bach a. d. Donau, Frengkofen, Kiefenholz (took a shortcut), Oberachdorf, Tiefenthal, Leitenberg, Pondorf (looked for Snell Imbiss but in spite of "Geofnet" sign there was no one about so had a banana and the last of my granolla bars that I had brought with me from home. Then it was on to Pittrich, Kossnach and Straubing. As I was passing through Straubing I saw a McDs so went in for a McFish, etc. It barelly filled that empty hole in my stomach but it would have to do until dinner time.
After lunch I headed for Hornstorf, Reibersdorf, Bogen, Pfelling, Mariaposching (caught up to the Dutch couple, that I had met earlier, who said they cycled from Holland leaving June 7. Madame seemed to be struiggling. They had camping gear but were looking for a Zimmer Frei). I made the mistake of following a bike sign to Metten which turned out to be the wrong direction. I had only gone about 100M or so before turning around and getting on the proper route to Deggendorf. I arrived at 4 ish. I ran into an Aussie couple also looking for an hotel. The first hotel I tried was full. He sent me to the Hotel Stadthotel where I got a room for 45E with b'fast and Internet. The Aussies arrived a bit later I guess they had gone off to check out some other hotel first.
I took off my panniers and left them in the hotel lobby before walking around the back to garage and locking up my bike for the night. I was able to take the elevator up to the 3rd floor with my bags. Showered and did laundry. I discovered I had a nasty blister on my 2nd toe which had been causing me a great deal of discomfort all day long. I drained it and put some Bag Balm on it. I had trouble figuring out where to plug in the CAT5 cable for the Internet so went down to the reception. No one there. I found a young lady in the restaurant and explained my problem to her. She came up to my room with me to show me where to plug in beside the phone jack under the bedside table!!!
I was able to check my e-mail, etc. I sent an e-mail to Jim Rogers asking him if he knew the correct procedure for extending my health coverage beyond the 5 weeks with Johnson Inc. as I was not getting a response to the e-mail I had sent them several days ago.
I went down to the hotel restaurant for dinner. As I entered a waitress said my "Frau" was waiting for me in the "garten". I was stunned. Another waitress came over and said I was the wrong guy!!! I ordered "sweinbratten" (roast pork) which came with a huge dumpling and salad and a cold beer to wash it all down with. I saw the Aussie couple paying their bill but they didn't bother to come over and chat. Just paid their bill and went out.
My foot was to sore to go "walk-about" so I returned to my room and was able to get a couple of days of blogging done.
Cheers, Roly
Another terrible night. The church bell kept waking me up every couple of hours. I had to get rid of the duvet as I was to hot - then I was to cold... Went down for b'fast at 7:00. It was quite busy so no chance to make myself something for lunch. I checked out of the hotel at 9:00 but before setting off I had to go to the bank to get more "geld" and also I wanted to go back to the shop where I saw the track suit last night. I eventually found the shop which was just opening for the day. After having a closer look I decided the material was to heavy and the jacket didn't have a full zipper.
I set off for Reinhausen just North of Regensburg in order to get on bike route to Passau. It felt like I was going in the wrong direction for the first couple of Ks but eventually I found the Passau route. It was very well signed and I was able to make it all the way to Deggendorf without getting lost. I passed through Tegernheim and Donaustauf. Saw the WALHALLA modelled on the Parthenon. When I stopped to take a photo with telelens (I'll be damned if I was going to climb all the way up there) a father and his 10-11 year old son arrived on their bikes. They noticed my helmet mirror. The young lad was curious about my mirror so I let him try on my helmet. They were doing a 100K timed ride to practice for an upcoming competition. I continued on to Demling, Bach a. d. Donau, Frengkofen, Kiefenholz (took a shortcut), Oberachdorf, Tiefenthal, Leitenberg, Pondorf (looked for Snell Imbiss but in spite of "Geofnet" sign there was no one about so had a banana and the last of my granolla bars that I had brought with me from home. Then it was on to Pittrich, Kossnach and Straubing. As I was passing through Straubing I saw a McDs so went in for a McFish, etc. It barelly filled that empty hole in my stomach but it would have to do until dinner time.
After lunch I headed for Hornstorf, Reibersdorf, Bogen, Pfelling, Mariaposching (caught up to the Dutch couple, that I had met earlier, who said they cycled from Holland leaving June 7. Madame seemed to be struiggling. They had camping gear but were looking for a Zimmer Frei). I made the mistake of following a bike sign to Metten which turned out to be the wrong direction. I had only gone about 100M or so before turning around and getting on the proper route to Deggendorf. I arrived at 4 ish. I ran into an Aussie couple also looking for an hotel. The first hotel I tried was full. He sent me to the Hotel Stadthotel where I got a room for 45E with b'fast and Internet. The Aussies arrived a bit later I guess they had gone off to check out some other hotel first.
I took off my panniers and left them in the hotel lobby before walking around the back to garage and locking up my bike for the night. I was able to take the elevator up to the 3rd floor with my bags. Showered and did laundry. I discovered I had a nasty blister on my 2nd toe which had been causing me a great deal of discomfort all day long. I drained it and put some Bag Balm on it. I had trouble figuring out where to plug in the CAT5 cable for the Internet so went down to the reception. No one there. I found a young lady in the restaurant and explained my problem to her. She came up to my room with me to show me where to plug in beside the phone jack under the bedside table!!!
I was able to check my e-mail, etc. I sent an e-mail to Jim Rogers asking him if he knew the correct procedure for extending my health coverage beyond the 5 weeks with Johnson Inc. as I was not getting a response to the e-mail I had sent them several days ago.
I went down to the hotel restaurant for dinner. As I entered a waitress said my "Frau" was waiting for me in the "garten". I was stunned. Another waitress came over and said I was the wrong guy!!! I ordered "sweinbratten" (roast pork) which came with a huge dumpling and salad and a cold beer to wash it all down with. I saw the Aussie couple paying their bill but they didn't bother to come over and chat. Just paid their bill and went out.
My foot was to sore to go "walk-about" so I returned to my room and was able to get a couple of days of blogging done.
Cheers, Roly
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Day 27 - Europe 2011
Day 27 - Monday, June 20, 2011 - Ingolstadt to Regensburg - Trip 84.55 Time 4:59:12
Had to get up several times during the night because of some leg cramps. Then I was to hot - then a bit to cold. One of these days I'm going to get it just right!!! I got up at 6:45 and went down for b'fast at 7:30. It was quite busy in the restaurant. The b'fast goodies were laid out in the main lobby of the hotel - a bit helter skelter - between two eating areas. I couldn't find the cold cuts or sliced cheese, etc. As I was leaving I noticed they were on the other side of a large island pillar about 10 feet in circumference. I paid 65E when I checked out and collected my bike in the garage passageway where I had left it yesterday. I loaded my panniers on my bike and before setting off asked a delivery man who was picking up some chairs for directions on how to get to the Danube cycle path. He pointed me in the right direction. I found the path, which was just a couple of blocks away, OK but wasn't sure which direction to take for Grossmehring. I asked another fellow for directions to G. First he told me to go West and just as I was about to set off he changed his mind and said it was in the opposite direction which turned out to be correct.
The path was a mixture of hard packed gravel and pavement, mostly flat with some short hills. I passed near or through Vohburg, Dunzing, Wackerstein, Pforring, Wohr, Neustadt, Badgogging, Sittling, Staubing and arrived in Weltenberg at 11:30. This is where the guide book recommended taking the boat to Kelheim otherwise it was a tough climb over the hills along a busy road. There was a boat leaving at 11:45. I paid the 7E fair to see the "spectacular scenery" through the gorge. It was a 20 minute, 7 km boat ride. I must say I was a bit disappointed at the so so scenery. But on the other hand I did give my legs and my butt a bit of a rest.
We arrived in Kelheim at noon so I looked for a place to get some lunch. I found an Asian Snell Imbiss which had quite an extensive menu. But mostly I think it was a pizza take out place. I ordered a "brotchen with kase and schinken". A young Asian girl taking orders asked me how big. Still thinking I was going to get a submarine like sandwich I held my hands apart showing 7-8 inches. I ended up getting a medium sized pizza with tomato sauce, cheese and ham on it. It actually was quite tasty but I could only eat 3 of the 6 slices so I asked for some aluminium foil to wrap up the left over pieces. Eventually she understood what I wanted "allo..." in German and I was able to save my leftover pizza for later. I had also wanted a Cola Light but they only had 1 L bottles of Coke. As I was leaving she offered me a bottle of nice cold sparkling mineral water on the house. I filled up my water bottle and drank as much as I could.
I was able to set off for Herrnsaal at 12:30. The route was hard packed gravel, very rough in some spots. I came upon a group of cyclists all in their 40s. One fellow had fallen off his bike and landed on the gravel path. He had several cuts and bruises. He wasn't wearing a helmet!!! I offered First Aid as I had a kit with me but he refused and thanked me just the same. Apparently his front wheel had collapsed? and jammed and he was catapulted right over the handlebars. His front wheel was so badly damaged he wasn't able to ride his bike. He had to push it along and ride it like a scooter with one foot on a pedal and the other pushing him along. He was able to make it to the boat at Weltenberg and hoped to find a bike shop in Kelheim.
At Kelheimwinzer I crossed over the Danube where the route was paved all the way to Bad Abbach then it was patches of gravel again. I chose to ride on the quiet road until I reached the outskirts of Regensburg at 3:00 PM.
The first hotel I checked wanted 110E for the night but for a single they would only charge me 99E. I said as politely as possible that this was much to expensive for my budget to allow. He suggested I try the Karmeliten across the square. It turned out to be 59E with b'fast and free Wi-Fi in the bar area. I unloaded my panniers and put my bike in the storage room after checking in. The place looks just like what I imagine an abbey or a convent would be like. Upstairs in the hallways all one sees are the doors to the rooms which stick out an inch or two. Not like most other hotels where the doors are either flush or recessed.
After putting my panniers in my room (211A) I went down to the bar to chek out the Wi-Fi. I had no problem logging in - not like the previous hotel in Ingolstadt where I thought I might be having a problem with my Notebook. After checking my e-mail, etc. I went back to my room and did my laundry for the day. I then lay down for a nap before going out for dinner but the damn church bells just wouldn't let up. I found a McDs (it's cheap and quick) and besides I wasn't terribly hungry as I had finished off the leftover pizza earlier. I returned to the hotel after doing some window shopping. I saw a nice track suit that I thought I might go back and check out in AM before setting off for the day. It started raining so not much incentive to enjoy the lovely city of Regensburg. Sorry Tony. Maybe some other time. I was able to sit in the bar and type up Day 26 of my blog while sipping on a beer. There was also another guest with his laptop in the bar otherwise the place was deserted.
Hope tomorrow's ride goes as well as today's did. I didn't get lost once.
Cheers, Roly
Had to get up several times during the night because of some leg cramps. Then I was to hot - then a bit to cold. One of these days I'm going to get it just right!!! I got up at 6:45 and went down for b'fast at 7:30. It was quite busy in the restaurant. The b'fast goodies were laid out in the main lobby of the hotel - a bit helter skelter - between two eating areas. I couldn't find the cold cuts or sliced cheese, etc. As I was leaving I noticed they were on the other side of a large island pillar about 10 feet in circumference. I paid 65E when I checked out and collected my bike in the garage passageway where I had left it yesterday. I loaded my panniers on my bike and before setting off asked a delivery man who was picking up some chairs for directions on how to get to the Danube cycle path. He pointed me in the right direction. I found the path, which was just a couple of blocks away, OK but wasn't sure which direction to take for Grossmehring. I asked another fellow for directions to G. First he told me to go West and just as I was about to set off he changed his mind and said it was in the opposite direction which turned out to be correct.
The path was a mixture of hard packed gravel and pavement, mostly flat with some short hills. I passed near or through Vohburg, Dunzing, Wackerstein, Pforring, Wohr, Neustadt, Badgogging, Sittling, Staubing and arrived in Weltenberg at 11:30. This is where the guide book recommended taking the boat to Kelheim otherwise it was a tough climb over the hills along a busy road. There was a boat leaving at 11:45. I paid the 7E fair to see the "spectacular scenery" through the gorge. It was a 20 minute, 7 km boat ride. I must say I was a bit disappointed at the so so scenery. But on the other hand I did give my legs and my butt a bit of a rest.
We arrived in Kelheim at noon so I looked for a place to get some lunch. I found an Asian Snell Imbiss which had quite an extensive menu. But mostly I think it was a pizza take out place. I ordered a "brotchen with kase and schinken". A young Asian girl taking orders asked me how big. Still thinking I was going to get a submarine like sandwich I held my hands apart showing 7-8 inches. I ended up getting a medium sized pizza with tomato sauce, cheese and ham on it. It actually was quite tasty but I could only eat 3 of the 6 slices so I asked for some aluminium foil to wrap up the left over pieces. Eventually she understood what I wanted "allo..." in German and I was able to save my leftover pizza for later. I had also wanted a Cola Light but they only had 1 L bottles of Coke. As I was leaving she offered me a bottle of nice cold sparkling mineral water on the house. I filled up my water bottle and drank as much as I could.
I was able to set off for Herrnsaal at 12:30. The route was hard packed gravel, very rough in some spots. I came upon a group of cyclists all in their 40s. One fellow had fallen off his bike and landed on the gravel path. He had several cuts and bruises. He wasn't wearing a helmet!!! I offered First Aid as I had a kit with me but he refused and thanked me just the same. Apparently his front wheel had collapsed? and jammed and he was catapulted right over the handlebars. His front wheel was so badly damaged he wasn't able to ride his bike. He had to push it along and ride it like a scooter with one foot on a pedal and the other pushing him along. He was able to make it to the boat at Weltenberg and hoped to find a bike shop in Kelheim.
At Kelheimwinzer I crossed over the Danube where the route was paved all the way to Bad Abbach then it was patches of gravel again. I chose to ride on the quiet road until I reached the outskirts of Regensburg at 3:00 PM.
The first hotel I checked wanted 110E for the night but for a single they would only charge me 99E. I said as politely as possible that this was much to expensive for my budget to allow. He suggested I try the Karmeliten across the square. It turned out to be 59E with b'fast and free Wi-Fi in the bar area. I unloaded my panniers and put my bike in the storage room after checking in. The place looks just like what I imagine an abbey or a convent would be like. Upstairs in the hallways all one sees are the doors to the rooms which stick out an inch or two. Not like most other hotels where the doors are either flush or recessed.
After putting my panniers in my room (211A) I went down to the bar to chek out the Wi-Fi. I had no problem logging in - not like the previous hotel in Ingolstadt where I thought I might be having a problem with my Notebook. After checking my e-mail, etc. I went back to my room and did my laundry for the day. I then lay down for a nap before going out for dinner but the damn church bells just wouldn't let up. I found a McDs (it's cheap and quick) and besides I wasn't terribly hungry as I had finished off the leftover pizza earlier. I returned to the hotel after doing some window shopping. I saw a nice track suit that I thought I might go back and check out in AM before setting off for the day. It started raining so not much incentive to enjoy the lovely city of Regensburg. Sorry Tony. Maybe some other time. I was able to sit in the bar and type up Day 26 of my blog while sipping on a beer. There was also another guest with his laptop in the bar otherwise the place was deserted.
Hope tomorrow's ride goes as well as today's did. I didn't get lost once.
Cheers, Roly
Monday, June 20, 2011
Day 26 - Europe 2011
Day 26 - Sunday, June 19, 2011 - Hochstadt to Ingolstadt - Trip 90.14 kms Time 5:03:29
I was up bright and early - the church bells started at 5:00 AM!!! Got up at 7:00 and went down to b'fast at 7:40. The manager was surprised to see me there so early. I said the hotel notes said b'fast on weekends started at 7:30 and I had a lot of kms to pedal. He laughed. I poured myself a bowl of cereal but there was no fresh milk. The manager went off to the kitchen and came back with a big tub of yogurt and one of quark. I chose yogurt to put on my cereal. There was a nice selection of fresh fruit plus all the other usual b'fast goodies. I was able to make myself a ham and cheese brotchen for lunch later and took a hard boiled egg and a portion of pre-wrapped cheese.
Went back to my room and finished packing. Checked out and paid 43 E for my room. I took my panniers down to the garage. The manager helped me. I met three other cyclists who were already getting ready to leave for the day. They were first of all washing the previous days muck off their bikes. I said I would bring mine around in a minute. It was raining so I didn't see the point in washing off my bike it would just get dirty again. I loaded my panniers on my bike and put on my rain covers and my rain jacket. We chatted in German. I was complimented on my German!!! There were 2 guys and one lady in their 60s. The lady had a battery operated bike. I'm not sure where they were headed for. When I asked one of the guys said they were going 50 kms. I said I was heading for Ingolstadt.
Around 9:10 the rain let up so I set off for Blindheim. The rain stopped. It was a nice smooth hwy - no traffic. I passed through Gremheim, Rettingen, Donauworth, Zirgesheim, Altisheim, Graisbach, Marxheim, Bertoldsheim, Rennertshofen, Stepperg, Riedensheim, Neuburg an der Donau, Weichering and Ingolstadt. Along the way I passed a sign which pointed to "Submissionplatz". I wondered if this is where the locals took their dates for an evening of smootching!!! The route was mostly flat and paved with just a few minor hills. I had to get off and push my bike up a very steep short climb for about 200 M. I was climbing at about 5-6 kph when my front wheel hit a 1" thick branch on the path, which was wet and muddy, and caused my front wheel to skid out from under me. I didn't fall - I just had to get off in a hurry!!!
I stopped at Neuberg for lunch. The wind was really picking up and the rain kept drizzling off and on. I was able to find a bit of a shelter with a bench outside of someone's home. There didn't appear to be anyone home as no one came out to chase me off. Thank goodness I had brought a lunch as there were absolutely no shops open it being Sunday a "rutag". I was also fortunate that it was a tailwind all the way which helped make the going a lot easier.
There was not much in the way to photograph. It was mostly rural farming land and as mentioned above the occasional village.
I arrived in Ingolstadt at 2:00 PM with 80 kms on the clock. I decided to start looking for an hotel for the night. The first hotel I checked out was the Hotel Konig, The room was very small at 35E with w/c down the hall. The shower was in the room. I asked about Wi-Fi but the guy was so pissed I couldn't get a straight answer out of him. I decided to go look elsewhere as I didn't feel very comfortable about this place. I tried a few more places i.e. The Adler was 65E with 3E/hour for Wi-Fi, The Kult 95E (4 star). I eventually found the Hotel Domizil at 75E but was able to get it down to 65E with b'fast and Wi-Fi. I checked in at 3:30 PM and stopped the clock at 90.14 kms.
I put my bike away in the garage entrance which was open at both ends. I locked my bike up as well as I could. Carried my panniers up to my room and went back to the bar for a beer and filled out my journal for the day. During the day I had met several cyclists on the Donau Radweg. Two families in particular, one family of four and another of five. The youngest, about 3 years old, was riding on the back of the father's bike. Both families had their bikes fully loaded including camping gear!!! I must have passed them 3 or 4 times as I would have to stop and check my guide book and set my GPS. They just kept rolling along.
The hotel restaurant was closed on Sundays so I had to go out for dinner. The manager recommended a Croatian? restaurant a couple blocks away. He also mentioned a nearby Italian restaurant but I wasn't able to find it. The Hotel was just on the outer edge of the map that he gave me and the route he sketched in was pretty sketchy. I ended up having a nice Hause Special Spaghetti" with a salad and 1/4 L of red wine. The waiter/owner brought me a shot of Croatian snapps? Wow was it ever fruity and strong. I said if I fell off my bike tomorrow it would be his fault. He laughed. There was also a local Bierfest going on at a local park but it was a walk of a couple kms and it was really threatening to rain which it did start to do as I was walking back to the hotel.
I couldn't get the hotel Wi-Fi to work even with the help of the hotel manager and Brian, an American hotel guest, who, I guess, was supposed to be the expert on Wi-Fi connections. The manager let me use the hotel PC to check my e-mail which I did thank him for but I was reluctant to impose myself insofar as doing my blog.
Tomorrow I hope to make it to Regensburg a distance of about 93 kms. The guide also recommends taking the boat from Weltenburg to Kelheim to avoid the difficult climb through the hills and the busy roads. I think I'll give the boat a try as it also promises to be much more scenic going through the gorges on the boat. I just hope the weather cooperates.
Cheers, Roly
I was up bright and early - the church bells started at 5:00 AM!!! Got up at 7:00 and went down to b'fast at 7:40. The manager was surprised to see me there so early. I said the hotel notes said b'fast on weekends started at 7:30 and I had a lot of kms to pedal. He laughed. I poured myself a bowl of cereal but there was no fresh milk. The manager went off to the kitchen and came back with a big tub of yogurt and one of quark. I chose yogurt to put on my cereal. There was a nice selection of fresh fruit plus all the other usual b'fast goodies. I was able to make myself a ham and cheese brotchen for lunch later and took a hard boiled egg and a portion of pre-wrapped cheese.
Went back to my room and finished packing. Checked out and paid 43 E for my room. I took my panniers down to the garage. The manager helped me. I met three other cyclists who were already getting ready to leave for the day. They were first of all washing the previous days muck off their bikes. I said I would bring mine around in a minute. It was raining so I didn't see the point in washing off my bike it would just get dirty again. I loaded my panniers on my bike and put on my rain covers and my rain jacket. We chatted in German. I was complimented on my German!!! There were 2 guys and one lady in their 60s. The lady had a battery operated bike. I'm not sure where they were headed for. When I asked one of the guys said they were going 50 kms. I said I was heading for Ingolstadt.
Around 9:10 the rain let up so I set off for Blindheim. The rain stopped. It was a nice smooth hwy - no traffic. I passed through Gremheim, Rettingen, Donauworth, Zirgesheim, Altisheim, Graisbach, Marxheim, Bertoldsheim, Rennertshofen, Stepperg, Riedensheim, Neuburg an der Donau, Weichering and Ingolstadt. Along the way I passed a sign which pointed to "Submissionplatz". I wondered if this is where the locals took their dates for an evening of smootching!!! The route was mostly flat and paved with just a few minor hills. I had to get off and push my bike up a very steep short climb for about 200 M. I was climbing at about 5-6 kph when my front wheel hit a 1" thick branch on the path, which was wet and muddy, and caused my front wheel to skid out from under me. I didn't fall - I just had to get off in a hurry!!!
I stopped at Neuberg for lunch. The wind was really picking up and the rain kept drizzling off and on. I was able to find a bit of a shelter with a bench outside of someone's home. There didn't appear to be anyone home as no one came out to chase me off. Thank goodness I had brought a lunch as there were absolutely no shops open it being Sunday a "rutag". I was also fortunate that it was a tailwind all the way which helped make the going a lot easier.
There was not much in the way to photograph. It was mostly rural farming land and as mentioned above the occasional village.
I arrived in Ingolstadt at 2:00 PM with 80 kms on the clock. I decided to start looking for an hotel for the night. The first hotel I checked out was the Hotel Konig, The room was very small at 35E with w/c down the hall. The shower was in the room. I asked about Wi-Fi but the guy was so pissed I couldn't get a straight answer out of him. I decided to go look elsewhere as I didn't feel very comfortable about this place. I tried a few more places i.e. The Adler was 65E with 3E/hour for Wi-Fi, The Kult 95E (4 star). I eventually found the Hotel Domizil at 75E but was able to get it down to 65E with b'fast and Wi-Fi. I checked in at 3:30 PM and stopped the clock at 90.14 kms.
I put my bike away in the garage entrance which was open at both ends. I locked my bike up as well as I could. Carried my panniers up to my room and went back to the bar for a beer and filled out my journal for the day. During the day I had met several cyclists on the Donau Radweg. Two families in particular, one family of four and another of five. The youngest, about 3 years old, was riding on the back of the father's bike. Both families had their bikes fully loaded including camping gear!!! I must have passed them 3 or 4 times as I would have to stop and check my guide book and set my GPS. They just kept rolling along.
The hotel restaurant was closed on Sundays so I had to go out for dinner. The manager recommended a Croatian? restaurant a couple blocks away. He also mentioned a nearby Italian restaurant but I wasn't able to find it. The Hotel was just on the outer edge of the map that he gave me and the route he sketched in was pretty sketchy. I ended up having a nice Hause Special Spaghetti" with a salad and 1/4 L of red wine. The waiter/owner brought me a shot of Croatian snapps? Wow was it ever fruity and strong. I said if I fell off my bike tomorrow it would be his fault. He laughed. There was also a local Bierfest going on at a local park but it was a walk of a couple kms and it was really threatening to rain which it did start to do as I was walking back to the hotel.
I couldn't get the hotel Wi-Fi to work even with the help of the hotel manager and Brian, an American hotel guest, who, I guess, was supposed to be the expert on Wi-Fi connections. The manager let me use the hotel PC to check my e-mail which I did thank him for but I was reluctant to impose myself insofar as doing my blog.
Tomorrow I hope to make it to Regensburg a distance of about 93 kms. The guide also recommends taking the boat from Weltenburg to Kelheim to avoid the difficult climb through the hills and the busy roads. I think I'll give the boat a try as it also promises to be much more scenic going through the gorges on the boat. I just hope the weather cooperates.
Cheers, Roly
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Day 25 - Europe 2011
Day 25 - Saturday, June 18, 2011 - Langenau to Hochstadt - Trip 72.84 kms Time 4:21:02
Got up at 7:00 as per usual. Day didn't look very promising as the skies were very overcast. Went down for b'fast at 7:30. No one else around except for the waiter. I did see a family of 3 heading back to their room after having had their b'fast. I was able to make myself a ham and cheese sandwich for later along with a pre-wrapped portion of Brie an apple and a hard boiled egg. Returned to my room and finished packing my panniers. The baggage cart I had used earlier was still in the hallway so I loaded my bags onto it and took them down to the lobby. The waiter (now receptionist) was waiting to collect my 69 E for the room. I paid him and went off to collect my bike in the garage where I had left it yesterday. It was still there all by itself.
While checking out I had asked for directions to Leipheim in order to get back on the Danube trail. While checking my Danube Bike Trail Guide I noticed that Weissingen was much closer to Langenau and on the Danube trail. I set the GPS for W. and headed out at 8:50. I missed a turn and had to turn around and go back about 1/2 a km which was no big deal as the road was paved and flat. After W I headed for Leipheim, Gunzburg, Reisensburg, Offingen, Petersworth, Gundelfingen, Lauingen, Dillingen and Steinheim. It was all pretty well flat farm land mostly paved with some hard pack stretches. Lots of dark clouds and rain off and on. I stopped at a Backerei in Dillingen for lunch. In spite of the miserable weather I decided to sit outside at the sidewalk table and chairs to keep an eye on my bike. The wind started to pick up and I had to go inside as it was to cold to sit outside. The young girl asked if I was going to be much longer or something to that effect. I had bought a cheese brotchen and a chocolate milk and was struggling to finish the large bottle of chocolate milk. I noticed there was a sign on the door saying that the shop would close at 12:30 on Saturday. It was 12:15 and I guess she wanted to close up. I quickly finished off my drink and she didn't waste anytime locking up and leaving early.
It started raining just as I was leaving for Steinheim so I had to find some shelter outside a bank and put on my covers. I also put on my leg and arm warmers and my rain jacket.
On the way to Steinheim the trail split up. I checked my guide and it said there were two routes to follow. I chose to take the trail on the right but somehow I managed to end up at the Dilligen Golf Course which was quite deserted due to the rain. I found shelter in the Practice Range shelter. There was actually someone having a lesson. I reset my GPS for Steinheim and set off in the rain. Apparently I wasn't to far off track - about 8-10 kms - but unfortunately it really started tipping down. I found shelter under an overhanging tree where there was a bit of a dry spot and waited for 10-15 minutes before setting off again for Steinheim which was only another 2-3 kms away. I finally made it to Steinheim only to discover there was only one Bett and Breakfast but there was no one home. I found shelter at a BierStubbe, went in and asked about finding an hotel. The guy told me I had to go to Hochstadt which was another 3 kms further down the road. The rain had tappered off a bit so I set off for Hochstadt which sure enough was just 2 and a bit kms away. I saw a lot of signs for "Zimmer Frei" but the first place I came to was Hotel Berg. It looked very inviting so I went in to check it out. A single room with b'fast and Wi-Fi was 43 E for the night. I decided I'd had enough foul weather for the day and checked in.
I was told to take my bike around the back where I would find a garage. The lady who had checked me in was waiting there for me to guide me back through the hotel and up to my room. She also offered me an ISOKIRSCH SPORTIVE-DRINK which I gladly accepted. I would much more have appreciated a beer but she said the bar in the Italian restaurant next door wouldn't be opened until 5:00 PM.
I was able to connect to the Internet without much trouble and checked my e-mail. I also e-mailed Johnson Ins. and asked them to extend my coverage as I was approaching the 5 week minimum length of time I was allowed to be away on a trip at the normal rate.
I did my daily laundry and lay down for a nap but the church bells were making such a racket plus there was a lot of traffic noise.
I decided to go out for a walk since the rain had stopped. Saw a huge church and a couple of drunks sitting on a bench in the main square with a bag of beer bottles. They had already managed to smash one of the bottles. I now had a decision to make - would I go back to the hotel for dinner at the Italian restaurant or would I try the Asia/Chinese Restaurant. There didn't seem to be any customers at the Asia restaurant and I had noticed that the Italian restaurant was busy. I headed back to the hotel and ended up having a pretty good pizza and a glass of red wine for dinner plus ice cream for dessert all for 8.10 E.
Went up to my room and typed up my blog for the day. Hope the weather improves for the ride to Donauworth and hopefully on a bit further tomorrow. My room smells like a laundromat!!!Cheers, Roly
Got up at 7:00 as per usual. Day didn't look very promising as the skies were very overcast. Went down for b'fast at 7:30. No one else around except for the waiter. I did see a family of 3 heading back to their room after having had their b'fast. I was able to make myself a ham and cheese sandwich for later along with a pre-wrapped portion of Brie an apple and a hard boiled egg. Returned to my room and finished packing my panniers. The baggage cart I had used earlier was still in the hallway so I loaded my bags onto it and took them down to the lobby. The waiter (now receptionist) was waiting to collect my 69 E for the room. I paid him and went off to collect my bike in the garage where I had left it yesterday. It was still there all by itself.
While checking out I had asked for directions to Leipheim in order to get back on the Danube trail. While checking my Danube Bike Trail Guide I noticed that Weissingen was much closer to Langenau and on the Danube trail. I set the GPS for W. and headed out at 8:50. I missed a turn and had to turn around and go back about 1/2 a km which was no big deal as the road was paved and flat. After W I headed for Leipheim, Gunzburg, Reisensburg, Offingen, Petersworth, Gundelfingen, Lauingen, Dillingen and Steinheim. It was all pretty well flat farm land mostly paved with some hard pack stretches. Lots of dark clouds and rain off and on. I stopped at a Backerei in Dillingen for lunch. In spite of the miserable weather I decided to sit outside at the sidewalk table and chairs to keep an eye on my bike. The wind started to pick up and I had to go inside as it was to cold to sit outside. The young girl asked if I was going to be much longer or something to that effect. I had bought a cheese brotchen and a chocolate milk and was struggling to finish the large bottle of chocolate milk. I noticed there was a sign on the door saying that the shop would close at 12:30 on Saturday. It was 12:15 and I guess she wanted to close up. I quickly finished off my drink and she didn't waste anytime locking up and leaving early.
It started raining just as I was leaving for Steinheim so I had to find some shelter outside a bank and put on my covers. I also put on my leg and arm warmers and my rain jacket.
On the way to Steinheim the trail split up. I checked my guide and it said there were two routes to follow. I chose to take the trail on the right but somehow I managed to end up at the Dilligen Golf Course which was quite deserted due to the rain. I found shelter in the Practice Range shelter. There was actually someone having a lesson. I reset my GPS for Steinheim and set off in the rain. Apparently I wasn't to far off track - about 8-10 kms - but unfortunately it really started tipping down. I found shelter under an overhanging tree where there was a bit of a dry spot and waited for 10-15 minutes before setting off again for Steinheim which was only another 2-3 kms away. I finally made it to Steinheim only to discover there was only one Bett and Breakfast but there was no one home. I found shelter at a BierStubbe, went in and asked about finding an hotel. The guy told me I had to go to Hochstadt which was another 3 kms further down the road. The rain had tappered off a bit so I set off for Hochstadt which sure enough was just 2 and a bit kms away. I saw a lot of signs for "Zimmer Frei" but the first place I came to was Hotel Berg. It looked very inviting so I went in to check it out. A single room with b'fast and Wi-Fi was 43 E for the night. I decided I'd had enough foul weather for the day and checked in.
I was told to take my bike around the back where I would find a garage. The lady who had checked me in was waiting there for me to guide me back through the hotel and up to my room. She also offered me an ISOKIRSCH SPORTIVE-DRINK which I gladly accepted. I would much more have appreciated a beer but she said the bar in the Italian restaurant next door wouldn't be opened until 5:00 PM.
I was able to connect to the Internet without much trouble and checked my e-mail. I also e-mailed Johnson Ins. and asked them to extend my coverage as I was approaching the 5 week minimum length of time I was allowed to be away on a trip at the normal rate.
I did my daily laundry and lay down for a nap but the church bells were making such a racket plus there was a lot of traffic noise.
I decided to go out for a walk since the rain had stopped. Saw a huge church and a couple of drunks sitting on a bench in the main square with a bag of beer bottles. They had already managed to smash one of the bottles. I now had a decision to make - would I go back to the hotel for dinner at the Italian restaurant or would I try the Asia/Chinese Restaurant. There didn't seem to be any customers at the Asia restaurant and I had noticed that the Italian restaurant was busy. I headed back to the hotel and ended up having a pretty good pizza and a glass of red wine for dinner plus ice cream for dessert all for 8.10 E.
Went up to my room and typed up my blog for the day. Hope the weather improves for the ride to Donauworth and hopefully on a bit further tomorrow. My room smells like a laundromat!!!Cheers, Roly
Friday, June 17, 2011
Day 24 - Europe 2011
Day 24 - Friday, June 17, 2011 - Allmendingen to Langenau - Trip 64.80 kms Time 4:29:23
In spite of it being a very quiet hotel (no traffic noise, no church bells, etc) I had a bit of a restless night due to some leg cramps from all the previous days hill climbing. The girls woke me up at 6:00. I later found out from Jurgen Dietz (the manager) that they were working on a local Telecoms? project. All quite young - in their 20s. by the time I got down to b'fast they were all gone. Checked out. Paid 48 E. When I went to collect my bike I asked Jurgen if he had a bicycle pump. He helped me check front and back wheel tire pressures. I left for Schelklingen (5.40 kms according to my GPS) at 8:20. The GPS took me up a very steep hill. The path was paved at first but after about 1 km it became loose gravel through very dense forest. At one point I came upon a couple of forest workers. They just stared at me as though I was some kind of an idiot!!! The hill became a mountain and I just kept climbing and climbing. I had to get off and push my bike up the hill for about 1 km twice. After about 9 kms I reached a village - no idea what it was called. I was able to ask an old gentleman, who was just about to set off for a ride on his bike, for directions to Blaubeuren. He pointed me in the right direction where I was able to find a sign for Schelklingen which said it was 7 km down the road. Fortunately it was paved and all downhill at 40 + kph most of the way. Because I was very sweaty I was quite cold going down the mountain. In S. as I was coming out of an underpass and going up a steep ramp I stood up to pedal and my chain broke. I had to go back 10 M to pick up my chain which had completely come off. I walked over to an ice cream place (it was closed) and found a bench in the shade and was able to repair my chain. It was 10:00 when I started and by 10:40 I was back on the road again heading for Blaubeuren. The repairs were good and my chain and shifting were working quite smoothly.
I reached Herrlingen at noon, saw an Asia Snell Imbiss and decided it was time for lunch. I hadn't stopped for a snack as I usually did around 10:30-11:00 so I was quite hungry and thirsty. I had a huge chicken noodle stir fry and tea. It was delicious but man was I ever stuffed. I decided to push on and give Ulm sightseeing a miss. I had just passed Thalfingen around 2:00 when one of my brakes stopped working. I thought it was the rear brake as my pannier was rubbing on the brake. I continued on to Oberelchingen where I asked for a bike shop. I was told I must go on to Langerau (7 km) which was not on the Danube trail. On the way I met Alex, a young student, who spoke very good English, and he took me to a bike shop in Langerau.
I was able to take my bike into the shop where a mechanic adjusted my rear rack support so that my pannier no longer rubbed on the rear brake and he also fixed the front brake. He said the brake pads were almost done!!! No charge. I left a 5E tip at the cash for the mechanic. Alex then helped me to find an hotel. The first one we tried was Gasthause Linde but it didn't open until 17:00. It was only 15:00 so we went around to several other hotels where there was either no answer, on vacation or only a bed (no hot water, etc). I finally went to the Hotel Lobinger and was able to get a room at 69 E including b'fast and Wi-Fi in the room. I thanked Alex for all his help and said goodbye. He had to go to the police station to report an accident where he had been forced off the road by another motorist who refused to pay for the repairs for all the damage that had been done to his car.
After putting my bike in a garage and locking it up I carried my panniers up to my room on the 1st floor. Very nice 3 star hotel. I washed out my cycling outfit and hung it up to dry in the armoire where I found a small fan. Thank goodness for the fan as there is no air circulation at all in this room and it is quite hot. I was able to connect to the Internet and check my e-mail. After a short nap I went out for dinner. There was a Queens Pub just across the street but they didn't serve food. They recommended the Gasthause Shinke? just 500 M around the corner where I was able to get a nice French Onion soup and a small Pils. As I walked back to the hotel it started drizzling. As I said earlier I walked into the hotel and there was absolutely no one around. I was able to complete Day 23 and 24 of my blog.
Cheers, Roly
In spite of it being a very quiet hotel (no traffic noise, no church bells, etc) I had a bit of a restless night due to some leg cramps from all the previous days hill climbing. The girls woke me up at 6:00. I later found out from Jurgen Dietz (the manager) that they were working on a local Telecoms? project. All quite young - in their 20s. by the time I got down to b'fast they were all gone. Checked out. Paid 48 E. When I went to collect my bike I asked Jurgen if he had a bicycle pump. He helped me check front and back wheel tire pressures. I left for Schelklingen (5.40 kms according to my GPS) at 8:20. The GPS took me up a very steep hill. The path was paved at first but after about 1 km it became loose gravel through very dense forest. At one point I came upon a couple of forest workers. They just stared at me as though I was some kind of an idiot!!! The hill became a mountain and I just kept climbing and climbing. I had to get off and push my bike up the hill for about 1 km twice. After about 9 kms I reached a village - no idea what it was called. I was able to ask an old gentleman, who was just about to set off for a ride on his bike, for directions to Blaubeuren. He pointed me in the right direction where I was able to find a sign for Schelklingen which said it was 7 km down the road. Fortunately it was paved and all downhill at 40 + kph most of the way. Because I was very sweaty I was quite cold going down the mountain. In S. as I was coming out of an underpass and going up a steep ramp I stood up to pedal and my chain broke. I had to go back 10 M to pick up my chain which had completely come off. I walked over to an ice cream place (it was closed) and found a bench in the shade and was able to repair my chain. It was 10:00 when I started and by 10:40 I was back on the road again heading for Blaubeuren. The repairs were good and my chain and shifting were working quite smoothly.
I reached Herrlingen at noon, saw an Asia Snell Imbiss and decided it was time for lunch. I hadn't stopped for a snack as I usually did around 10:30-11:00 so I was quite hungry and thirsty. I had a huge chicken noodle stir fry and tea. It was delicious but man was I ever stuffed. I decided to push on and give Ulm sightseeing a miss. I had just passed Thalfingen around 2:00 when one of my brakes stopped working. I thought it was the rear brake as my pannier was rubbing on the brake. I continued on to Oberelchingen where I asked for a bike shop. I was told I must go on to Langerau (7 km) which was not on the Danube trail. On the way I met Alex, a young student, who spoke very good English, and he took me to a bike shop in Langerau.
I was able to take my bike into the shop where a mechanic adjusted my rear rack support so that my pannier no longer rubbed on the rear brake and he also fixed the front brake. He said the brake pads were almost done!!! No charge. I left a 5E tip at the cash for the mechanic. Alex then helped me to find an hotel. The first one we tried was Gasthause Linde but it didn't open until 17:00. It was only 15:00 so we went around to several other hotels where there was either no answer, on vacation or only a bed (no hot water, etc). I finally went to the Hotel Lobinger and was able to get a room at 69 E including b'fast and Wi-Fi in the room. I thanked Alex for all his help and said goodbye. He had to go to the police station to report an accident where he had been forced off the road by another motorist who refused to pay for the repairs for all the damage that had been done to his car.
After putting my bike in a garage and locking it up I carried my panniers up to my room on the 1st floor. Very nice 3 star hotel. I washed out my cycling outfit and hung it up to dry in the armoire where I found a small fan. Thank goodness for the fan as there is no air circulation at all in this room and it is quite hot. I was able to connect to the Internet and check my e-mail. After a short nap I went out for dinner. There was a Queens Pub just across the street but they didn't serve food. They recommended the Gasthause Shinke? just 500 M around the corner where I was able to get a nice French Onion soup and a small Pils. As I walked back to the hotel it started drizzling. As I said earlier I walked into the hotel and there was absolutely no one around. I was able to complete Day 23 and 24 of my blog.
Cheers, Roly
Day 23 - Europe 2011
Day 23 - Thursday, June 16, 2011 - Mengen to Allmendingen - Trip 73.72 kms Time 4:39:39
Re Tony's comment: Thanks for the vote of confidence.....
Had a bit of a restless night. Some cramps in my left thigh. Got up at 7 and went down for b'fast at 7:30. Several others already in restaurant. They look like local tradesmen most likely working on a local building site. Tried to connect to Internet but no luck. Went into bar area after b'fast where I had a good connection yesterday but again no luck. Hotel manager rebooted router and I was able to log on and check my e-mail and RBC account. I paid my hotel bill (38 E) and laundry bill (12E). Manager said he would bring my laundry up to my room later. I waited until 8:30 - still no sign of my laundry. I went downstairs and after eventually finding the manager I asked him if I could please have my laundry. I followed him down into the bowls of the hotel basement and there was my laundry still hanging up on the clothes lines. The manager started folding my clothes but I said I would fold and pack everything up in my room. He gave me a laundry basket and I quickly threw everything in it and took it up to my room. That was a mistake as my room was very hot. The basement had been much cooler. Anyway I got my clothes folded and packed and checked out of the hotel. Or so I thought. I had to go looking for the manager again to get my bike out of the garage. It's amazing how they run these hotels. There is never anyone around. This evening I walked into my hotel in Langerau at 8:30 and met no one at the reception, in the restaurant, in the bar, in the hallways, etc.
I was able to leave for Hundersingen at 9:30. I found the bike route which was mostly paved and flat until I missed a right turn and started up a hill towards Beuren. I stopped after 200 M and checked my cycle guide. I went back down to the bridge over the Danube and followed the correct route along the river. The pavement became gravel but hard packed and smooth. This lasted for 30 kms or so then it was all hills and more hills after Binzwangen. I went through Riedlingen, Zell, Zwiefaltendorf, Obermarchtal, Untermarchtal, Algershofen, Munderkingen, Rottenacker, Dettingen and Ehingen. This is where I lost the trail. I didn't notice at the time but the next page in the guide was through the BLAU VALLEY (A VARIANT). Using my GPS I headed for Allmendingen. It was all uphill. By the time I got to A. it was after 3 PM and I had done 73 + kms of pretty tough climbing in 28-30 C temps. I found a nice hotel for 48E with b'fast included and Wi-Fi (in the hallway).
After checking in and before putting my bike away I mentioned to the manager (about 30ish) that I was having trouble with my rear derailleur. He just took off!!! In a few minutes he returned with a bike stand and proceeded to check/clean my rear jockey wheels, etc. There was a lot of "smutz" on the lower wheel which he removed with a popsicle stick and a toilet brush. He then gave everything a good spray with WD40. Shifting was a lot better. I think I might also have a kink in my chain and/or it also needs a good cleaning.
I carried my panniers up to my room and went out for a walk. First thing I came to was a Bakerei. Went in for a cold drink and a piece of Rhubarb/cherry tort. I walked on a bit further and found a Biergarten. Went in for a "ein grosse Pils" (3E) and filled in my journal. The temperature was now up to 31 C (29.1 C in the shade). I'm glad I had stopped cycling for the day. I had hopped to make it to Ulm but that would have to wait until tomorrow.
Walked back to the hotel and washed the days cycling outfit. Hotel laundry charges are a bit to high!!! I called the manager (Jurgen Dietz) and asked about Wi-Fi. He said he would call me back in 10 minutes with a username and password. He had to go to the computer to generate them. A few minutes later he called back but I wasn't able to connect in my room. He said sometimes it's better closer to the door. I ended up in the stairwell about 20 M from my room before getting a connection. Oh well, at least I was able to check my e-mail, etc.
I lay down for a nap before going out for dinner but there was a large group of girls in the hotel and most of them had gathered in the room next to mine. They were really whooping it up. Must have been about 20 of them. I went out for diinner. Light rain. I saw a farmer bringing in the cows on the main street. One of the cows just stopped and starred at me. She was probably wondering who this strange looking character was who was wandering about in her village?
I went back to the Biergarten that I had found earlier (there were no other choices) and had Schweinbraten, Spaetsle(?) and a salad with a glass of white wine (Trocken). There were not many, if any at all, people about.
When I got back to the hotel the girls were still going at it and making quite a racket. It was only 8 PM. I thought to myself that I was going to have another rough night trying to get some sleep. I decided to ignore them for the time being and set up my Notebook in the stairwell where there was a nice comfy chair and typed up Day 22 of my Blog. The manager stopped by on his way to deliver 2 bottles of beer. We had a nice chat. He was quite fascinated by my blog, etc. By 9 it was getting pretty dark in the stairwell (lights on a timer) so I packed it in and hit the sack at 9:30.
Amazingly the girls all settled down at 10:00!!!
Cheers, Roly
Re Tony's comment: Thanks for the vote of confidence.....
Had a bit of a restless night. Some cramps in my left thigh. Got up at 7 and went down for b'fast at 7:30. Several others already in restaurant. They look like local tradesmen most likely working on a local building site. Tried to connect to Internet but no luck. Went into bar area after b'fast where I had a good connection yesterday but again no luck. Hotel manager rebooted router and I was able to log on and check my e-mail and RBC account. I paid my hotel bill (38 E) and laundry bill (12E). Manager said he would bring my laundry up to my room later. I waited until 8:30 - still no sign of my laundry. I went downstairs and after eventually finding the manager I asked him if I could please have my laundry. I followed him down into the bowls of the hotel basement and there was my laundry still hanging up on the clothes lines. The manager started folding my clothes but I said I would fold and pack everything up in my room. He gave me a laundry basket and I quickly threw everything in it and took it up to my room. That was a mistake as my room was very hot. The basement had been much cooler. Anyway I got my clothes folded and packed and checked out of the hotel. Or so I thought. I had to go looking for the manager again to get my bike out of the garage. It's amazing how they run these hotels. There is never anyone around. This evening I walked into my hotel in Langerau at 8:30 and met no one at the reception, in the restaurant, in the bar, in the hallways, etc.
I was able to leave for Hundersingen at 9:30. I found the bike route which was mostly paved and flat until I missed a right turn and started up a hill towards Beuren. I stopped after 200 M and checked my cycle guide. I went back down to the bridge over the Danube and followed the correct route along the river. The pavement became gravel but hard packed and smooth. This lasted for 30 kms or so then it was all hills and more hills after Binzwangen. I went through Riedlingen, Zell, Zwiefaltendorf, Obermarchtal, Untermarchtal, Algershofen, Munderkingen, Rottenacker, Dettingen and Ehingen. This is where I lost the trail. I didn't notice at the time but the next page in the guide was through the BLAU VALLEY (A VARIANT). Using my GPS I headed for Allmendingen. It was all uphill. By the time I got to A. it was after 3 PM and I had done 73 + kms of pretty tough climbing in 28-30 C temps. I found a nice hotel for 48E with b'fast included and Wi-Fi (in the hallway).
After checking in and before putting my bike away I mentioned to the manager (about 30ish) that I was having trouble with my rear derailleur. He just took off!!! In a few minutes he returned with a bike stand and proceeded to check/clean my rear jockey wheels, etc. There was a lot of "smutz" on the lower wheel which he removed with a popsicle stick and a toilet brush. He then gave everything a good spray with WD40. Shifting was a lot better. I think I might also have a kink in my chain and/or it also needs a good cleaning.
I carried my panniers up to my room and went out for a walk. First thing I came to was a Bakerei. Went in for a cold drink and a piece of Rhubarb/cherry tort. I walked on a bit further and found a Biergarten. Went in for a "ein grosse Pils" (3E) and filled in my journal. The temperature was now up to 31 C (29.1 C in the shade). I'm glad I had stopped cycling for the day. I had hopped to make it to Ulm but that would have to wait until tomorrow.
Walked back to the hotel and washed the days cycling outfit. Hotel laundry charges are a bit to high!!! I called the manager (Jurgen Dietz) and asked about Wi-Fi. He said he would call me back in 10 minutes with a username and password. He had to go to the computer to generate them. A few minutes later he called back but I wasn't able to connect in my room. He said sometimes it's better closer to the door. I ended up in the stairwell about 20 M from my room before getting a connection. Oh well, at least I was able to check my e-mail, etc.
I lay down for a nap before going out for dinner but there was a large group of girls in the hotel and most of them had gathered in the room next to mine. They were really whooping it up. Must have been about 20 of them. I went out for diinner. Light rain. I saw a farmer bringing in the cows on the main street. One of the cows just stopped and starred at me. She was probably wondering who this strange looking character was who was wandering about in her village?
I went back to the Biergarten that I had found earlier (there were no other choices) and had Schweinbraten, Spaetsle(?) and a salad with a glass of white wine (Trocken). There were not many, if any at all, people about.
When I got back to the hotel the girls were still going at it and making quite a racket. It was only 8 PM. I thought to myself that I was going to have another rough night trying to get some sleep. I decided to ignore them for the time being and set up my Notebook in the stairwell where there was a nice comfy chair and typed up Day 22 of my Blog. The manager stopped by on his way to deliver 2 bottles of beer. We had a nice chat. He was quite fascinated by my blog, etc. By 9 it was getting pretty dark in the stairwell (lights on a timer) so I packed it in and hit the sack at 9:30.
Amazingly the girls all settled down at 10:00!!!
Cheers, Roly
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Day 22 - Europe 2011
Day 22 - Wednesday, June 15, 2011 - Tuttlingen to Mengen - Trip 73.26 kms Time 4:28:30
Had a nice quiet room except for the plumbing in the next room. I got up at 7:00 and went down for b'fast at 7:30. The waitress, with one helper, was already very busy. In spite of that I was able to order a hot chocolate to go with my b'fast which she had the young lad bring right away. I was able to make myself a ham and cheese brotchen and also took a hard boiled egg, a banana and an orange for lunch.
There was a table with six women and a handicaped guy next to me. The 60+ year old guy had much difficulty getting about with only the help of a walking stick. He asked the waitress for a towel which he placed across the seat of one of the 3 extra chairs he had gathered around himself. He then started cutting up some ham on a plate that he placed on the chair with the towel on it. This was all very fascinating. Why couldn't he eat at the table like all the others? A few minutes later another lady arrived with a small yappy dog. It jumped up on the chair with the towel and the guy started feeding it the ham!!!
When I went to check out I found out I had to pay 52 E and not 42 E as I'm pretty sure I was quoted on arrival. But this was a different receptionist and she insisted the lowest room rate they had was 52E. I didn't want to make a big deal of it and felt I was probably being charged extra because of all the goodies I had taken for my lunch.
I set off for Nendingen at 9:00 but couldn't find the cycle path along the Danube in spite of retracing my route from yesterday. After a couple of kms I gave up and set the GPS for Nendingen. It took me around the block and right back to the Hotel Schrack where I had just set off from. This time I made a right turn. It was only an extra little tour of 4 kms.
After Nendingen I passed through Muhlheim, Fridingen, Beuron, Hausen, Gutenstein, Inzigkofen, Sigmaringen, Sigmaringendorf, Scheer, Ennetach and Mengen. I was able to get on the Danube cycle path most of the way but it was mostly wet, muddy, hard pack through forest like terrain. Quite hilly. Lots of cyclists. I chatted with several along the way. My bike needs a good cleaning especially the chain and rear cassette, etc.
I arrived in Mengen at 2:45. Dark clouds were threatening rain. I had cycled 73 kms so decided to look for an hotel and possibly get some laundry done. I checked into the Hotel Baier at 3:00. A room with b'fast and Wi-Fi cost 38 E. I got the receptionist to write it down this time so there would be no misunderstandings. I asked about a laundromat. Small town - no laundromat. But he said he would ask his wife if she would do a wash load for me. I went up to the 2nd floor with him to see her. She was busy cleaning rooms but agreed to do my laundry. Not sure how much it was going to cost me though. I went downstairs to the bar for a beer and was able to hook up to the Wi-Fi. I filled out my journal and did Day 21 of my Blog. I returned to my room and lay down for a nap before going out for dinner.
Walked the whole length of the Hauptstrasse. Only one café open with several customers sitting outside on the sidewalk terasse. I went inside as there were no more tables available outside. It was much hotter inside. I ordered a cheese burger with a hot chili sauce (not) a salad and pommes frites and a beer. On the way back to the hotel I stopped at a Volksbank and was able to withdraw some money to keep me going for another week.
It was very hot in my room. I wasn't able to get a Wi-Fi connection in my room in spite of having a seperate code that would allow me to make an Internet connection. The signal was to weak. Unable to get the TV to work either. Off to bed 9:30.
Cheers, Roly
Had a nice quiet room except for the plumbing in the next room. I got up at 7:00 and went down for b'fast at 7:30. The waitress, with one helper, was already very busy. In spite of that I was able to order a hot chocolate to go with my b'fast which she had the young lad bring right away. I was able to make myself a ham and cheese brotchen and also took a hard boiled egg, a banana and an orange for lunch.
There was a table with six women and a handicaped guy next to me. The 60+ year old guy had much difficulty getting about with only the help of a walking stick. He asked the waitress for a towel which he placed across the seat of one of the 3 extra chairs he had gathered around himself. He then started cutting up some ham on a plate that he placed on the chair with the towel on it. This was all very fascinating. Why couldn't he eat at the table like all the others? A few minutes later another lady arrived with a small yappy dog. It jumped up on the chair with the towel and the guy started feeding it the ham!!!
When I went to check out I found out I had to pay 52 E and not 42 E as I'm pretty sure I was quoted on arrival. But this was a different receptionist and she insisted the lowest room rate they had was 52E. I didn't want to make a big deal of it and felt I was probably being charged extra because of all the goodies I had taken for my lunch.
I set off for Nendingen at 9:00 but couldn't find the cycle path along the Danube in spite of retracing my route from yesterday. After a couple of kms I gave up and set the GPS for Nendingen. It took me around the block and right back to the Hotel Schrack where I had just set off from. This time I made a right turn. It was only an extra little tour of 4 kms.
After Nendingen I passed through Muhlheim, Fridingen, Beuron, Hausen, Gutenstein, Inzigkofen, Sigmaringen, Sigmaringendorf, Scheer, Ennetach and Mengen. I was able to get on the Danube cycle path most of the way but it was mostly wet, muddy, hard pack through forest like terrain. Quite hilly. Lots of cyclists. I chatted with several along the way. My bike needs a good cleaning especially the chain and rear cassette, etc.
I arrived in Mengen at 2:45. Dark clouds were threatening rain. I had cycled 73 kms so decided to look for an hotel and possibly get some laundry done. I checked into the Hotel Baier at 3:00. A room with b'fast and Wi-Fi cost 38 E. I got the receptionist to write it down this time so there would be no misunderstandings. I asked about a laundromat. Small town - no laundromat. But he said he would ask his wife if she would do a wash load for me. I went up to the 2nd floor with him to see her. She was busy cleaning rooms but agreed to do my laundry. Not sure how much it was going to cost me though. I went downstairs to the bar for a beer and was able to hook up to the Wi-Fi. I filled out my journal and did Day 21 of my Blog. I returned to my room and lay down for a nap before going out for dinner.
Walked the whole length of the Hauptstrasse. Only one café open with several customers sitting outside on the sidewalk terasse. I went inside as there were no more tables available outside. It was much hotter inside. I ordered a cheese burger with a hot chili sauce (not) a salad and pommes frites and a beer. On the way back to the hotel I stopped at a Volksbank and was able to withdraw some money to keep me going for another week.
It was very hot in my room. I wasn't able to get a Wi-Fi connection in my room in spite of having a seperate code that would allow me to make an Internet connection. The signal was to weak. Unable to get the TV to work either. Off to bed 9:30.
Cheers, Roly
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Day 21 - Europe 2011
Day 21 - Tuesday, June 14, 2011 - Titisee to Tuttlingen - Trip 74.20 kms Time 4:19:50
Had to get up through the night a couple times due to cramps. My legs don't like all this climbing all the time. Went down to the restaurant at 7:40 to check my e-mail and started Day 19 Blog while waiting for b'fast to start at 8:00. The waitress came by to let me know that b'fast would be ready at 8:00. A German fellow came in at 7:50. He couldn't wait and went directly into b'fast. He was back out in less than 10 minutes. I was able to make myself a cold cut and cheese baguette sandwich for lunch and a hard boiled egg. I paid for my night's lodging (44.50 E) which included a beer. Loaded my panniers on my bike and was about to set off for Donaueschingen when I remembered I hadn't returned my room key. Went back into hotel to drop off the key and asked the receptionist if he had a map of the local area from Titisee to Donaueschingen. He shuffled through a drawer full of maps and pulled one out. He then made a photocopy of the section that I had to travel and highlighted the correct route to follow. I set off at 9:18. Pretty tough climb most of the way to ......... I reached 965 M on my watch altimeter. I stopped to reset my GPS. A local pulled up and asked if I needed help with directions. I told him I was going to Donaueschingen via ........ He said I was headed in the right direction but warned me about the Umleitung which I would be OK to take with my Rad. Turned out he was right. It was a very nice smooth, well paved road. I only had to get off my bike to cross 8-10 meters of very lose sand. The road crew guys just waved me on through.
I arrived in Donaueschingen at 11:30. I found a quiet spot by a river (Danube?) and had a picnic. While eating my lunch I was entertained by a mother duck and her ducklings swimming about on the river. I left for Pforen at 12:30. Passed through Neudingen, Gutmadingen & Geisingen. I was heading for Moringen where I hoped to find lodging for the night. I was travelling on the B311 when I went over an expansion joint on a bridge over the Donau and got a puncture in my rear tire. It was 1:40. I had to walk 200 metres before I could get off the road to fix my flat. I couldn't find any signs of what caused the flat.
I set off for Immendingen at 2:30 and passed through Mohringen. Some light rain, lots of dark clouds. I decided to start looking for a place to spend the night. Nothing until I reached Tuttlingen. I checked into the first hotel I came upon, the Hotel Schlack, a 3 star hotel at 42 E/night including b'fast and free Wi-Fi, at 3:45. At 4:30 there was a terrific downpour complete with lightning and thunder.
After locking up my bike in the garage (there were no other bikes there) I carried my panniers up to my room on the 1st floor. Very nice room. Checked out the Wi-Fi and went down to the bar for a beer. I filled out my journal and completed Day 19 of my blog which I had started earlier before leaving Titisee.
I asked the receptionist for directions to a Chinese restaurant. On the way I went into an Apotheke to buy some nail clippers. My Swiss Army Knife nail clippers were just not up to the task. I found the Chinese restaurant and had a nice meal of Spring Rolls and Nasi-Goreng. The chili sauce was extra hot!!! Washed it all down with an Export beer. There were no customers - just one who came in to pick up a take out order. The waitress brought me a shot of apple Schnapps on the house. I walked back to the hotel. Streets very quiet. Went up to my room and did Day 20 of my blog. I was also able to upload several photos. Off to bed 22:00.
Cheers, Roly
Had to get up through the night a couple times due to cramps. My legs don't like all this climbing all the time. Went down to the restaurant at 7:40 to check my e-mail and started Day 19 Blog while waiting for b'fast to start at 8:00. The waitress came by to let me know that b'fast would be ready at 8:00. A German fellow came in at 7:50. He couldn't wait and went directly into b'fast. He was back out in less than 10 minutes. I was able to make myself a cold cut and cheese baguette sandwich for lunch and a hard boiled egg. I paid for my night's lodging (44.50 E) which included a beer. Loaded my panniers on my bike and was about to set off for Donaueschingen when I remembered I hadn't returned my room key. Went back into hotel to drop off the key and asked the receptionist if he had a map of the local area from Titisee to Donaueschingen. He shuffled through a drawer full of maps and pulled one out. He then made a photocopy of the section that I had to travel and highlighted the correct route to follow. I set off at 9:18. Pretty tough climb most of the way to ......... I reached 965 M on my watch altimeter. I stopped to reset my GPS. A local pulled up and asked if I needed help with directions. I told him I was going to Donaueschingen via ........ He said I was headed in the right direction but warned me about the Umleitung which I would be OK to take with my Rad. Turned out he was right. It was a very nice smooth, well paved road. I only had to get off my bike to cross 8-10 meters of very lose sand. The road crew guys just waved me on through.
I arrived in Donaueschingen at 11:30. I found a quiet spot by a river (Danube?) and had a picnic. While eating my lunch I was entertained by a mother duck and her ducklings swimming about on the river. I left for Pforen at 12:30. Passed through Neudingen, Gutmadingen & Geisingen. I was heading for Moringen where I hoped to find lodging for the night. I was travelling on the B311 when I went over an expansion joint on a bridge over the Donau and got a puncture in my rear tire. It was 1:40. I had to walk 200 metres before I could get off the road to fix my flat. I couldn't find any signs of what caused the flat.
I set off for Immendingen at 2:30 and passed through Mohringen. Some light rain, lots of dark clouds. I decided to start looking for a place to spend the night. Nothing until I reached Tuttlingen. I checked into the first hotel I came upon, the Hotel Schlack, a 3 star hotel at 42 E/night including b'fast and free Wi-Fi, at 3:45. At 4:30 there was a terrific downpour complete with lightning and thunder.
After locking up my bike in the garage (there were no other bikes there) I carried my panniers up to my room on the 1st floor. Very nice room. Checked out the Wi-Fi and went down to the bar for a beer. I filled out my journal and completed Day 19 of my blog which I had started earlier before leaving Titisee.
I asked the receptionist for directions to a Chinese restaurant. On the way I went into an Apotheke to buy some nail clippers. My Swiss Army Knife nail clippers were just not up to the task. I found the Chinese restaurant and had a nice meal of Spring Rolls and Nasi-Goreng. The chili sauce was extra hot!!! Washed it all down with an Export beer. There were no customers - just one who came in to pick up a take out order. The waitress brought me a shot of apple Schnapps on the house. I walked back to the hotel. Streets very quiet. Went up to my room and did Day 20 of my blog. I was also able to upload several photos. Off to bed 22:00.
Cheers, Roly
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Day 20 - Europe 2011
Day 20 - Monday, June 13, 2011 - Freiburg to Titisee - Trip 49.94 kms Time 4:03:39
Yesterday I was able to get on the flaky Internet terminal at the Hotel Sonne just long enough to log into my RBC account and check out what was happening. I noticed there were 2 withdrawals of 400 E one on June 2nd and one on June 6th and my balance was down to $48.00. I was able to transfer $1000 into my account from my Line of Credit. Later on I checked all my receipts but couldn't find a receipt for the 2nd withdrawal yet all my hotel and meal expenses justified a 2nd withdrawal. It wasn't until later when I was on my way to Donaueschingen that I remembered stopping for lunch (I even took a photo of the lentil soup with 2 sausages that I had) and going to a bank machine across the street afterwards to get some cash. I didn't get a receipt and thought at the time this is not a good idea. I should have gotten a receipt but there was no one around as it was a local holiday.
I set off for D. at 9:30 and hadn't even gone 3 kms before running into an Umleitung. There was a gas station convenience store nearby so I went in and had hot chocolate, sausage pastry and choco croissant for b'fast. I asked for directions and was told that I could continue straight on to get on the road to D. I ignored the "No Bicycle Signs" and managed to make my way through the road works. Soon it was uphill all the way at 6-12 kph. I must have climbed for about 2 hours. At 885 metres (according to my new watch altimeter) I stopped at a gas station and went in to get something cold to drink and a bite to eat. The road (B11 I think) was very busy. I later found out it was a local holiday.
Just as I was about to leave it started drizzling. I put on my rain gear and covered my panniers. The temperature had dropped quite a bit or maybe it was the higher altitude but whatever I was feeling quite chilly in spite of still climbing and having to push hard. At 30 kms I stopped to check my GPS. It said I still had 27 kms to go to get to D. A few kms later I passed a sign for D. pointing in the opposite direction. It said it was 32 kms to D. I reluctantly trusted the lower distance of my GPS and continued on in the direction it indicated.
I arrived in Titisee at 2:30 quite exhausted. It was clouding over and threatening to rain. I found an hotel with Wi-Fi, b'fast included, for 42 E. Only problem was my room was on the 3rd floor and there was no elevator!!! It's only a matter of time before the hills or the stairs do me in!!!
After getting settled in I went down to the reception to log on to the Internet. The receptionist was very helpful. She set me up at a quiet corner table in the restaurant where I could plug in my NoteBook and showed me how to log on to the Hotel Wi-Fi service and served me a beer. I had a very good connection and was able to to Days 16 & 17 of my blog.
I decided to go out for a walk (the sun had come out again) and check out the town. It was full of tourist due to the local holiday. Lots of hotels, gift shops, restaurants, boats for hire, etc. the usual tourist town stuff. Cuckoo Clocks started at 300+ E. I took a few pictures down by the lake, found an Italian restaurant and went in for dinner. A 1/2 L of Lambrusco (to sweet & fizzy), Knoblauchtoast (garlic toast) and Penne Al Forno cost 20 E. 19% Mwst. included. (I assume this is the service?)
I walked back to the hotel. Most of the tourist had left for the day. It was only 8:00 PM. I was able to to Day 18 of my blog before climbing up the 3 flights of stairs to my room and hitting the sack for the night.
Cheers, Roly
Yesterday I was able to get on the flaky Internet terminal at the Hotel Sonne just long enough to log into my RBC account and check out what was happening. I noticed there were 2 withdrawals of 400 E one on June 2nd and one on June 6th and my balance was down to $48.00. I was able to transfer $1000 into my account from my Line of Credit. Later on I checked all my receipts but couldn't find a receipt for the 2nd withdrawal yet all my hotel and meal expenses justified a 2nd withdrawal. It wasn't until later when I was on my way to Donaueschingen that I remembered stopping for lunch (I even took a photo of the lentil soup with 2 sausages that I had) and going to a bank machine across the street afterwards to get some cash. I didn't get a receipt and thought at the time this is not a good idea. I should have gotten a receipt but there was no one around as it was a local holiday.
I set off for D. at 9:30 and hadn't even gone 3 kms before running into an Umleitung. There was a gas station convenience store nearby so I went in and had hot chocolate, sausage pastry and choco croissant for b'fast. I asked for directions and was told that I could continue straight on to get on the road to D. I ignored the "No Bicycle Signs" and managed to make my way through the road works. Soon it was uphill all the way at 6-12 kph. I must have climbed for about 2 hours. At 885 metres (according to my new watch altimeter) I stopped at a gas station and went in to get something cold to drink and a bite to eat. The road (B11 I think) was very busy. I later found out it was a local holiday.
Just as I was about to leave it started drizzling. I put on my rain gear and covered my panniers. The temperature had dropped quite a bit or maybe it was the higher altitude but whatever I was feeling quite chilly in spite of still climbing and having to push hard. At 30 kms I stopped to check my GPS. It said I still had 27 kms to go to get to D. A few kms later I passed a sign for D. pointing in the opposite direction. It said it was 32 kms to D. I reluctantly trusted the lower distance of my GPS and continued on in the direction it indicated.
I arrived in Titisee at 2:30 quite exhausted. It was clouding over and threatening to rain. I found an hotel with Wi-Fi, b'fast included, for 42 E. Only problem was my room was on the 3rd floor and there was no elevator!!! It's only a matter of time before the hills or the stairs do me in!!!
After getting settled in I went down to the reception to log on to the Internet. The receptionist was very helpful. She set me up at a quiet corner table in the restaurant where I could plug in my NoteBook and showed me how to log on to the Hotel Wi-Fi service and served me a beer. I had a very good connection and was able to to Days 16 & 17 of my blog.
I decided to go out for a walk (the sun had come out again) and check out the town. It was full of tourist due to the local holiday. Lots of hotels, gift shops, restaurants, boats for hire, etc. the usual tourist town stuff. Cuckoo Clocks started at 300+ E. I took a few pictures down by the lake, found an Italian restaurant and went in for dinner. A 1/2 L of Lambrusco (to sweet & fizzy), Knoblauchtoast (garlic toast) and Penne Al Forno cost 20 E. 19% Mwst. included. (I assume this is the service?)
I walked back to the hotel. Most of the tourist had left for the day. It was only 8:00 PM. I was able to to Day 18 of my blog before climbing up the 3 flights of stairs to my room and hitting the sack for the night.
Cheers, Roly
Monday, June 13, 2011
Day 19 - Europe 2011
Day 19 - Sunday, June 12, 2011 - Marckolsheim to Neuf-Brisach to Freiburg
Trip 53:06 Time 3:16:03
Had a good night's sleep for a change. No noisy kids. No church bells until 7 AM. Went down for b'fast at 8 AM. Ordered juice and hot chocolate to go with the fresh croissante, baquette, butter, jams, cheese, etc. Paid Madame 40 E for my nights lodging. Carried my panniers downstairs to the courtyard and got my bike out of the garage. Lots of antiques just lying about in the garage!!!
My chain was sounding a bit rough from all the rain and dusty trails I'd cycled through so I put some oil on it before setting off for Neuf-Brisach at 9:30. The British cyclist I had met last night had told me about a fantastic old fort there that was well worth exploring.
I stopped at a bank for another 400 E withdrawal. Oh Oh - insufficient funds. I tried for 300 E and that worked out OK. Must top up my chequing account again!!!
Saw a bunch of Old Timer cars (early 1900s) heading for Strasbourg. What a sight and sound. I should have shot a movie.
I arrived in Neuf-Brisach at 10:30 and went directly to the Fortifications de Vauban a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A young lady said it was free to tour the ramparts and that I could take my bicycle. But first I had to negotiate a set of very steep steps with a ramp on the side for bikes. The extra weight of the panniers caused me to lose my balance, the brakes didn't grab and I came down in a hell of a hurry. I wasn't hurt but I did feel a bit foolish. I went around the fort on my bike and came to a steep gravel exit. Rather than attempt to cycle up this steep path I decided to get off my bike and walk up. Unfortunately, as I was getting off I slipped and fell on my tush. A paserby just kept on going - didn't even bother to ask if I was OK! Decided it was time to take a break and found a quiet spot with park benches and sat down to eat an apple.
I continued on to Breisach. Started seeing mountains looming in the distance a glimpse of what was to come. Crossed over the Rhein and stopped at a McDs for lunch at 11:50.
I continued on to Freiburg arriving at 2:00 PM. Stopped at Hotel Sonne (45 E w/c & shower in the hall & b'fast 12 E) to check it out. No Wi-Fi in the room - just a station set up opposite the reception. I decided to go on and see what else I could find. There was a kiosk about 2 kms further down the road with a list of hotels and how much they cost. The cheapest was 65 E with Wi-Fi but it was fully booked. I went back to the Sonne. As I was taking my panniers to my room on the 3rd floor I saw this twit come out of the shower with a towel wrapped around him that was far to small exposing his butt. He quickly slipped into his room. After locking up my bike at the back of the hotel under a lean-to I went into the bar for a beer. I ordered a Ganter Freiburg Badisch Weizen Bier. Tasted like smoked ham. Not my kinda bier!
I did a tally of how much I have cycled so far and came up with a total of 1357 kms. Heading for Donaueschingen tomorrow and the start of the Danube.
I went out for dinner and brought my Notebook along with me hoping to find a Wi-Fi Cafe. Must of walked 3-4 kms until I came to the Banhof and saw a McDs and a BK. McDs had Wi-Fi but you had to have a Telecom account to access it or pay .90 E/minute for an account. I went over to the BK. They had two terminals which cost 1 E for 10 minutes. They looked pretty beat up so decided not to bother as it would just be to frustrating. Walked over to a Kebap restaurant across the street and had a terrific Doner Kebap sandwich and coke. Stopped for icecream on the way back to the hotel.
I asked the manager if I could watch TV. She said OK. I found the Canadian GP on WDR. The race had been delayed after 30 laps due to heavy rainfall. Eventually the race was restarted and I was able to watch the last 40 laps of much chaos as it was still raining and the track was very wet. I won't say anymore about the race in case someone reading this blog has taped the race and hasn't watched it yet.
Finally hit the sack at 11:30. Lot's of traffic noise in spite of my room being on the backside of the hotel. I woke up at 3:30 AM all sweaty because of the heavy duvet....
Cheers, Roly
Trip 53:06 Time 3:16:03
Had a good night's sleep for a change. No noisy kids. No church bells until 7 AM. Went down for b'fast at 8 AM. Ordered juice and hot chocolate to go with the fresh croissante, baquette, butter, jams, cheese, etc. Paid Madame 40 E for my nights lodging. Carried my panniers downstairs to the courtyard and got my bike out of the garage. Lots of antiques just lying about in the garage!!!
My chain was sounding a bit rough from all the rain and dusty trails I'd cycled through so I put some oil on it before setting off for Neuf-Brisach at 9:30. The British cyclist I had met last night had told me about a fantastic old fort there that was well worth exploring.
I stopped at a bank for another 400 E withdrawal. Oh Oh - insufficient funds. I tried for 300 E and that worked out OK. Must top up my chequing account again!!!
Saw a bunch of Old Timer cars (early 1900s) heading for Strasbourg. What a sight and sound. I should have shot a movie.
I arrived in Neuf-Brisach at 10:30 and went directly to the Fortifications de Vauban a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A young lady said it was free to tour the ramparts and that I could take my bicycle. But first I had to negotiate a set of very steep steps with a ramp on the side for bikes. The extra weight of the panniers caused me to lose my balance, the brakes didn't grab and I came down in a hell of a hurry. I wasn't hurt but I did feel a bit foolish. I went around the fort on my bike and came to a steep gravel exit. Rather than attempt to cycle up this steep path I decided to get off my bike and walk up. Unfortunately, as I was getting off I slipped and fell on my tush. A paserby just kept on going - didn't even bother to ask if I was OK! Decided it was time to take a break and found a quiet spot with park benches and sat down to eat an apple.
I continued on to Breisach. Started seeing mountains looming in the distance a glimpse of what was to come. Crossed over the Rhein and stopped at a McDs for lunch at 11:50.
I continued on to Freiburg arriving at 2:00 PM. Stopped at Hotel Sonne (45 E w/c & shower in the hall & b'fast 12 E) to check it out. No Wi-Fi in the room - just a station set up opposite the reception. I decided to go on and see what else I could find. There was a kiosk about 2 kms further down the road with a list of hotels and how much they cost. The cheapest was 65 E with Wi-Fi but it was fully booked. I went back to the Sonne. As I was taking my panniers to my room on the 3rd floor I saw this twit come out of the shower with a towel wrapped around him that was far to small exposing his butt. He quickly slipped into his room. After locking up my bike at the back of the hotel under a lean-to I went into the bar for a beer. I ordered a Ganter Freiburg Badisch Weizen Bier. Tasted like smoked ham. Not my kinda bier!
I did a tally of how much I have cycled so far and came up with a total of 1357 kms. Heading for Donaueschingen tomorrow and the start of the Danube.
I went out for dinner and brought my Notebook along with me hoping to find a Wi-Fi Cafe. Must of walked 3-4 kms until I came to the Banhof and saw a McDs and a BK. McDs had Wi-Fi but you had to have a Telecom account to access it or pay .90 E/minute for an account. I went over to the BK. They had two terminals which cost 1 E for 10 minutes. They looked pretty beat up so decided not to bother as it would just be to frustrating. Walked over to a Kebap restaurant across the street and had a terrific Doner Kebap sandwich and coke. Stopped for icecream on the way back to the hotel.
I asked the manager if I could watch TV. She said OK. I found the Canadian GP on WDR. The race had been delayed after 30 laps due to heavy rainfall. Eventually the race was restarted and I was able to watch the last 40 laps of much chaos as it was still raining and the track was very wet. I won't say anymore about the race in case someone reading this blog has taped the race and hasn't watched it yet.
Finally hit the sack at 11:30. Lot's of traffic noise in spite of my room being on the backside of the hotel. I woke up at 3:30 AM all sweaty because of the heavy duvet....
Cheers, Roly
Day 18 - Europe 2011
Day 18 - Saturday, June 11, 2011 - Strasbourg to Marckolsheim - Trip 106.51 Time 6:41:29
NEVER AGAIN!!! will I stay in a 4-bed Youth Hostel room. Felix (German) has a bad cold and had to blow his nose all night. The 2 other guys (I found out they were Quebekers later on) kept coming and going until 2 AM. One came in at 1:30 he was so pissed he couldn't get the swipe card to work to get the door open. He had to go downstairs and get the night receptionist to come and help him get the door open. I'll be damned if I was going to get up and let him in!!! He stumbled around for 5-10 minutes then fell into bed and soon started snoring. Not to loud thank goodness. There were also several football teams (ages around 12) staying at the Y.H. They were up until midnight running amok. Then to top it all off there were several volleys of very loud, rapid gunfire (probably fireworks) at 11:30. Probably to culminate the concert in the park.
In spite of all the racket I did manage to get a few hours of sleep.
Went down for b'fast at 7:00. No sign of any activity in restaurant. I checked at reception. Told b'fast wasn't until 7:30. I showed him my welcome note with b'fast highlighted in pink and it definitely said b'fast was at 7:00 to 10:00. He went off to get things started I think. I waited another 15-20 minutes before going in to restaurant to start b'fast. It was a disaster. No juice. The tea was very weak. Should have had a hot chocolate. Brotchen with butter and jams and a croissant. Two choices of cereal corn flakes or coco puffs. And of course the noise and shouting of the football kids. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. Felix had joined me for b'fast. He had a pretty bad cold. He was supposed to cycle all the way to the Bodensee and then back home. Not sure if he made it or not. I said goodbye and wished him a safe trip.
When I went to the "Velo Garage" to collect my bike I noticed two bikes with trailers. One of them had a Quebec and a Canada flag on the back of it. That's when I realized the two guys who were still asleep were most likely Quebekers.
I set my GPS for Illkirch-Graffenstaden and set off at 8:20. The GPS took me over a bridge towards Kehl which was on the German side of the Rhine. I wanted to stay on the French side. I reset the GPS and went back over the bridge towards Strasbourg. Eventually I started heading South towards I-G. I saw a bike path (paved) along "Canal du Rhone-au-Rhin" with a sign indicating Eschau. This looked like the cycle route indicated in my Rhein-Radweg guide. It turned out to be an on and off again path and eventually I got lost and somehow ended up back in Strasbourg. It took me another hour to figure out how to get out of Strasbourg. I ended up passing the same sign for Eschau again. This time I kept to the road and eventually was on my way. (3 hours and 30 kms to get out of Strasbourg)!!! Needless to say I was not a happy camper or cyclists for that matter. I swore I would not have anything more to do with "Canal du Rhone-au-Rhin". I passed through Krafft, Gersheim, Boofzheim, Diebolsheim, etc. and eventually arrived in Marckolsheim only after going to Mackenheim which I confused for Marckolsheim.
I checked out several Gites de France along the way but all were fully booked or no answer. I lucked in in Marckolsheim. Found a nice Gites for 40 E including b'fast. No Wi-Fi. Madame who was running the Gites was very friendly and chatty.
After lugging my panniers up to my room I went out around the corner to a horse betting bar. Had a couple beers and updated my journal. It was now 6:00 PM and I decided to have a pizza for dinner at the restaurant next door. Only they didn't start serving pizzas until 6:30. Went back to my room to freshen up and change before returning to Raphy's Grill for wine and a pizza paysanne. It was OK but deffinitely not up to Christopher's standards.
I noticed my thumbs are taking on the shape of my handle bar horns. Instead of being straight they are taking on an S-shape!!! I noticed another cyclist in the restaurant checking out a Rhein-Radweg cycle guide. I went over and introduced myself. He turned out to be a Britisher from London cycling from Basel to Rotterdam? along the Rhine for the 3rd time. He's writting his own cycle guide which he says will be published in 2013. Unfortunately I didn't get his name. He didn't think much of the Rhein-Radweg guides. He felt they were very innacurate. I couldn't agree more after my Canal du Rhone-au-Rhin experience.
Cheers, Roly
NEVER AGAIN!!! will I stay in a 4-bed Youth Hostel room. Felix (German) has a bad cold and had to blow his nose all night. The 2 other guys (I found out they were Quebekers later on) kept coming and going until 2 AM. One came in at 1:30 he was so pissed he couldn't get the swipe card to work to get the door open. He had to go downstairs and get the night receptionist to come and help him get the door open. I'll be damned if I was going to get up and let him in!!! He stumbled around for 5-10 minutes then fell into bed and soon started snoring. Not to loud thank goodness. There were also several football teams (ages around 12) staying at the Y.H. They were up until midnight running amok. Then to top it all off there were several volleys of very loud, rapid gunfire (probably fireworks) at 11:30. Probably to culminate the concert in the park.
In spite of all the racket I did manage to get a few hours of sleep.
Went down for b'fast at 7:00. No sign of any activity in restaurant. I checked at reception. Told b'fast wasn't until 7:30. I showed him my welcome note with b'fast highlighted in pink and it definitely said b'fast was at 7:00 to 10:00. He went off to get things started I think. I waited another 15-20 minutes before going in to restaurant to start b'fast. It was a disaster. No juice. The tea was very weak. Should have had a hot chocolate. Brotchen with butter and jams and a croissant. Two choices of cereal corn flakes or coco puffs. And of course the noise and shouting of the football kids. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. Felix had joined me for b'fast. He had a pretty bad cold. He was supposed to cycle all the way to the Bodensee and then back home. Not sure if he made it or not. I said goodbye and wished him a safe trip.
When I went to the "Velo Garage" to collect my bike I noticed two bikes with trailers. One of them had a Quebec and a Canada flag on the back of it. That's when I realized the two guys who were still asleep were most likely Quebekers.
I set my GPS for Illkirch-Graffenstaden and set off at 8:20. The GPS took me over a bridge towards Kehl which was on the German side of the Rhine. I wanted to stay on the French side. I reset the GPS and went back over the bridge towards Strasbourg. Eventually I started heading South towards I-G. I saw a bike path (paved) along "Canal du Rhone-au-Rhin" with a sign indicating Eschau. This looked like the cycle route indicated in my Rhein-Radweg guide. It turned out to be an on and off again path and eventually I got lost and somehow ended up back in Strasbourg. It took me another hour to figure out how to get out of Strasbourg. I ended up passing the same sign for Eschau again. This time I kept to the road and eventually was on my way. (3 hours and 30 kms to get out of Strasbourg)!!! Needless to say I was not a happy camper or cyclists for that matter. I swore I would not have anything more to do with "Canal du Rhone-au-Rhin". I passed through Krafft, Gersheim, Boofzheim, Diebolsheim, etc. and eventually arrived in Marckolsheim only after going to Mackenheim which I confused for Marckolsheim.
I checked out several Gites de France along the way but all were fully booked or no answer. I lucked in in Marckolsheim. Found a nice Gites for 40 E including b'fast. No Wi-Fi. Madame who was running the Gites was very friendly and chatty.
After lugging my panniers up to my room I went out around the corner to a horse betting bar. Had a couple beers and updated my journal. It was now 6:00 PM and I decided to have a pizza for dinner at the restaurant next door. Only they didn't start serving pizzas until 6:30. Went back to my room to freshen up and change before returning to Raphy's Grill for wine and a pizza paysanne. It was OK but deffinitely not up to Christopher's standards.
I noticed my thumbs are taking on the shape of my handle bar horns. Instead of being straight they are taking on an S-shape!!! I noticed another cyclist in the restaurant checking out a Rhein-Radweg cycle guide. I went over and introduced myself. He turned out to be a Britisher from London cycling from Basel to Rotterdam? along the Rhine for the 3rd time. He's writting his own cycle guide which he says will be published in 2013. Unfortunately I didn't get his name. He didn't think much of the Rhein-Radweg guides. He felt they were very innacurate. I couldn't agree more after my Canal du Rhone-au-Rhin experience.
Cheers, Roly
Day 17 - Europe 2011
Day 17 - Friday, June 10, 2011 - Rheinau to Strasbourg - Trip 39.57 kms Time 2:37:04
The itchiness from whatever caused my rash on my arms and knees is almost gone. Getting to sleep last night was a bit of a challenge. Someone was boucing a ball sort of like Steve McQueen in The Great Escape everytime he was put into isolation in the Gestapo POW camp. Finally someone took the ball away and I was able to get some rest.
I went down for b'fast at 8:00. No one else around. Even the waitress was out on the terrace in the "Biergarten" wiping down tables. She finally showed up and brought me some tea. A Dutch couple then arrived with a 2 year old. He must have been the little bugger that kept boucing that ball!!!. They turned out to be a nice young couple from Utrecht on their way to Italy for a holiday. Lots of goodies for b'fast. I was also able to make myself a ham and cheese brotchen for lunch later plus a hard boiled egg.
Finished packing and and went down to restaurant to check out. Paid waitress 40 E for room. First Beer wasn't on bill so I told her I owed her for a large Export that the chef had served me on arrival. She charge me 3.50 E. Next time I'll just keep my mouth shut or ....
I left for Strasbourg at 9:20. GPS said it was 18 kms but by the time I reached the outskirts I still had another 17 to go after resetting my GPS. I saw a bicycle sign for Robertsau (which is a suburb of Strasbourg). The sign said it was 14.5 kms so I decided to head in that direction. It turned out to be a nice quiet ride through a forest and into the centre of Strasbourg.
I followed the signs for "Centre Ville" hoping to find a Tourist Information Centre. I had to stop at a gas station to ask for directions and was told I would find "Service de Tourisme" at the Cathedral. I could see the Cathredal not far off but getting there was a bit of a challenge. So many narrow, cobbled stoned, one-way streets. Eventually I found the Office de Tourisme, locked my bike and went inside and stood in a queue for about 15 minutes.
Finally it was my turn and the lady asked me in German what I needed help with in spite of the fact that I was wearing my Canada jersey. I said I would prefer French or English. She was embarassed! I got directions to a laundromat, Youth Hostel and several other hotels. Paid 1 E for a map of Strasbourg.
I managed to find the laudromat but had no change for the machines and there was no change machine. Went next door to a pizza place and asked for change for 10 E. Sorry no change!! A young lady waiting to be served kindly offered to give me change for 10 E. I went back to my laundry. Put 2 E in the machine for 1 E of soap. Got just a trickle of soap and no change. Just then the manager appeared. He checked out the soap dispensing machine and found it was plugged up with a chunk of soap. He gave me back my 2 E and enough soap for 4 loads of laundry. I ended up doing a huge load of laundry for 7 E and 2 E for the dryer. I had lunch while watching my clothes go round and round ...
Set off for Youth Hostel at 1:30. On the way I passed a mobile shop. Went in to see if I could get on of my mobiles working. I ended up paying 10 E for a new SIM card for my Belgian Mobistar with 7.50 E credit I added another 10 E of credits. I was assured this would work in all of Europe. We'll see. So far I haven't had to use my mobile and I've stopped getting text messages from Mobistar about my credits having run out. I guess that's because there SIM card is no longer in the phone.
The Youth Hostel was rather difficult to find. It was way off the beaten path. A room with 4 cots in it cost 22 E with w/c and shower in the room and b'fast. A large towel cost 3 E. No Wi-Fi but there was Internet available for 2.50 E/hour. I carried my panniers up to the 2nd floor. No one else in the room. YET! I then found out that the YH had laundry facilities after reading the welcome note. I checked it out but there was only one small washing machine and one dryer and they were both busy. It would have cost me a bit more to do my laundry at the YH as I would have had to do 2 loads.
While I was settling into room a young German fellow arrived. We had a nice chat in German and English. He had cycled from Manheim in 2 days. He was exhausted. He made up his bed and went to sleep. It was only 4:30!!! I went out to see if I could find a Wi-Fi connection and something to eat. Ended up at a Middle East restaurant. I had a very nice couscous. It was far to much. I was a bit nervous while eating. There were a dozen or so young punks hanging out outside the restaurant drinking Jim Beam and dealing drugs. I went out and locked up my bike. Took some pics. Where are the polizei!!!
On the way back to the hostel I stopped at an open air concert in the park. People were coming from all directions with picnic hampers, blankets, etc. I stopped and listened to the full size orchestra for a while but it was getting a bit chilly and I hadn't brought a jacket so I headed back to the hostel. Locked my bike in the "Velo Garage" for the night.
While I had been out two more "guest" had arrived. It was a full house. Went off to bed at 9:00
Cheers, Roly
The itchiness from whatever caused my rash on my arms and knees is almost gone. Getting to sleep last night was a bit of a challenge. Someone was boucing a ball sort of like Steve McQueen in The Great Escape everytime he was put into isolation in the Gestapo POW camp. Finally someone took the ball away and I was able to get some rest.
I went down for b'fast at 8:00. No one else around. Even the waitress was out on the terrace in the "Biergarten" wiping down tables. She finally showed up and brought me some tea. A Dutch couple then arrived with a 2 year old. He must have been the little bugger that kept boucing that ball!!!. They turned out to be a nice young couple from Utrecht on their way to Italy for a holiday. Lots of goodies for b'fast. I was also able to make myself a ham and cheese brotchen for lunch later plus a hard boiled egg.
Finished packing and and went down to restaurant to check out. Paid waitress 40 E for room. First Beer wasn't on bill so I told her I owed her for a large Export that the chef had served me on arrival. She charge me 3.50 E. Next time I'll just keep my mouth shut or ....
I left for Strasbourg at 9:20. GPS said it was 18 kms but by the time I reached the outskirts I still had another 17 to go after resetting my GPS. I saw a bicycle sign for Robertsau (which is a suburb of Strasbourg). The sign said it was 14.5 kms so I decided to head in that direction. It turned out to be a nice quiet ride through a forest and into the centre of Strasbourg.
I followed the signs for "Centre Ville" hoping to find a Tourist Information Centre. I had to stop at a gas station to ask for directions and was told I would find "Service de Tourisme" at the Cathedral. I could see the Cathredal not far off but getting there was a bit of a challenge. So many narrow, cobbled stoned, one-way streets. Eventually I found the Office de Tourisme, locked my bike and went inside and stood in a queue for about 15 minutes.
Finally it was my turn and the lady asked me in German what I needed help with in spite of the fact that I was wearing my Canada jersey. I said I would prefer French or English. She was embarassed! I got directions to a laundromat, Youth Hostel and several other hotels. Paid 1 E for a map of Strasbourg.
I managed to find the laudromat but had no change for the machines and there was no change machine. Went next door to a pizza place and asked for change for 10 E. Sorry no change!! A young lady waiting to be served kindly offered to give me change for 10 E. I went back to my laundry. Put 2 E in the machine for 1 E of soap. Got just a trickle of soap and no change. Just then the manager appeared. He checked out the soap dispensing machine and found it was plugged up with a chunk of soap. He gave me back my 2 E and enough soap for 4 loads of laundry. I ended up doing a huge load of laundry for 7 E and 2 E for the dryer. I had lunch while watching my clothes go round and round ...
Set off for Youth Hostel at 1:30. On the way I passed a mobile shop. Went in to see if I could get on of my mobiles working. I ended up paying 10 E for a new SIM card for my Belgian Mobistar with 7.50 E credit I added another 10 E of credits. I was assured this would work in all of Europe. We'll see. So far I haven't had to use my mobile and I've stopped getting text messages from Mobistar about my credits having run out. I guess that's because there SIM card is no longer in the phone.
The Youth Hostel was rather difficult to find. It was way off the beaten path. A room with 4 cots in it cost 22 E with w/c and shower in the room and b'fast. A large towel cost 3 E. No Wi-Fi but there was Internet available for 2.50 E/hour. I carried my panniers up to the 2nd floor. No one else in the room. YET! I then found out that the YH had laundry facilities after reading the welcome note. I checked it out but there was only one small washing machine and one dryer and they were both busy. It would have cost me a bit more to do my laundry at the YH as I would have had to do 2 loads.
While I was settling into room a young German fellow arrived. We had a nice chat in German and English. He had cycled from Manheim in 2 days. He was exhausted. He made up his bed and went to sleep. It was only 4:30!!! I went out to see if I could find a Wi-Fi connection and something to eat. Ended up at a Middle East restaurant. I had a very nice couscous. It was far to much. I was a bit nervous while eating. There were a dozen or so young punks hanging out outside the restaurant drinking Jim Beam and dealing drugs. I went out and locked up my bike. Took some pics. Where are the polizei!!!
On the way back to the hostel I stopped at an open air concert in the park. People were coming from all directions with picnic hampers, blankets, etc. I stopped and listened to the full size orchestra for a while but it was getting a bit chilly and I hadn't brought a jacket so I headed back to the hostel. Locked my bike in the "Velo Garage" for the night.
While I had been out two more "guest" had arrived. It was a full house. Went off to bed at 9:00
Cheers, Roly
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