Berlin! Berlin!

Day #9

Saturday, 09.05.

From Beelitz to Lichtenow

We are the early birds, awake before the birds themselves.

A driver looks a bit puzzled when he sees us hanging out in the hut.

Then it's time for a quick breakdown. It's helpful to already have a roof, so we can skip the setup and takedown of the tarp.

Having a table is quite helpful, though.

The joggers and early birds passing by only see two dudes taking a 'break' in the hut early in the morning.

After breakfast, we're off. Due to circumstances, we're leaving nice and early, just after 9:00.

Quickly over to Potsdam, get the usual supplies from the baker, and then it's on to Berlin! Berlin!

Short, snappy climbs await us, rewarded with long, beautiful descents.

It's surprising how many road bikes are out there. Most (well, there's a small remainder!) overtake us, but by now we’re in decent shape; the route invites us, and we find our performance in comparison quite respectable, freight trains against ICEs. The moment is exhilarating.

All past lakes and forests, or rather, green spaces.

Havel, Wannsee, and Grunewald as key points.

A stark contrast awaits us in Berlin.

After days spent in idyllic countryside, far from busy roads, the traffic in the capital is... much more alive.

We make our way through the hustle and bustle, past the Victory Column, and then the first major milestone, the ride through the Brandenburg Gate.

That’s worth a selfie.

Along Unter den Linden heading towards Alex, we traverse the various districts of the city.

In Kreuzberg, we treat ourselves to a seitan dürüm, the first warm meal since the start of the trip, and take an extended break by the Spree.

For Dave, it's time for a phone call; I take the opportunity to finish up yesterday's report.

After leaving the city center, we are greeted again with greenery, and the path continues past lakes in the Berlin surroundings.

Well-developed bike paths, which we've been enjoying all day, make for a pleasant ride and allow us to progress smoothly.

In the evening, we have another shopping tour. Since today is Saturday, it’s big shopping in Erkner. As we are also shopping for tomorrow, the extra weight is noticeable.

We've come quite a long way, and our target forest area is within reach.

Once we find a spot where we both feel comfortable, we set up our camp for the night.

After dinner, we stick with tofu on rolls; it’s time to brush our teeth, relieve ourselves, and off to bed.

Song of the day:

Knorkator - Schlüpfer