Sand in the Gears

Day #12

Tuesday, 12.05.

From Dormowo to Poznań

Wow, the night was cold. Fortunately, the sleeping bag handled that quite well.

We start well-rested, but the morning makes sure we dress warmly.

To reach our ambitious goal of being in Poznań by tonight, we start off at a decent pace.

It's still a vacation, they said. And off they went. Or something like that.

The day begins as yesterday ended, we sink into the sand and become pedestrians.

But this is soon accomplished, and we warm up on back roads with many potholes and well-developed highways, where there are plenty of cars to balance things out. At least we try.

The hope of being able to shed a layer of clothes at the supermarket is dashed despite the sunshine.

Instead, we continue heading east, strengthened and loaded.

The wind is with us, providing extra push for Day 12.

We spend our lunch break by a beautiful lake under trees, with a view gliding over an old rowing boat, through the reeds, across the expanse of water, and the forests behind it. That's happiness.

We would like to glide as well, but instead there's an extreme incline of up to 15% ahead.

Nice, if it's already uphill, then please continue over sandy paths.

Then, after thousands of kilometers, it happens, I have my first fall.

After kilometers of navigating the path, I am inattentive, make a stupid swerve, and unfortunately, I'm still clipped into the pedals... and at least I land quite softly in the sand.

Quick check-up, adjust the saddle and clean the drivetrain with a toothbrush.

Yes, we have several with us.

It's definitely time for a rest day.

There's variety at all levels. Beautiful landscapes with roads to sink into, greetings to the couch, and highways of mixed quality with cars and trucks that make your heart race. Sometimes we are tempted to pet them, some of the specimens are so friendly.

Thanks to our mirrors, we can anticipate most situations, and there are no surprises.

And despite all the trials, it's still worth it; the view of the countryside and the beauty of the lakes makes us happy with the vistas provided.

Unexpected is how taciturn and introverted we find the people. Some might describe it as unwelcoming.

Very rarely is there a reaction when someone greets.

At least the dogs react loudly to us.

Is it due to the rural area?

Perhaps we will find out.

Also surprising for us is the sight of an SUV with a trailer, which size would still be suitable for disposing of garden waste.

In this case, it is stuffed full of sheep.

Everything is just different.

We keep biking further and further. And further.

At first, the view of the speedometer with the remaining kilometers to Poznań is still depressing, but that changes gradually.

The kilometers - and altitude meters! - are slowly and steadily dwindling.

By the afternoon, we are confident we will make the entire distance and book an apartment in the city center.

After mastering the challenge of the door system, shortly thereafter, all our things are carried upstairs.

As new people, freshly showered, we make our way to the city center to grab dinner. It is now after 10:00, but we are lucky.

So, we assumed, the internet had made us corresponding promises.

After a proper portion of pierogies, we leisurely head back to our accommodation, and all that’s left is to fall into bed.

Song of the Day:

Terror - One More Enemy