They're rolling again

Day #14

Thursday, 14th May

A new day greets us with sunshine, so let's tackle the chaos in the apartment.

Having too much space is tempting to abandon the discipline of the usual storage.

After breakfast, we'll haul up our stuff in stages and carry the wheels down.

And first, let's pump some air.

We could have done that yesterday, but that was a rest day.

Full batteries (no e-bikes)

With full provisions and charged batteries (I'm talking about the power banks), we set off just before noon and make our way through the city.

The traffic light timing tests our patience, and the constant stops are annoying.

Yesterday we could cycle through the greenery right up to the city, but today it’s one town after another. At least there are bike paths along the main road.

What the weather report indicated is already coming towards us due to the strong headwind.

Dark heavy rain clouds, and shortly after that, we only have time to switch into our rain gear at record speed. This way, we endure the downpour.

Soon after, it clears up again.

The probably only advantage of the wind is that everything passes quickly.

Luckily, we keep the rain gear on a bit longer, as I get splashed with water again from the combination of a large puddle and a truck.

Whatever.

One town follows another, and the day brings little variation for us.

Continuing along country roads, now in the cold sunshine, we pass through flat agricultural areas, alongside young wheat and blooming rapeseed fields.

Clear views in all directions allow our gaze to wander and give the wind a chance to unfold.

The body is still getting used to the fact that we are back in the saddle, then we meet an old acquaintance.

A sandy path doomed to pushing. The ground is so fine that we slip immediately and get stuck. No chance of progressing while riding.

I keep trying, but the sad truth is that Dave is faster than me with less effort.

Hopefully, these paths have been established as part of a comprehensive infrastructure project, and soon the EuroVelo 9, which we are following since today, will be really nice to ride.

It would be crazy if someone thought this was good in its current condition.

Once that is done, we appreciate the country road, and the cars passing by are just a necessary evil. Or the fact that the roads run very long and straight. Then a bend. And the next straight section.

We are moving forward again; that’s what matters and feels good.

In the evening, we refill our water supplies and take a look at the map.

What we already noticed earlier is that things look grim regarding the forested areas.

Lots of agriculture, indeed.

About 20 km away, it looks promising. So let's go, let’s try our luck.

And luck is faithfully by our side, at least when it comes to the search.

On the last few meters, after a bump in the ground, my sunglasses fell out of my pocket, and I end up with a hopeless set of broken pieces. Annoying.

Meanwhile, we assess the situation; everything is calm, and it leads from the road into the bushes.

Dinner, setting up, and quickly into our sleeping bags. The day was exhausting, and soon we are asleep.

Song of the day:

Nails - Lacking the ability to process