Work in Progress

Tag #15

Friday, 15.05.

From Siedlec to Komorówko

What is it so cold?

We had imagined it differently. Together with the persistent rain that has been falling on us since midnight, there is little motivation to get up.

So we stay lying down for now. Turning over is still an option.

It's time to write the report for yesterday, and in the hammock, it's easy to relax and enjoy breakfast much better while wrapped warm.

And another aspect that has been on my mind since at least this morning ...

It's only 215km from Poznań to Wrocław.

Then it's time to say goodbye.

Dave will take the train back home, and I'll turn the handlebars eastward once again.

We take with us what we can get. It stopped raining when we reluctantly decided to pack up. At least no new water is coming down, only the trees are still dripping on us.

Just as we set off, the rain starts again. That's okay, we are prepared for it.

What I am only partially prepared for is that while crossing a railway crossing, where even the usually unflinching cyclists slow down, my side bag falls off for the second time.

As much as I find the concept otherwise appealing, the attachment is absolutely terrible.

So, off goes the luggage roll, the dry bag out of the holder, new cable ties around the holder, everything back on and secured.

Let's continue.

We leave behind the only forest area for miles and continue through flat lands and fields.

Elevation gain? None.

Wind? That's fine.

Many churches and crucifixes make it clear that we are exploring a very Catholic country.

Partially newly built roads are a pleasure, and the houses in the villages are in various stages ranging from very new and modern to run-down and decayed buildings.

On a country road, we pass a construction site, and it's almost too incredible to be true.

Next to the road, there is a sand path (we have developed an eye for such by now), and shortly after, we see how actively a bike path is being constructed.

Keep it up, then it will be worth coming back here.

And I would recommend it to all interested parties.

The route takes us in the afternoon through an area with indescribably many lakes.

Beautiful and never seen before.

We ride on a narrow asphalt road, and on both sides, the shore begins immediately, with the wide water behind the reeds.

Above, a blue sky and clouds reflected on the surface.

Flocks of birds fly high, and now and then, a heron rises into the air.

Initially a bit clumsy, it then glides through the air.

That's about how we feel when starting off.

More kilometers of country roads follow.

At some point, we turn into the forest and enjoy the welcome change.

However, we stay unexpectedly long.

Dave has a flat tire.

So we stop, take off the tire, inspect it,

put a patch on, reassemble everything, and pump it up.

This takes a while.

Conveniently, since it was a snakebite, meaning the rim has punctured the tube in two parallel places, we stop shortly after to patch the tube again.

On we go.

No, the tire continues to lose air.

So the whole procedure starts again.

And we find that Dave has an original hole in the tube.

Caused by a thorn, still stuck in the tire.

So this pressure loss is what led to the snakebite in the first place.

Whole procedure the third time.

Now the tire can at least be pumped up much better.

On we go.

At an idyllic lake, I catch a glimpse of Dave stopping to take a photo.

When I turn around again, he is gone.

By the time I get back, Dave has already done half the work.

Practice makes perfect.

The first patch has detached.

So down with that, new one on.

For safety, the tire is only pumped up to three bars so it has to withstand less pressure.

Now we really have to go, but it's also high time. It is already almost eight, and we have a 'destination'.

Fortunately, we soon find a suitable place for the night along the route.

However, due to the delay and the remoteness, there was no opportunity to get water and food again.

It is what it is.

Quick set up, as the day is noticeably coming to an end.

We definitely wanted to have a cozy evening.

Once again, we were shown to be cautious with our wishes.

They might come true.

All set, including me.

After a sparse dinner of rolls with chocolate and banana, whatever was available, my stomach is still grumbling.

At least

Song of the Day:

Psychostick - This is not a Song, it's a Sandwich