Day 9: Præstø - Møns Klint (canceled), 42 km

I had imagined the ninth day roughly like this: waking up in Præstø, having breakfast, then driving to the famous chalk cliffs of the island of Møn. That's why I had planned two nights at Merete's, the artist.

Everything went according to plan until breakfast. I ride to the coast of the island of Zealand with a strong tailwind from the west. I prepare myself for a strenuous 50 km return trip from Møns Klint.

Just before leaving the island of Zealand, about 20 km from Præstø - a bridge connects Møn with Zealand - I get my second flat tire of the tour. Again at the rear! Lucky in an unlucky situation - it happens right in front of a bike shop. Since my pump refused to cooperate with me yesterday when I had a flat tire, I am dependent on help from the professionals. It comes promptly and also speaks very good German with a delightful accent - just like in the IKEA commercials.

After about 20 minutes, I have my second inner tube in the rear wheel within 2 days. Unfortunately, there is no small new pump in the bike shop. I don't want to ride another 80 km without a pump, which is what it would have been today.

I call Lucia and she supports me in canceling the stage. It's no use. So another 20 km back. Without chalk cliffs. Very unfortunate, but the sensible solution.

I struggle back to Præstø against the headwind. When it starts raining again, I think it was a good decision.

Instead, I walk to Præstø, where there is a city festival taking place, and buy myself a new pump.

Afterwards, I have a long chat with Merete. They are interesting conversations. I learn a lot about the 250-year-old house and her profession as a painter.