Day 8: Schwarmstedt - Lage

Dear congregation,

Today's ride cannot be sugarcoated. It was absolutely challenging. Average speed of 16.7 km/h. It was a slow progress despite having fit legs. There was 90% headwind and heavy rain showers from 3 PM onwards. Definitely not the weather for cycling. But I had no other choice.

The first break came after 15 kilometers due to the first rain shower. Then there was headwind all the way to Steinhuder Meer, where I took a detour and luckily got my beloved eel sandwich. It continued slowly until the next break at 50 kilometers. Then came the toughest phase of the whole tour. No trees, no bike paths, but lots of wind. End of the world feeling. But somehow I made it through by singing, all the way to the castle. Took some nice photos there and then fought my way to the finish with lots of food that needs to be burned off. The first impressions for tomorrow's ride with ups and downs have already come. Hopefully without rain, otherwise it will be critical. But it will probably only go uphill anyway. The accommodation was definitely the most beautiful so far and the best food combination. It has definitely been worth it so far.

There is supposed to be continuous rain tomorrow at 5 PM. So let's hope and pray.

Regards, Florian