Day 49: Before the final

At 7 a.m. I'm the first to have breakfast, shortly afterwards my colleagues arrive. I need time in the morning, and I'm not the fastest at packing either. Nevertheless, we leave shortly after half past eight. It's fresh but dry. I liked Günzburg (just not the cobblestones). My colleagues now have basic training in Swabian. You did so well yesterday, but today you can name parts of your body that aren't quite fit...

The route is driven strictly according to komoot, I'm not as familiar with the route as I was yesterday. I've driven the A8 many times and therefore know names like Burgau, Zusmarshausen, Adelsried, Neusäß - but never on a bike. Overall, these cities are approached, but on completely different routes, and I get to know new landscapes. The ride is varied, our pace is comfortable, the climbs are mastered and the descents are enjoyed. Behind Zusmarshausen the sun even comes through, the mood automatically rises, it wasn't bad before. It's fun to cycle in a group. We are approaching Augsburg and have to go up to a war memorial. Suddenly Augsburg is at our feet, a wonderful sight.
We are growing. A colleague who I have known for a long time and his wife want to accompany me. Unfortunately something comes up and she has to cancel. A pity. This doesn't affect the food she prepared for us: lentil soup, meatballs with rice and chickpeas, rice pudding with jam. Delicious! A big thank you to the chef!
At around 3 p.m. we continue, the colleague takes the lead. We still want to get to Maisach so that we can be in Unterföhring in time tomorrow on the “final day”. 40 km still have to be endured, with the break and strengthening certainly not a problem. We roll eastwards across unknown villages and paths through fields, forests and meadows. As soon as I cross the Lech, I am amazed at the amount of water it carries. Later we marvel at flooded meadows and muddy paths. Then a cloud hits us, so we take out the anorak again. We take a break at a bus shelter, the rain subsides and stops completely a short while later. The question "how long?" is asked more often now. As with my children back then, the standard answer is: half an hour. Okay, the number of kilometers will also be announced. Then the time has come: for the first time "Maisach" appears on a signpost, which is noted with cheers by parts of the group.
At around half past six we arrive at the hotel in Maisach-Gernlinden, after almost 100 km and 6 1/2 hours of pure driving time. Sleep in the hotel again... What awaits me on campus tomorrow?