Garmin Activity: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1167269502
211 km, 10h25, elevation gain: 2686m. Trip rating: 75%
Day three was already kicking off. I had a good breakfast and I hit the road. I changed my booking because I did not want to tie myself to a 250 km ride with head winds. My total mileage for today would only be 210 km. That way I could take it nice and easy
First thing in the morning I noticed there would be another day full of head winds.
Rough cycling like that
First major town on my route was Fulda, where I had spent the night on my way to Belgium
German street view
Impressive statue, I think it represents Joseph, Jesus' Father
A lot of elevation gain East of Fulda, many tiny roads and lots of climbing
All of the sudden a giant climb commenced. It was steep and long.
It went all the way up to 650m elevation. It was very steep, but the views were amazing
Playing a bit with my camera as I approached Heaven
It was the part I had cycled on day 2 of my journey. The climb continued all the way to 750 meters and then went down again. During the descent I felt lucky with my disc brakes. The weather conditions were so much better than that day I came here two weeks ago. What a blessing
I lost a little time here due to false GPS indications, but no huge damage suffered
Since I am riding disc brakes, basic gravel roads are also doable. It makes the bike more versatile
Please watch out for bike thieves
The gas station of the foot of the long descent. I had come here as well two weeks ago. This time there was a father with two children asking me stuff about my bike. He was impressed about my itinerary.
And then there was a very long stretch of relatively flat roads. It was excellent for making some good average speeds.
All of this was terrain I had visited two weeks ago
And then I found myself in an oasis, where I felt the obligation to record a video and make many snapshots
This panorama is nothing short of a fairy tale. I mean just LOOK at that clear blue sky!
I am a fantasy rider lost in a children's marvel
Nice bike on a nice weather day. It was warm, but not tropical warm. Temperatures did not raise of 30 degrees
WOW, what an eye-striking panorama!!!
The only downside was the constant headwind, which was making me weary, it was the third day I was fighting against these streams. My average speed dropped to a mere 20 kmph and I felt tired at certain moments.
Another new district. I stopped here for a break, I needed it
I even lay down a little on the grass. That is where I learnt the joys of doing 200 km instead of 250. It gives you some time to rest and enjoy.
The fairy tale continued further east.
I made some crazy snapshots of me in this dreamland setting
A Kebab Store, it was a good place for some fluids!
Some German town. I was not far from Coburg here
Out of the town, back into the hinerland
Then I reached the town of Coburg, the biggest milestone of the ride. From here it was roughly 1/3rd left. I remembered that hill in the city center well. I referred to it as Kopec Coburg
Downtown Coburg, waiting for a train to pass by
Thüringer Kreuz
And back out of the city of Coburg there was more hinterland waiting for me.
It was well in the afternoon
A nasty climb here, a genuine stinger of 14% led to this spot
Even though there was a lot of headwind, things were looking ok. Arrival time would be fine.
Without my GPS I would not know where to go
Snapshot while riding
More area I recognized from my previous ride. It felt great seeing these areas in better weather. It was tantamount to having survived the storm
Sun was setting on me. I stopped for a muesli bar
Adorable cattle, enjoying their summer day
My presence triggered a change in these animals' behavior
35 KM left, I stopped at a local pizzeria for some drinks
They only had Sprite unfortunately
Beautiful discs
At the end of the day, I was tired. Headwinds and climbing all ride long
Greetings to God, a common way of expressing greetings in East Germany
I never knew there were so many tiny villages and towns in Germany. It baffled my understanding of this country
Cute castle gateway, not for large vehicles though
Kulmbach, now we were close!!!
Kulmbach, 12km left to my hotel
Funny licence plate with K-U-T
There was a very long stretch of gobbels here, followed by a very long climb of 200 meters. It climbed to 500 all the way again and miraculously dropped to 300 upon arrival. Yes, all of that in less than 10 km. I could really feel the weariness here...
The hard day of struggling eventually paid off: I arrived safe and sound in Trebgast. The last stop within Germany.
Ride 3: check!
Willkommen in Trebgast
Statistics for the day
The hotel was really nice, great people, great food. I could even put my bike in the room.
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