My travel experience expanded this week.
“When was the last time you did something for the first time?”
One of my guiding principles in life.
On Thursday morning I threw a bottle of water and my iPhone into a wee bag, and cycled 24km west along the Danube from Gaimersheim (near Ingolstadt) to Neuburg an der Donau. Had lunch there, stretched my legs and gave my tender backside a break. Then cycled back.
approaching ND
My first real cycle “tour”. Modest I know, and I don’t think I’m going to be challenging Mark Beaumont any time soon, but a start. I bought the bike 2nd hand at a flea market last month. I’ve had one in Scotland for more than 10 years, but I’ve never tried any long trips on it.
Bavaria has 3 huge attractions when it comes to cycling, when compared to Scotland.
First , the weather. Generally better than Scotland, but more predictable. That’s the key. If the 5 day forecast predicts sunshine on Saturday, you can be pretty sure the forecast won’t change 5 times before Saturday arrives.
Altstadt
Next, the part around here is very flat – generally speaking, and by comparison to Scotland. Where would you find 24 flat kilometers in Scotland?
no hills!
Third, cycle paths everywhere and an astonishing level of respect and courtesy from car drivers if you do have to get into the road.
It was a lot of fun. Just over 3 hours in the saddle. Peace & quiet (I’m assured it gets busy in season). Nature. Warm sunshine. Alongside one of the world’s most famous rivers.
A charming wee town as destination.
cute
Pizza & beer for lunch (saved my life). A quick espresso. Then back.
lunch
I’ll be doing more of this…
© iain taylor 2013