Hills, chills and a bit of a cock up!

Two mornings ago we took a wee detour so that Bertie could have a well needed clean at the car wash followed by his chain being oiled – the guy in attendance helped me press the right buttons so that we just got a wee power hose and not the full soap and wax, etc

Cycling through Gottigen was interesting, at rush hour – it’s almost feels like a different style of cycling to what I’m used. Most folks are on what I’d call sit up and beg style bikes – and they are almost all faster than me, especially at junctions and not because I am more laden than them – they just know the system – I’m busy checking and double checking – the usual look right / look left etc and before I know it I’ve been left behind as they know they’ve got right of way.

Once out of the city onto a good cycle paths and first stop was at Friedland to have a look at this monument – from the distance I thought it was an unusual rock feature. Glad I made the wee detour to see it and it’s worth looking at the link below to see the translation of the engravings.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heimkehrerdenkmal

Love how the wee villages I passed through have got different ways to welcome visitors.

And signs to tell you to look out for the kiddies.

And I passed lots of “huttes” for walkers and cyclists to shelter in.

This day and next couple of day’s route was made up of linking places together that my friend Elke had suggested – Elke some of the hills were tough / very tough – but they were definitely worth the effort to get there.

Bad Sooden-Allendorf was one of the first places suggested and again I loved all the old buildings and again I got a bit trigger happy.

Eshwege was the next stop for the night – had hoped to go to a smaller less expensive campsite but it was toss up between 2k or another 12k – legs protested and the one at 2k won – dearest campsite so far and was it any better NO – for only 2 Euros more at the last campsite I’d last stayed at I got a meal and a couple of cokes! However the location was good.

Chilly night again – hoping it gets warmer soon, especially at night – please, please, please – better watch what I say or I’ll be moaning that it’s too hot.

Next stop on Elke’s tick list was Wartburg Castle. Lovely day – interesting route to get there – been using a mix of Google maps and Komoot and looking out for the nice bicycle friendly green signs and sometimes I just make it up which was why I found myself pushing Bertie uphill through, predominately, beech woods (I think) for a section.

Finally made it to the castle – note to self – next time leave Bertie in the town and either walk up or get the shuttle bus up – it was hard work pushing Bertie up – on plus side though it was good on the way back down. Despite the effort to get there – and only 2 hours later than planned – is anyone any good at judging distance and time when cycle touring – I’m certainly not – it was well worth the visit and thank you again Elke.

Views from the castle and especially from the tower were amazing but there was a chilly wind. Back down at the carpark we had a wee bit of a problem – I could not undo the padlock on Bertie!! This was the new one I bought after realising that I’d left my old one at a previous campsite. I’d never been entirely happy with it – it was strong and sturdy but a bit too strong which made it difficult to use but more importantly I never felt that numbers properly engaged on the combination lock and was too easy to accidentally change the code. I tried and tried with no joy. Poor internet connection at this time but I managed to get a number for a bike shop in the town – he didn’t speak much English – I spoke less German – he said I needed to bring bike to him – as this involved bring the fence as well this did not help – a kindly passer by who spoke English then phoned for me but the answer was still “no” he couldn’t help. Back up the hill to the castle – the only staff I could find was in the castle gift shop, as the castle was now closed for the night – she spoke to security, who transpired was from the east coast of England, and he would have helped but could not leave his post – which was fair do’s when he is in charge of one of the most important castles in Germany. Now feeling like a complete muppet – again – I’m on the phone to the local police – first guy I spoke to put me onto a lady officer who spoke good English and I explained my predicament and they were on their way to help but I didn’t know how long and in the grand list of things I didn’t imagine I was a priority. While waiting another cyclist stopped to talk and in Engish and pointing to bike and lock I explained the situation – he is now downloading u-tube videos on how to break into a combination lock – he was determined to help but no joy. Police arrived – I showed them earlier photos of me and bike and passport to prove I wasn’t trying to nick someone else’s bike – they then headed off to get the needed cutters to free Bertie and 1/2 an hour later and very chilly I did the 9k to the campsite, arriving (again) much later than planned and for the 2nd time this trip, the guy ropes are out so that I can tie Bertie to the tent.

After another chilly night in the tent it was off to tick off another of Elke’s suggestions – the old town at Erfurt – again arriving later than planned – and stopping to buy another lock – not enough sleep, tired legs and a head wind all the way – but OMG it was worth it – by the time I got to hostel and sorted stuff out I didn’t go for a wander until 6pm but I love it – so plan is to take my time tomorrow and do some more wandering but so far this is my favourite place that I have visited Unfortunately no room at the hostel tomorrow night but there is a campsite nearby and the weather is to get warmer -yipee!!