Munich has enjoyed the first 3 days of nice weather after 6 weeks of constant rain - things have been pretty nasty by all accounts. Donna, with Graham on the back, led us out of the hotel at 1230, destination a small cathedral town a couple of hours away. We're almost on the outskirts of Munich, and from here there is no urban sprawl - the transition from city to county is pronounced and immediate, and here after it is small towns and villages, perhaps as little as 1km apart (sometimes as much as 3-4km, but rarely more). Between these hamlets is either pasture, (a patch work of grass and crops, with no fences)or woodland. The roads are unbelievably good, both from a riders perspective, and their condition (NZ road builders should take note - zero pot holes). Having said that, the roads are usually quite narrow, with just enough room for two cars (or a Harley and one of the many big Claas or Duetz tractors) to pass head on. There are no berms, kerbing, and for the most part, no centre lines. Being the first fine weekend in ages, many local cyclists were making up for lost time - apparently it is considered poor form to bowl them over, and because every sharing the road was courteous, things seemed to work well. We arrived at our cathedral and as always were in aware of the effort and skill of the medieval craftsmen, not to mention the huge cost imposed on the poor locals... I have often made mention of the plinths and memorials found in every small town in new Zealand honouring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, dying defending King & Country - there was a roll of honour in the entrance to this Church honouring the many young local boys who also paid a similar price. Lunch in a beer garden, wurst and sauerkraut, but unfortunately no beer whilst riding (and is was very hot, so the temptation was great), before moving on. As a fairly frequent traveller to Germany in years gone by I used to be able to get by in restaurants and shops, unfortunately, "use it or lose it" applies - bugger. One of the treats of the day was passing a string of teenage boys, all riding mopeds, wearing imitation WWII helmets, some texting as they went... We've just arrived back at the hotel having out run a big storm we saw brewing - I can hear it percolating as I write, but hopefully it will have passed by morning Comments are closed.
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Don MalcolmA perfect day involves being on my Harley with a long ride ahead.
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