tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76732153366219833492024-02-19T00:51:02.552-08:00Gibbon and GasbagA record of our events and trips as we near retirement.WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-69981248438169106222018-03-26T22:04:00.001-07:002018-03-26T22:04:59.736-07:00WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-82931044708311594002016-09-04T09:22:00.001-07:002016-09-04T09:22:06.068-07:00<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><a href='https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1338050074?share_unique_id=5'>https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1338050074?share_unique_id=5</a></div>WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-51852418116558017842016-09-03T13:02:00.001-07:002016-09-03T13:02:59.406-07:00Vienna to Bratislava<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>First day of our bike tour from Vienna to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Slovakia separated from Czech republic in 1993. We cycled through the former "iron curtain" which was controlled by the Soviets in 1989.<br/>
Weather was hot and still ,but with good paths we made good time. <br/>
Stopped at a lovely castle/ hunting lodge owned by the Habsburgs for coffee.<br/>
Once in Bratislava wondered around the town centre before having dinner in a quaint restaurant and then walking up to the castle on the hot balmy night. <br/>
<a href='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8QJjsmRGlQw/V8sscOqoUII/AAAAAAAAfyU/CR1Zmy0hrFI/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8QJjsmRGlQw/V8sscOqoUII/AAAAAAAAfyU/CR1Zmy0hrFI/s640/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;'/></a><br/>
<a href='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v22qqq_1RUA/V8sscuhVpSI/AAAAAAAAfyY/HIOGob5MbkI/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v22qqq_1RUA/V8sscuhVpSI/AAAAAAAAfyY/HIOGob5MbkI/s640/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;'/></a></div>WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-54310241031168203332016-09-03T12:59:00.001-07:002016-09-03T12:59:13.290-07:00Vienna to Bratislava<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>First day of our bike tour from Vienna to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Slovakia separated from Czech republic in 1993. We cycled through the former "iron curtain" which was controlled by the Soviets in 1989.<br/>
Weather was hot and still ,but with good paths we made good time. <br/>
Stopped at a lovely castle/ hunting lodge owned by the Habsburgs for coffee.<br/>
Once in Bratislava wondered around the town centre before having dinner in a quaint restaurant and then walking up to the castle on the hot balmy night. <br/>
<a href='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dXmXs2_P8Xw/V8srj2tEl6I/AAAAAAAAfyM/vFNG9TD6kfU/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dXmXs2_P8Xw/V8srj2tEl6I/AAAAAAAAfyM/vFNG9TD6kfU/s640/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;'/></a><br/>
<a href='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-41I2HIALZYc/V8srkElSJlI/AAAAAAAAfyQ/NdZ-Hy5ZP_A/s2560/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg' onblur='try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}'><img border='0' src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-41I2HIALZYc/V8srkElSJlI/AAAAAAAAfyQ/NdZ-Hy5ZP_A/s640/%25255BUNSET%25255D.jpg' style='display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;'/></a></div>WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-25884407651470469142015-06-29T05:54:00.001-07:002015-06-29T05:54:56.470-07:00Cycle between Bournemouth to DorchesterEnjoyed the night at the Hotel with a bigger room with ensuite. Some noise as party goers arrived back at about 4.00am in the morning.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yy_KFvtlALE/VZExucWvyOI/AAAAAAAAaQ4/E8UmQsqq_Ro/s1600/P_20150628_094653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yy_KFvtlALE/VZExucWvyOI/AAAAAAAAaQ4/E8UmQsqq_Ro/s320/P_20150628_094653.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Much nicer ride today, by sticking to roads and avoiding rough tracks. Rode along the beachfront at Bournemouth which was miles long. Was planning to use the ferry across from sandbanks but somehow missed the turning. I decided against turning back so went along the waterfront at Poole.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21sll8w7zx0/VZExudQArwI/AAAAAAAAaQ4/QHEBKFvTmDY/s1600/P_20150628_115756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-21sll8w7zx0/VZExudQArwI/AAAAAAAAaQ4/QHEBKFvTmDY/s320/P_20150628_115756.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D3u5o8Lrl5Q/VZExuTpAtjI/AAAAAAAAaQ4/5GatgT5nNtA/s1600/P_20150628_121551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D3u5o8Lrl5Q/VZExuTpAtjI/AAAAAAAAaQ4/5GatgT5nNtA/s320/P_20150628_121551.jpg" width="320" /></a>Got through Wareham and then found the CTC cycle route 2 which was signposted superbly all the way to Dorchester.<br />
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When I got to Moreton, texted Sue who said she was going to her sisters farm at Puddletown so I made a detour and met her there. My legs were getting pretty tired so I was relieved to avoid the extra kilometers to Dorchester.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500px" src="//ridewithgps.com/trips/5297543/embed" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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<br />WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-59070597561594948652015-06-27T11:49:00.001-07:002015-06-29T04:41:14.692-07:00Cycling between Southhampton and Bournemouth 56.5 kms<div style="padding: 5px; text-align: center;">
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Hotel last night was very basic with single bed and shared bathroom. It was a pub really with accommodation and slightly noisy til closing time. Tired so slept well.<br />
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Today was tough!! Started OK with nice boat ride out of Southampton across to Hyde. There is a little train in Hyde which carries you down the long pier. Could have ridden on bike but hadn't unfolded the Brompton so gave it a go.</div>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GCxVF-fTmsI/VY7vzCIIOjI/AAAAAAAAaOI/2X_Jf6U7dbY/1435429734622.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GCxVF-fTmsI/VY7vzCIIOjI/AAAAAAAAaOI/2X_Jf6U7dbY/1435429734622.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yMGN91MtvRw/VY7v4fCRD1I/AAAAAAAAaOQ/R8YByrsat6A/1435429757178.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yMGN91MtvRw/VY7v4fCRD1I/AAAAAAAAaOQ/R8YByrsat6A/1435429757178.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vlav2xnemEE/VY7wAKEFikI/AAAAAAAAaOY/-9wtO7dQofE/1435430337685.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vlav2xnemEE/VY7wAKEFikI/AAAAAAAAaOY/-9wtO7dQofE/1435430337685.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a><span style="text-align: start;">Got to the start of the New Forest and then things started to go wrong. First the wind was very strong across the tops and directly head on. Then my gps completely died. Wasn't the battery and I could not restart it. Got lost completely. Ended up going in circles on the forest tracks. luckily a Saturday so lots of trampers to ask. The CTC bike map was inadequate. My phone map was just for roads so no indication of forest tracks. I ended up on very rough bridal tracks so the Brompton wheels got bogged down in the mud.</span></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AdnJXzf8lCU/VY7wDsGUIhI/AAAAAAAAaOg/8OguS7yeqPg/1435430347742.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AdnJXzf8lCU/VY7wDsGUIhI/AAAAAAAAaOg/8OguS7yeqPg/1435430347742.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></div>
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Lots of New forest ponies around, in fact I had to go through a herd of them as they were hiding under a railway bridge to get out of the sun. </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MQHIL8o9RFU/VY7wI4eb1zI/AAAAAAAAaOo/v2zql7b7I3g/1435430367330.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MQHIL8o9RFU/VY7wI4eb1zI/AAAAAAAAaOo/v2zql7b7I3g/1435430367330.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></div>
Reached Brockenhurst and civilization so decided to go via the roads rather than risk going through more forest tracks. Once out of the New Forest things got better although tricky navigation getting into Bournemouth. </div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B0UvAO354lU/VY7wPnxiXeI/AAAAAAAAaO4/HjWfp4qrbmg/1435430629646.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B0UvAO354lU/VY7wPnxiXeI/AAAAAAAAaO4/HjWfp4qrbmg/1435430629646.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></div>
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Once I found I could cycle along the beach front made it a lot easier. A rather typical Day at the beach with huge crowds on Bournemouth waterfront.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="500px" src="//ridewithgps.com/routes/8771500/embed?privacy_code=pJtXKxvc39xzhwll" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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Deserved a beer and pizza after a nice shower. The hotel is a lot better than last night.<br />
Hope tomorrow, the last day goes better. I can see a new Garmin being needed!</div>
<br />WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0Bournemouth, United Kingdom50.7166998 -1.888005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-26223871782504401282015-06-26T12:40:00.001-07:002015-06-29T03:51:55.504-07:00Cycle from Hayling Island to Southhampton 34.6 kms<div style="padding: 5px; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Origionaly planning to cycle from Hayling Island to Southhampton, but the ferry from Hayling island to Portsmouth has just gone bust. Sue drove me to Gosport on her way to Dorchester so cheated a little.</span></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yewjuw6K3R4/VY2qjghVI_I/AAAAAAAAaJI/G8miHDxgSgg/1435347514421.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yewjuw6K3R4/VY2qjghVI_I/AAAAAAAAaJI/G8miHDxgSgg/1435347514421.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--lElZzEkMBA/VY2qhwnsIyI/AAAAAAAAaJA/Uab1BvmQ-vw/1435347504646.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--lElZzEkMBA/VY2qhwnsIyI/AAAAAAAAaJA/Uab1BvmQ-vw/1435347504646.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="179" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sEMudbl2Sew/VY2qlMUy5rI/AAAAAAAAaJQ/OsKdOQA10eE/1435347528867.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sEMudbl2Sew/VY2qlMUy5rI/AAAAAAAAaJQ/OsKdOQA10eE/1435347528867.jpg cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></div>
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The ride was great. Lots of coastal views and only short stretches of rough gravel paths. The National Cycle Route 2 was well signposted although I still got lost a few times.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YOqRYuhESps/VZEiYZtCSeI/AAAAAAAAaQY/RSsox39GlxQ/s1600/P_20150626_104244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YOqRYuhESps/VZEiYZtCSeI/AAAAAAAAaQY/RSsox39GlxQ/s320/P_20150626_104244.jpg" width="320" /></a>I got to the River Hamble and was slightly concerned that there would not be a ferry. The tide was a long way out so I walked down onto the foreshore and waved my arms.<br />
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The pink coloured ferry boat came over for me. I was the only passenger. had a good chat with the retired skipper. We talked about the viability of these ferry crossings particularly after the Hayling island ferry had closed.<br />
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The ride into Southampton was reasonable and found the Hotel without much trouble.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ4rldY59D0/VZEjD0KBc8I/AAAAAAAAaQo/blnd7P7p_GM/s1600/P_20150626_130308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ4rldY59D0/VZEjD0KBc8I/AAAAAAAAaQo/blnd7P7p_GM/s320/P_20150626_130308.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
See the stats at <a href="https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/815666295#.VZEfH_ioNGg.blogger">Garmin Connect</a><br />
about 36 kms only.</div>
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<br />WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0Southampton, United Kingdom50.9152619 -1.4149437tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-73041624379544743912015-06-18T08:15:00.001-07:002015-06-18T08:15:38.122-07:00Krems to Emmersdorf<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nJXIsIoqT_k/VYLfR5Yu6KI/AAAAAAAAZxE/iRvzBT-vvHY/1434635366370.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nJXIsIoqT_k/VYLfR5Yu6KI/AAAAAAAAZxE/iRvzBT-vvHY/1434635366370.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xCxTJKT82jE/VYLgkplcNnI/AAAAAAAAZxQ/pAJZKcECB4k/1434635372866.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xCxTJKT82jE/VYLgkplcNnI/AAAAAAAAZxQ/pAJZKcECB4k/1434635372866.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Simple day today. We steamed all night on the boat from Vienna to Krems. I think by all the noise involved with docking that we arrived about 6.30am at the Krems docking spot. Usual breakfast then off on a 40.2kms ride along the left hand side of the river. this time going up stream and against the wind. Actually a tougher ride thyan expected as was very windy. <br/>
We stopped and looked around Krems, Durnstein, Weissenkirchen and then a final 10km straight run into Emmersdorf. We didnt go up the steep climb to the ruined castle opf Kueringer where Richard the lion Heart was held prisoner, but Gill and Sue went into the Church with a bend in Spitz. Oddly we all got lost and seperated in this town eventually catching up to each other at the church.</p></div><br/>WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-51149840885809175972015-06-17T07:46:00.001-07:002015-06-17T07:46:36.875-07:00More of central Vienna<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WpzNWW-XMPw/VYGIOfkS7lI/AAAAAAAAZwU/3YEihP3l-TU/1434552120962.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WpzNWW-XMPw/VYGIOfkS7lI/AAAAAAAAZwU/3YEihP3l-TU/1434552120962.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fp6flz_7AwE/VYGIPsjRcPI/AAAAAAAAZwc/gCwZ8SPFjZs/1434552149780.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fp6flz_7AwE/VYGIPsjRcPI/AAAAAAAAZwc/gCwZ8SPFjZs/1434552149780.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-csPtH2gDM6M/VYGIRLPdxlI/AAAAAAAAZwk/rRAJc5ea30o/1434552158007.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-csPtH2gDM6M/VYGIRLPdxlI/AAAAAAAAZwk/rRAJc5ea30o/1434552158007.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>After the tour guide left us we looked for a place with wifi but not much success in central Vienna. Found a nice ice cream shop though. We are out to a concert tonight tonight which I presume will involve plenty of Strauss.</p></div><br/>WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-64859928577241471702015-06-17T07:40:00.001-07:002015-06-17T07:40:18.305-07:00Day in Vienna<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4NLzVAGosDs/VYGGvBOIa0I/AAAAAAAAZv4/qiWI_WTb7P8/1434551632756.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4NLzVAGosDs/VYGGvBOIa0I/AAAAAAAAZv4/qiWI_WTb7P8/1434551632756.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ACkZCYLpgzY/VYGGw27nFfI/AAAAAAAAZwA/7-OBNq5wka4/1434551640724.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ACkZCYLpgzY/VYGGw27nFfI/AAAAAAAAZwA/7-OBNq5wka4/1434551640724.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F8wypRAXBFA/VYGGyeugkaI/AAAAAAAAZwI/b74iIEikeLk/1434551651966.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F8wypRAXBFA/VYGGyeugkaI/AAAAAAAAZwI/b74iIEikeLk/1434551651966.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Supposed to be a day of rest in Vienna but we decided to go with a Bicycle tour guide around the famous sights of Vienna.<br/>
Saw some yesterday but we got a good explanation of all the history of the buildings. Our guide was very knowledgable with her background of history at university.</p></div><br/>WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-30443018394802316772015-06-16T12:30:00.001-07:002015-06-16T12:30:51.541-07:00The German language sometimes makes you laugh.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ICs8keqjy4A/VYB5RaoSfdI/AAAAAAAAZvo/ZLgiSrOnCX8/s1600/P_20150616_145159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ICs8keqjy4A/VYB5RaoSfdI/AAAAAAAAZvo/ZLgiSrOnCX8/s640/P_20150616_145159.jpg"> </a> </div>WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-59720348864650573662015-06-16T09:44:00.001-07:002015-06-16T09:44:49.688-07:00Arrival in Vienna<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SIcAvpY_pZk/VYBSdwYjvvI/AAAAAAAAZvQ/CiHD-Q6_Hr8/1434473050823.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SIcAvpY_pZk/VYBSdwYjvvI/AAAAAAAAZvQ/CiHD-Q6_Hr8/1434473050823.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1moNX5wliKw/VYBSf5Dy-KI/AAAAAAAAZvY/9Gh5mqnqfKs/1434473057717.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1moNX5wliKw/VYBSf5Dy-KI/AAAAAAAAZvY/9Gh5mqnqfKs/1434473057717.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>After our pleasant wander around the garden centre we setoff on the bikes for a gentle 32kms ride down the right side of the Danube to the outskirts of Vienna. Had lunch and changed and headed into the centre of vienna on the local tram system. The centre of town is impressive with great extravagant building and the imressive St Stevens Cathedral. </p></div><br/>WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-25316103882666124712015-06-16T07:28:00.001-07:002015-06-16T07:28:14.743-07:00Tulln to Vienna<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ktM1bMFwes/VYAoJ3qZnpI/AAAAAAAAZt0/h414WPNTzpc/1434461712714.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ktM1bMFwes/VYAoJ3qZnpI/AAAAAAAAZt0/h414WPNTzpc/1434461712714.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SgY1DVHkclw/VYAoQLyWIcI/AAAAAAAAZt8/GZ5hvhI1CmI/1434461741009.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SgY1DVHkclw/VYAoQLyWIcI/AAAAAAAAZt8/GZ5hvhI1CmI/1434461741009.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>During dinner last night we sailed from Grein to Tulln. Tulln is small but lovely village just beside the river. The highlights for us was Hundertwassers boat which was being restored by the docking place(of interest to those who live in Whangarei) and the fantastic garden exhibition. The garden had lots of different areas dedicated to specific garden designs.</p></div><br/><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Wz0GEn39U8/VYAtxGvr-zI/AAAAAAAAZuU/ZxBx6wWHM6Q/1434462152631.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Wz0GEn39U8/VYAtxGvr-zI/AAAAAAAAZuU/ZxBx6wWHM6Q/1434462152631.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XpbvE3cs2Mk/VYAydv2QKGI/AAAAAAAAZug/ZIBohV6t3a8/1434462169531.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XpbvE3cs2Mk/VYAydv2QKGI/AAAAAAAAZug/ZIBohV6t3a8/1434462169531.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p></p></div><br/>WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-75821347330534474592015-06-15T07:44:00.001-07:002015-06-15T07:44:41.936-07:00 Grein to Melk. 48 kms<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XdV501FfwFE/VX7ktmtxghI/AAAAAAAAZsk/2FirWyyzGXw/1434378729453.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XdV501FfwFE/VX7ktmtxghI/AAAAAAAAZsk/2FirWyyzGXw/1434378729453.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v3L7NKfFxdg/VX7kuy-ExAI/AAAAAAAAZss/BQwC4FWJqCI/1434378744690.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v3L7NKfFxdg/VX7kuy-ExAI/AAAAAAAAZss/BQwC4FWJqCI/1434378744690.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Last night we went to the oldest theatre in this part of Europe. Small, intimate and unique. Lots of history in this small town and good explanations from the Guide. Interesting to see how high the Rhine has flooded over the years</p></div><br/><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rvi_ediauRM/VX7kwNKqmDI/AAAAAAAAZs0/35Zv0hqFxWQ/1434378984059.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rvi_ediauRM/VX7kwNKqmDI/AAAAAAAAZs0/35Zv0hqFxWQ/1434378984059.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u-IQb6bKkCA/VX7kxHJZn5I/AAAAAAAAZs8/8OUShstbMNA/1434378999144.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u-IQb6bKkCA/VX7kxHJZn5I/AAAAAAAAZs8/8OUShstbMNA/1434378999144.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>This morning we had a very good flat ride from Grein to Melk. Lovely wooded countryside all along the banks with occasional small villages. We had to cross the nrhine on a small boat to get to the southewrn embankment which was virtually car free.</p></div><br/><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RFZdwNqk8XY/VX7kyHwfSYI/AAAAAAAAZtE/DBkbt73D4XI/1434379190728.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RFZdwNqk8XY/VX7kyHwfSYI/AAAAAAAAZtE/DBkbt73D4XI/1434379190728.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Stopped at Ybbs for morning coffee. Classic village square with Bicycle museum for all the radfahrers. Met some kiwis who are cycling the whole Danube to Budapest. </p></div><br/><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RDb2Ix3Hf80/VX7kzbELFxI/AAAAAAAAZtM/KTMKSvIBW0g/1434379404625.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RDb2Ix3Hf80/VX7kzbELFxI/AAAAAAAAZtM/KTMKSvIBW0g/1434379404625.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bgzk5Q-IazE/VX7k0h1Jl3I/AAAAAAAAZtU/yLgwlGDxpp8/1434379410230.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bgzk5Q-IazE/VX7k0h1Jl3I/AAAAAAAAZtU/yLgwlGDxpp8/1434379410230.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>Cycled on after coffee to make Melk by just after lunch so that we could get to do the tour of the Monestry by 3.00pm. Sue and Gill did the tour while I wondered the town. Scenic and beautifully looked after. Lots of cyclists and tourists.</p></div><br/>WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-55401057267512449102015-06-14T13:03:00.001-07:002015-06-15T07:49:07.802-07:00Biking and boating down the Danube<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1j-dc7fG3G4/VX7l2jUqGCI/AAAAAAAAZtc/jhcVi41jSa8/1434379731363.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1j-dc7fG3G4/VX7l2jUqGCI/AAAAAAAAZtc/jhcVi41jSa8/1434379731363.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0YRofVVVCNw/VX7l3EVA10I/AAAAAAAAZtk/2-y-OeduMko/1434379710449.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0YRofVVVCNw/VX7l3EVA10I/AAAAAAAAZtk/2-y-OeduMko/1434379710449.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>First day on the MS Theodor Korner which is a very comfortable way to cycle the Danube. We arrived in Passau yesterday after a rather tiring journey from Gatwick via Munich. <br/>
Once on board about 5pm we sailed down river during the evening and night to  Mauthausen. Very hot restless night although cabin reasonable size for the three of us. (Jerry, Sue and Gill).<br/>
This morning after a hearty breakfast we cycled to the nearby concentration camp. Good museum there but a depressing place. <br/>
We then cycled on to Clam Castle (about 30 kms) which typically was at the top of a rather long hill. Then all down hill to our stop for the night in Grein.<br/>
Tonight we visit the city theatre at Grein which is the oldest in middle Europe.<br/>
The weather has been very hot and sticky today with the inevitable 'headwind blowing upstream on the Danube. The river is fast flowing and looking rather more brown than blue. We thought about swimming but were warned against a dip until further downstream. <br/>
It is supposed to be cooler tomorrow which will make more pleasant cycling.<br/>
<br/>Tonight we visit the city theatre at Grein which is the oldest in middle Europe.<br/>
The weather has been very hot and sticky today with the inevitable 'headwind blowing upstream on the Danube. The river is fast flowing and looking rather more brown than blue. We thought about swimming but were warned against a dip until further downstream. <br/>
It is supposed to be cooler tomorrow which will make more pleasant cycling.</p></div><br/>WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-23119813831526659772014-09-18T22:41:00.005-07:002014-09-18T22:58:59.000-07:00Skiing Holiday 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQbGE257zR0/VBvB_gRFrQI/AAAAAAAAViA/uAb1M2BdpQg/s1600/20140910_134324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQbGE257zR0/VBvB_gRFrQI/AAAAAAAAViA/uAb1M2BdpQg/s1600/20140910_134324.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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End of season trip to Wanaka with some great weather at Treble Cone. Snow thin at bottom but nice up at the Saddle especially early morning. Great to have Sarah, Scott, Simon and Rosie with us.WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-34969818737278011872014-06-18T11:52:00.001-07:002014-06-18T12:30:03.277-07:00Day 23 Leersum to Utrecht 34 kms<p dir="ltr">Short ride this morning from Leersum to Utrecht where we caught the train to Rotterdam. This means we miss the industrial parts of Holland and can get Gill to Hook by tomorrow to catch the ferry to Harwich.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The most   amazing thing happened yesterday after we went through a small town called Wageningen and stopped at a really nice  coffee shop. Now I dont normally write on toilet walls but this one had a blackboard and chalk in the toilet which was blank so I wrote my initials and that I had cycled from Andermatt. Anyway Frank the cyclist and Leslie who I first met at the first Hotel in Andermat, Switzerland happen to go into the same coffee shop and saw my note. They emailed and we met up again at our campsite. <br>
Frank who origionally was a native of Holland before going to the States in the 50's told us all about Utrecht and where to go. Anyway we visited the canals and saw the restaurants on the sides of the canals. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The ride to Utrecht was pleasant going past very posh houses in huge grounds as well as some wooded areas. Unfortunately did rain abit and the tent was wet to fold up. <br>
Got the train to Rotterdam and had a quick look round. Very modern city with some impressive buildings. Again the roads are busy with cyclists everywhere.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I will accompany Gill to the Hook on the train tomorrow and she will catch the night sailing to Harwich. I will return to Rotterdam before heading to Amsterdam the next day for the Rhinology conference. <br>
My clothes are a right mess after 4 weeks camping so have been to a C& A store to get a business shirt and tie. The Europeans tend to wear suits for conferences so I will have to hide or pretend to be Australian. (Sorry James)</p>
<p dir="ltr">This is probably the end of the trip. I dont know how many Kilometers I have done but will work it out when I get home. Havent quite done as much as I hoped but the effort of carrying all the gear made it hard. A video may have to be done too. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Thanks to all those who have read the recent blog. Hope it wasnt too boring.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The good and the bad of the whole trip.<br>
The good. Realising that it can be done and overcoming all the worries about food, finding somewhere to sleep and having no disasters. More importantly having the company of Sue and Gill. Thanks.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The bad, Probably the extremes of temperature. From 0 degrees in Andermatt to 39 degrees in Germany, and of course realising that camping is hard as you get older. </p>
<p dir="ltr">A special thaks to the makers of Brompton Bikes. They worked flawlessly.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Oa4YOCN0b2o/U6HonXgzCmI/AAAAAAAAQhM/lXYS-0kDt1k/s1600/Screenshot_2014-06-18-20-35-07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Oa4YOCN0b2o/U6HonXgzCmI/AAAAAAAAQhM/lXYS-0kDt1k/s640/Screenshot_2014-06-18-20-35-07.png"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-takouilu-SM/U6Hop4E499I/AAAAAAAAQhU/5x6bI_Zhzzw/s1600/20140618_114355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-takouilu-SM/U6Hop4E499I/AAAAAAAAQhU/5x6bI_Zhzzw/s640/20140618_114355.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZkjP0aw7kQo/U6HorUDg61I/AAAAAAAAQhc/vdkb4xnfDiQ/s1600/20140618_133850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZkjP0aw7kQo/U6HorUDg61I/AAAAAAAAQhc/vdkb4xnfDiQ/s640/20140618_133850.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fUPbLT73dYQ/U6HouAtVaTI/AAAAAAAAQhk/ESCbyZUJ6AY/s1600/20140618_113027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fUPbLT73dYQ/U6HouAtVaTI/AAAAAAAAQhk/ESCbyZUJ6AY/s640/20140618_113027.jpg"> </a> </div>WVGChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05231678398182640354noreply@blogger.com0EuroHotel, Baan 14-20, Rotterdam51.91524 4.48066tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7673215336621983349.post-13785473640582124822014-06-17T07:06:00.001-07:002014-06-18T11:36:55.986-07:00Day 22 Oosterbeek to Leersum 36kms<p dir="ltr">Just a short day. Coldish this morning but nice ride. Who said there were no hills in Holland. We had more hills today that the whole of the Rhine in Germany. The bike trails are great but don't follow the Rhine exactly so that why we are going up hills. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Was worried today that we were in Holland and hadn't seen either tulips or a windmill. Glad to say we saw our first windmill mid morning just after a lovely stop for coffee. Nice new restaurant with friendly staff and good food. (Late breakfast). The dutch also speak great English as neither of us can speak a word.<br>
Passed quite a few war memorials and cemetries today as I know this area was fought over alot during the last war.<br>
Found a pleasant campsite as part of a farm with nice hot showers. Lots of fruity farm smells but should be quiet. We were warned that Holland was playing in the world cup tonight so there might be raucous youths about. <br>
We have walked to the nearest town today as I wasnt going to accept biscuits again for dinner tonight.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The good and the bad<br>
Electronics<br>
The good. The solar panels have been great and a days sunshine will charge the cellphone, GPS and Bluetooth walkie talkie. <br>
The bad. The dynamo basically has not worked well at all. Also had 2 spare batteries that have been dud and had to throw away. Bought some new ones that can be charged with solar and mains.</p>
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We cycled more in a straight line today and did not hug the Rhine. So went through some smallish villages and then Arnhem. <br>
Difficult to know exactly which country you are in but start to notice peoples houses are decorated with flags for the football world cup. And now we see Dutch flags. And then we saw one smallish sign saying Netherlands 1 km. Nothing else. (Europe is football mad at the moment)</p>
<p dir="ltr">Arnhem is a cyclist city with bike paths taking presidence to roads but the cyclist dont seem to have any rules and come at you from all directions. The cycle paths have central dotted lines, their own traffic lights and  cars give way to all cycle paths.<br>
Found a rather isolated but pleasant campsite by the river. Nice showers and loos. Has a cafe but is closed on Mondays!!! So biscuits and water again tonight. No WIFI again.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Forgot about the good and bad yesterday. Navigation<br>
The good-- having a GPS so that you know where you are. <br>
The bad-- Having 2 GPS's which each tell you to go in a different direction.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">Followed the Rhine trail fairly closely today and the only real complaint was the wind. As usual it always seems you are gong into it. The fact that there were a large number of huge wind generators suggests it would be windy. It has got pretty flat as we approach Holland. <br>
Lots out cycling today with family riding every concievable type of cycle with lots of electric powered ones. But all ages are out there on a Sunday afternoon.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The first campsite we found was for static campers only so had to go on further. Stopped at a pleasant quiet one, but has limited fascilities so once again only some buscuits to eat since breakfast. Must be better prepared for tomorrow.<br>
Probably only three more days of full cycling so certainly underestimated the distances that we could travel pulling rather heavy trailers.</p>
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As we were boarding the ferry with bikes and trailers bumped into the American couple I had meet on my first day of the trip in Andermatt. Very hospitable couple. He is a very fit 75 year old and they got up the first mountain pass out of Andermatt when I had taken train. They also found the heat unbearable so have had some rest days and train sections. They have been staying in Hotels rather than camping and have sent a lot of their excess gear back by post, so not carrying as much as we are.<br>
The scenary between Bonn and Driesberg is very industrial so we may get an early train and bypass that and get back to cycling mid morning tomorrow. Hope to get out into some countryside as cities are hard to ride through. <br>
Arrived at Hotel in cologne about 7 pm, got a room and when we opened the door found peoples clothes and luggage in the room and realise we were double booked. Luckily had a spare twin room for us.<br>
Look forward to a good ride tomorrow as legs have just about stopped hurting. </p>
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<p dir="ltr">By mid afternoon we were in Bonn and had a wander around the central city. Beethoven memerobilia everywhere.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> Tomorrow we plan to take the boat from Bonn to Cologne, although it doesnt leave until the late afternoon.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Good and the Bad<br>
Cycling surface.<br>
The good- newly laid tarmac<br>
The Bad- old cobble stones. Terrible on hands and bottom!<br>
</p>
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<p dir="ltr">This is probably the prettiest part of the German Rhine with castles and vineyards on both sides of the Rhine gorge. Lots of tourists boats plying up and down. <br>
We started from Geisenheim fairly early after a reasonable night in the tent. Temperature down to acceptable levels. Crossed the rhine almost immediately to Bingen. Made good progress along the southern bank although as would be expected the wind was fresh up the valley and through the gorge. <br>
Had lunch- a plain roll and coffee at a lovely village called Bacharach. Real classic old German village. Castles on every hill!!<br>
Legs really started to complain as the day went on and got to Kablenz as planned. Good campsite with new fascilities but cold showers. Gill can handle that but took me a while to wash with lots of gasps and groans.<br>
We are behind on schedule so may do some of the industrial central part of the Rhine by boat or train. </p>
<p dir="ltr">OK now the good and bad. Accommadation<br>
The good- finding a nice campsite with a restaurant and good hot showers. <br>
The bad- worrying all day if we can find somewhere to stay!</p>
<p dir="ltr">PS look on Gills timeline on Facebook. See Gill Ralphs</p>
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Pleasant night at Hotel but still very hot as we were in rooms at the top. Included breakfast was great and an early start gave us the edge to keep going.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Passed through Oppenheim and then onto Mainz where we crossed the river to the Northern bank which was a change from the industrial south side. Passed through some lovely old villages and lots  of vineyards.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The path disappeared at one stage where they were building a new bridge and we opened a fence to try to get through but got told off for going into a construction site. Found our way out eventually. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Pushed onto campsite which is right on the Rhine in spite of our legs complaining. Had a nice meal and the restaurant next door. Temperature is lovely so we shall sleep well. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I have decided to do a daily whats good and whats bad on all the subjects that interest a touring cyclist such as weather, finding accommadation, sore bums etc.</p>
<p dir="ltr">First Food<br>
The Good. Finding a nice Bakery that has coffee as well. <br>
The Bad. Trying to find any food on a holiday weekend.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Hoping to get to Koblenz tomorrow.</p>
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<p dir="ltr">I think yesterdays heat really stretched us so only did 60kms today. We have also treated ourselves to 2 rooms at a hotel in Worms. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Worms calls itself one of the oldest cities in Germany... We had time to wander round the central city and visit the rather special Cathedral. Had a nice Thai restaurant meal this evening and will retire early with the prospects of a longer ride tomorrow.</p>
<p dir="ltr">And to those who were worried about our lack of food yesterday which probably did affect our performance all the shops were open so there was plenty of choice.<br>
</p>
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