We have raised our sights and are now searching for all the things that make life worth living, and worth cycling to. Each day, we'll report on what we found. It could end up being nothing but schnitzel and strudel!

Thanks Eva. Watch for at least 90 exciting posts, coming up!

Thanks for the nice message Rich. Maybe we'll find you and say hi, next time in France!

I think you're right, that there are thousands of wonderful things you're going to see on your route. I'm glad you're going to share them with us.

You allude to your family matters in ways that remind me of that first empty nest period when my youngest left for college and it was time for me to look out at the world for myself. It's a vivid time and like all vivid times, it's bittersweet. Speed Turtles/Grampies. You two are both.

Safe journeys! After your search for the perfect Poc Chuc, what will it be this trip?

Cheers,

Doug & Elaine

So glad you're off again! We look forward to following along.

I'm so glad you're back at the cycle touring thing. I was worried after Dodie's crash. I'll be following along intently!!

For our great expectations go for it and have fun.

As you will see in a subsequent post, we seem to also think schnitzel with noodles has something to do with it!

But yes, if you look at the blogs in "grid view" you will see our photo of a tee shirt that recognizes the use of a bike in the pursuit of happiness. Susan Carpenter's photo follows the same theme!

We should be able to build on Monty Python's lame effort!

We do like Germany because of the extensive cycling infrastructure, usually separated from the drivers. German and even French drivers are actually ok, but we will touch on six countries. That includes a bit of Italy, which is oh oh!

We used amazon.de and sent a pile of Magura brake pads ahead to Leipzig. We are set to take it slow and easy.

Dodie is not actually 100%, but there are some advantages. For example she does not remember Mexico, so she can be fearless (but cautious!) again.

Yes, we are looking at the Elbe as a training track, and we'll stick to rivers in the first half. By the second half of the ride we'll either be frazzled or in great shape for the Alps.

When you see the route in a post coming soon, you will note a fair bit of toying with the Alps, about which we are doubtful. But there is always the train!

Meaning of life? Why are we here? Well, to ride our bikes of course. Looking forward to your adventures, and especially when you get to Munich! Bis dann!

Sorry to hear about Dodie's accident. But I gather from your intro (Meaning of Life - didn't Monty Python already appropriate that title?) that your instinctual reaction is to cycle. Very impressive, Steve and Dodie! I'm sure the roads in Germany are excellent...but I'm not sure about the drivers. Safe cycling! And keep spinning your tale!