August 1, 2024
To Calw
We both wake up too early and, half awake, talk of plans for the day. There's no rain after last night's thunderstorm so I check the weather apps: Fine this morning but further thunderstorm predicted for the region from 12 noon. That wakes us up.
In no time, we've packed up the apartment, breakfasted and reloaded the bikes. It's 7.40am - a record early start - and we're going to outrun the storm.
Last night, we decided to re-route, ditching the longer ride through the (hilly) forest in favour of a more direct approach to Calw. So Bruce and Strava come up with a new route, with the proviso that if Strava deviates from the cycle path, it will be ignored. We have great confidence in the network of cycle paths we've encountered so far in Germany. In fact, the times we've come to grief have been because we've missed a crucial sign.
The first climb starts not long after we leave Freudenstadt and is relentless. There's more pushing than I'd like but the reward is a glorious ride in open space high above the valley below. It's rolling and green with panoramic views of farmland and forest. Next, we join the Nagold River valley and are treated to a long downhill ride to the busy little town of Altensteig.
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We enjoy our coffee and treat in Altensteig, knwing that we've made good progress already this morning.
Part two of the ride sees us climb steeply again before enjoying pastoral views from up on high. After Wart, we're back into forestry blocks, following a good-quality gravel road which eventually drops downhill into a narrow gorge. Which then segues into another narrow gorge, this time rejoining the Nagold river. Still losing altitude, we stay on the gravel track high above the road until we have no choice but to drop down and rejoin the road.
It's shoulderless, of course, and busy. We have plenty of speed and are prepared to go for it, until Bruce suddenly spots the start of another cycle path on the opposite side of the expressway. What a fitting way to end today's ride, accompanying the majestic Nagold river down its valley on a sealed path all the way to the ancient town of Calw.
And can I say how satisfying it is to experience a fully-fledged thunderstorm 30 minutes later from the safety of our 2nd floor room?
We've both enjoyed the network of cycle paths in the Black Forest region. At times, these paths have been gravelled, especially through forests, but the wayfaring has been excellent. Strava was indeed often ignored.
This was a great ride.
Today's ride: 50 km (31 miles)
Total: 353 km (219 miles)
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