To Donauworth - Over the Alps and back again - CycleBlaze

August 5, 2024

To Donauworth

Dallying with the Danube

Leaving the unglamorous but functional LH Hotel, Leipheim. Overnight,we lugged our bikes up then down the steps - to our room top left.
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Michael HutchingWe stayed in one exactly the same in Oy- Mittleberg. After negotiating codes etc, it was great to have freedom to park bikes inside- there was room, and it had all the necessities for independence.
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3 months ago
Robyn RichardsTo Michael HutchingYes, and no having to sneak the bikes inside past reception!
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3 months ago

It doesn't take us long this morning to join the Danube, after a few cross-country km on country roads from Neidlingen. The Donauradweg is not in great shape initially, with heavy scouring  of the path which in some places has had a 'quick fix' of oversized rockfill to make matters worse. Half-hearted barriers have been erected on the worst sections

Adverse weather events in foreign countries can easily be forgotten after the initial news stories come out. I'm certainly guilty of this so when I looked up 'flooding on the Danube 2024', I was saddened to learn that the torrential rainfall and subsequent flooding had happened as recently as two months ago, early June, leading to the deaths of at least six people.  One site, climameter.org, put the devastation firmly in the camp of 'being strengthened by human-driven climate change.' No surprise there.

The narrative of two cyclists making their way through difficult terrain in order to enjoy their cycling adventure pales in comparison with the impact of the flooding on peoples' lives.

It's a pleasant, undemanding day's ride along the Donauradweg - and certainly a change from previous days in the hils.
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The sign warns of possible death to swimmers and boaties because of the disestablishment of the two power stations we passed. I think that's a correct translation.
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This is Dillingen, one of a number of towns the radweg takes us through.
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Today's lunch spot had it all: convenience, seating, shade and historic importance. Just around the corner is the bridge we'll cross over the Danube. It replaced a very old wooden one in 1983. The large cross in the foreground was built from its timbers.
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Meet Leia. She and her besotted humans are into the second week of riding the Danube. She travels in the front basket of Mum's e-bike.
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A birthday treat for me on our arrival in Donauworth.
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Suzanne GibsonHappy Birthday!
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3 months ago
Robyn RichardsThank you, Suzanne!
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3 months ago
Jennie EastonExcellent! A very Happy Birthday Robyn.
Glad the trail is being gentle on you today ❤️🎊
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3 months ago
Robyn RichardsTo Haha yes. When is/was yours?
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3 months ago
And then it's through the majestic Rieder Tor to find our accommodation.
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Here's Bruce's contribution:

Today's ride: 66 km (41 miles)
Total: 582 km (361 miles)

Rate this entry's writing Heart 10
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Toni LinkHappy Birthday!
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3 months ago
Carolyn van HoeveHappy Birthday Robyn! Can’t think of a better way to celebrate a birthday. Looks like you’re having a lovely time with better weather than last year.
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3 months ago
Robyn RichardsThank you both!
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3 months ago