To Singen

July 27, 2024

And proving the 'two degrees of separation' hypothesis

Spotted on the way to dinner last night. I don't know why this appeals to me...but it does.

Last night and tonight we've stayed in an Ibis hotel, a TL favourite. It certainly has the advantage that you know what to expect. Here in Singen, the comfort level is a cut above last night's experience in Konstanz. For instance, we're sitting in the lobby drinking gratis coffee as I write this, a definite thumbs up. Last night, though, our Ibis was very close to the water - so it was an easy amble from the hotel to a busy lakefront bierkeller. We enjoyed a cheap and cheerful outdoor dinner there, with lashings of ambience, before the lights went out. Tonight's meal will be a picnic in our room. Before the lights go out.

Today is Saturday. In my universe this means parkrun-day. We wake early, giving oureles plenty of time to bemoan the complete absence of any tea or coffee-making facilities. (Breakfast was an add-on and a waste for me; I can't exercise on a full stomach.) Eventually, we're ready for the short ride to the Hockgraben parkrun where we're greeted by a small bunch of volunteers and local runners.

But there's a surprise: we're not the first Kiwis to make it here this morning. Isobel, an Aucklander, is well into her eight-week solo cycle tour of European bike paths/parkruns. A kindred spirit! A quick chat soon further validates that Kiwi aphorism: We know of someone in common - that's our 2 degrees. But come to think of it, so do a number of CycleBlazers. Isobel is not on CycleBlaze but does know of the exploits of Tricia and Ken Graham. It's a small country.

The finish line looms. It's too hot to run, so it's a brisk walk this morning .

Parkrun successfully ticked off, we cycle back to the hotel, via an enticing backerie for morning coffee and sweet treat. Check-out time is 12 noon and we're outside the hotel, putting panniers on, by 12.05.

We've learnt from experience to factor in shorter distances on parkrun days, so it's just a 30+km hop to tonight's destination, Singen. We have the Untersee for company until our paths diverge. Well, sort of. The lake is never far away but there's a great stretch of greenery (often bamboo) between our path and its shores. Luckily, Allensbach turns up in time for our late lunch. It's obviously a very popular lakefront spot for families but it also suits us, offering a shady seat and a lake view. And, at last, after our third attempt at finding a gas canister, we enjoy a cup of tea with our bakery lunch treats.

But I turned away from the lake for these views of Allensbach.

The rest of the ride continues comfortably on dedicated, well-sealed bike paths mostly, with some gravel sections and shared roads for variety. We're never far from a motorway or a railway line, which as as you know, doesn't make for wonderful photos but carves an efficient path to our destination. So we're in front of our second Ibis not long after 3.00, being shown our secure bike parking spot (another black mark for Ibis Konstanz). You know the rest.

Tomorrow will be a big mileage day. And while a brief rainfall this evening has lowered the temperature, we expect the heat to continue. I could be breaking out my DaBrim.

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Here's a trailer of yours truly to finish. He's building up to the full movie-length version.

Today's ride: 34 km (21 miles)
Total: 110 km (68 miles)

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