May 26, 2023 to May 28, 2023
Thonse - Wilstedt
Stage 21
Thonse and Wilstedt are two small towns you are unlikely to have heard of, and this section is really Hanover to Hamburg.
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The riding has been a total delight, though woodland, farmland, and an extensive heath. On small country lanes, single track trails and cycle lanes, the days have been interesting because the riding and scenery are so varied.
There was a small power station on the Ortze with interesting historic displays and the Trail used the station gantry to cross the river. Good idea except for the stairs. Heavily loaded bikes and stairs are not a fun mix, and Wally usually tries to fall down the stairs. In this case, I took the two rear bags off before attempting the down stairs. It was still a tricky maneuver, but there were no injuries.
On most main roads now there is at least one cycle lane, and often two. The lane is usually a separated lane, so even though there is traffic noise, I don't have to worry about cars and trucks sharing my lane space. (Bliss!) Sometimes I've not noticed the start of a cycle lane to the left of the road, and by the time I do notice there is a drain, a fence or a barrier keeping me out. On one memorable occasion I ended up on a busy 4 lane road, unable to get across to safety, or go back, so just peddled frantically until a turn out option appeared. Some drivers noisily indicated that they had noticed, but I didn't understand their German, only their loud horns.
The Luneburg Heide (Heath) area was a surprise treat. There are open areas with low growing heather and wide trails of sandy soil, with occasionally, a larger tree. There were many groups out walking or having picnics on this sunny Saturday.
Further on, the Trail went into an area of mountain bike trails through very dense woodland - lots of walkers in this area, including some without clothes - and this part of the ride was about 50 km in total. Well worth a visit.
Hamburg has many watery parts and for the first two hours of leaving my hotel in Harburg, I was beside, or under, or above water. The Elbe Tunnel was fun and a significant piece of the city's walking and cycling infrastructure. (perhaps Auckland can drill a bike tunnel under the harbour? How about it Mayor Wayne??)
Stage 21 ended in Wilstedt after 201km and just 870m of climbing. There was only a small difference in my actual stats: 208 km, and 970m, probably from my side trip to Soltau for the night.
Today's ride: 208 km (129 miles)
Total: 4,391 km (2,727 miles)
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