Somewhere near Marienwedder

August 30, 2018

It all started very well

The forecast was for rain in the morning then clearing up around lunch time. We woke however to dry roads and no rain which was a very good omen. We had been concerned about getting out of Berlin but we really shouldn't have worried as it route was perfectly marked all the way to Bernau, which really is the edge of the city. We enjoyed mixing it up with the kids going to school, mums taking little ones to day care (on bikes of course) and all the morning commuters. Never did it feel the slightest bit dangerous. We were riding through the suburbs and all the housing was in appartments until we were about 10km out - then detached houses started to appear. The only journal I had found of someone doing this route the writer had said they took the train to Bernau as they felt riding there from central Berlin would be too difficult. It wasn't it was fun whipping over the tangle of train lines and motor ways always knowing we were on track

Once you leave Bernau you are in the horse belt that seems to surround Berlin. Never have I seen so many well cared for horses and we did see a few being ridden. It was a first to see someone texting as they rode along

She is picking beans in her lovely garden

We then came to forests that we were to stay in for most of the rest of the day. Some of these appeared to be nature reserves but there was some forestry. It seems that the forestry here is selective logging not clear felling as in New Zealand - it was unclear to us whether the replacements are being planted or whether they were just relying on natural regeneration

By now the rain had started in earnest but our coats are good and we did get some protection from the trees We felt smart getting to Marienwedder - it is tiny off our route on a canal. Here the fun started where was the hotel? The map certainly didn't show it. Eventually a passing tourist from Bulgaria came to our assistance and pointed us down a busy road and said it was about 2km down it. Going along I stopped to check my phone. Ken said 'get off the road', I did but my wheel slipped in the soft sand and over I went onto the asphalt. No damage much to me but unfortunately the screen of the phone is broken - its still working at the moment. We found the hotel - it is like a time warp the rather lovely man has no computer skills so everything is written out in great detail in his beautiful writing - it took aver half an hour to check in and I wonder if we are the first guests that have been here for years.

Today's ride: 58 km (36 miles)
Total: 476 km (296 miles)

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david alstonTricia and Ken,

Rain in Berlin, what's new? It's like you can count on it.

Wouldn't it be nice if ebikes guaranteed no spills? I have taken one on my new bike as well, just a week or so after I got it. Right on my "involed" hip onto a pile of soccer balll sized decorative boulders lining the path. No damage but it totally freaked me (and Maun) out and, I hope, taught me a lesson about being more careful.

Otherwise a very nice ride, be sure to include a picture of your hotel, we just might be in your tracks. Gute Weiterfahrt!

Maun and David
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6 years ago

Keith ClassenTo Hi Trish - glad to hear you weren’t injured. Isn’t this the second tumble this trip for you guys. Don’t be making a habit of that,! Finding hotels that you have booked can be a hassle. I solved that issue for the most part by locating the hotel on Galileo and then placing a bearing point to it on Galileo. Works great for us. Take care and stay vertical on those bikes.
Keith and Kathleen
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6 years ago

Kathleen ClassenHi Trish, I have a friend who says always keep the rubber under you! I know Keith wrote but I had to add my own heartfelt relief that only your phone screen suffered an injury. After my flip over the handle bars drafting behind Keith last year...onto soft ground, no harm done...I swore I would never draft again. There I was, drafting yesterday, otherwise I don’t think I would have made it to Chur because of a ferocious head wind. We took a needed rest day today. From the looks of things we will be riding in the rain tomorrow. Stay safe! We are so enjoying your blog.
Kathleen
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6 years ago

Tao HeThank God, only broke the phone screen without any injury. Ride safely with a lot of fun. Love💌🚴🚵
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6 years ago

Tricia GrahamTo david alstonI try to be careful! Have included a picture of last nights hotel. Today we really went a bit far and there is accommodation before this, even though the towns look small they are holiday destinations
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6 years ago

Tricia GrahamTo Kathleen ClassenIt is such a wonderful ride from Chur to Disentis we did it when we rode up the Rhine a few years ago. Just loved those natural tunnels over the road. You certainly are doing lots of climbing
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6 years ago

Tricia GrahamTo Tao HeI try to be careful! The phone still works can I still keep on using it with a broken screen? What precautions should I take?
Love
Tricia
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6 years ago

Tao HeTo Tricia GrahamYou should be able to use it, if it is still functionally working. Just check if any lose bits might cut your finger (normally shouldn't). The screen should be easily replaced at a store (probably only half an hour). Love, Tao
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6 years ago