Ebersberg to Gauting

October 10, 2024

The weather forecast was discouraging, rain was predicted for the whole day, starting at around nine o'clock. The good news was that we were at the last station of the S-6 city train line which goes through Munich and on to Gauting. It's a ride of more than an hour with many stops and I would have to stand next to and hold my bike, but I thought more pleasant than riding many hours in the rain.

Janos was feeling determined. He declared he was going to ride the 55 km home, regardless. He consulted the weather radar and figured he could avoid the worst of the downpour. I decided to aim for the 11:02 train, and if the rain let up by then maybe I would change my mind and join Janos.

I still wasn't sure what I was going to do, but when we left at around 10:30 there was only a fine drizzle. I decided to ride. I really preferred to finish the tour on my bike. My intended strategy was to make frequent coffee or food stops to dry off and warm up. I expected the whole ride would be predominantly through built up areas south of Munich which would offer plenty of cafes or eateries.

It wasn't long before it began to pour, but we were too far from the train station now. I didn't want to turn back so I just I zippered up my rain jacket and pedaled. No more pictures for a while although the countryside was of rolling hills and harvested fields. I certainly would have wanted to snap a few shots if it had been dry enough to get my camera out.

Eventually, the rain got lighter and was again just a light drizzle.

I have my camera out again, maybe after an hour. Taking pictures because I can.

We passed fields of sunflowers and soy beans.

By km 23 we were in Grasbrunn. I was chilled and looking for a place to stop. No luck so we carried on. It was near noon and I fancied an Italian restaurant and a dish of pasta. Entering the next town, Putzbrunn, first off we see a sign for San Daniele, an Italian restaurant. Bingo! Their lunch special was vegetable soup and a plate of farfalle in a zucchini cream sauce. Perfetto!

After a warming meal, just 30 km more to go

I truly felt strengthened from the warmth and food, the rest of the day went faster than I expected. But my gloves and shoes were damp and I hadn't put on my warm jacket under my rain coat since I had only half expected to be riding home. I was chilled and then it finally occurred to me to put on my dry rain gloves (which I hadn't worn in the rain), my rain booties to shelter my feet from the wind (which I hadn't worn in the rain) and my puffy jacket. What a difference, I was finally warm.

In the beginning of the journal I said we would be riding roads that we had already ridden many times - but that turned out not to be the case. In Neubiberg our route took us on a 2 km long airstrip. Neither of us had ever seen or heard of the old military airfield in Neubiberg, now a landscape park with the runway down the center, also known as the "dog mile". The tarmac is popular with skaters and dog walkers alike.

The next surprise was the Grünwalder/Perlacher Forst with its perfect paved paths. Yes, we had ridden in this forest before but not in this part of it and it and we had never appreciated it particularly. Today in the muted fall colors it was lovely. Finally we reach the Isar bike path which we do know well, and then the two-tiered bridge over the Isar at Grosshesselohe, the top level for trains and the lower level for bikes and pedestrians.

Pleasant riding even on a grey and damp day

We were almost home, just 11 km more, when Janos asked if we weren't supposed to be taking frequent breaks. Well, yes! He spied a cafe for a celebratory coffee for him and again cake and tea for me. Then it was just the easy remaining kilometers back to our front door.

Carrot cake and green tea - I think I have had enough cake for a while. Time to taper off!

Home again - and none the worse for wear

We were both delighted with these five days on the road, probably our last tour of the season. Four of the five days we had perfect weather and in some perverse way we also "enjoyed" the rainy day. I'm glad I gave the train a miss and we could finish the ride together on our bikes.

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Today's ride: 54 km (34 miles)
Total: 242 km (150 miles)

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Comment on this entry	Comment	14

Scott AndersonCongratulations! It’s too bad the weather turned on you at the end, but on the whole you had exceptional weather. Looks like a great week.
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2 months ago

Nancy GrahamNice tour with mostly good weather for cycling. Glad you opted to ride home rather than the train. Your plan to stop lots to warm up and eat seemed solid to me. And… it worked. Welcome home.
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2 months ago

Rich FrasierWhat a great idea to do a circuit from home. I’m inspired to try something similar down here next year. I loved the photos and the drone shots!
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2 months ago

Kathleen JonesWhat a nice way to end the cycling season. A great ride. So pretty too.
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2 months ago

Karen PoretThank you for sharing it with all of us! Will miss your journals and photos until…next time! :)
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2 months ago

Suzanne GibsonTo Scott AndersonThanks! Nothing sensational along the route but somehow a very satisfying tour.
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2 months ago

Suzanne GibsonTo Nancy GrahamStopping for refreshment is never a bad idea, right? Thanks for the coffeeneuring reminder. Otherwise I never would have treated myself to so much cake - except you don't have to eat cake with your beverage. My interpretation of the challenge!
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2 months ago

Suzanne GibsonTo Rich FrasierThanks, Rich! Starting from home is such a relaxed approach to touring. Just getting on your bikes is so easy. We all know what train travel involves, and even a car requires a lot more logistics. There is something comfortable and cozy about touring in familiar terrain.
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2 months ago

Suzanne GibsonTo Kathleen JonesIt was kind of perfect, except that it was the last tour of the season.. I want more. Maybe two days with the warm Föhn blowing in January? I can dream, can't I?
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2 months ago

Suzanne GibsonTo Karen PoretAnd thank you for your observant and interested comments! I need you as a proof reader! I look forward to riding and publishing again.
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2 months ago

Mark BinghamThanks for sharing your trip with us. The photos (especially the last day) were amazing!
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2 months ago

Suzanne GibsonTo Mark BinghamThank you so much, Mark!
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2 months ago

Gregory GarceauI've been in Washington visiting the in-laws all week so I've only been on Cycleblaze intermittently. I'm caught up with your journal now and I congratulate you on another fine one. I especially liked the "touring locally," aspect. I'm a big proponent.
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2 months ago

Suzanne GibsonTo Gregory GarceauThanks, Greg! Yes, touring locally has many merits and I'm sure we are going to be doing more in the future.
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2 months ago