September 6, 2024
To Isny im Allgäu
The Allgäu is a fantastic area for cycling and each day I thank Suzanne for suggesting we find time for a short tour together. As wonderful as the past three days have been, today’s ride topped them all. The threat of rain had passed, leaving us with brilliant blue skies and sunshine. A perfect day for tackling the ups and downs of the Allgäu on our way to Isny.
The cycling here has been wonderful, but somewhat challenging. Given our experiences over the past few days, Suzanne had proposed a new route to Isny – one with fewer miles but similar elevation gain. We both concurred on fewer miles, so we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in the hotel solarium and after a short bakery stop for provisions we were rolling toward Isny.
The climbing began straight away and as I crested the rise, I saw Suzanne waiting for me, camera in hand and surrounded by blue skies and green fields. A perfect spot for group photo! We were elated and feeling strong as we continued on, sweeping down through the small villages of Memersch and Petersthal along an ancient salt route.
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2 months ago
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We circled the southern end of the Rottachspeicher dam and then conquered the second climb of the day, a short uphill followed by a thrilling descent toward the Iller River. It was there that we met Charlie, a solo traveler heading east. Suzanne and he had nice chat in German during which she learned of his interesting life and travels throughout the world. After a bit, the conversation switched to English and turned towards the subject of cycling, eBikes, and aging. A short philosophical break in the Allgäu.
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2 months ago
We cruised along the Iller River on a nice stretch of relatively flat terrain where we stopped for a rest and a bite to eat, fortifying ourselves for the big climb of the day. After crossing the Iller into Martinszell, the route directed us up a steep cycle path with a series of short switch backs protected by guardrails – a ride neither of us was anxious to try. Suzanne opted to ride longer route around on the road while I took the shorter hike-a-bike up straight up the slope.
The hike up from Martinszell was just the appetizer for the big climb of the day – 2.7 miles averaging 6.9% and topping out at 16.5% - a challenge that forced me off the saddle for several short stretches. I had a lot of time to think while slowly pedaling on the bike and realized how much more I would be enjoying myself if I had a little power assist. Perhaps the promise of an eBike would be a nice way to commemorate my 73rd birthday tomorrow.
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The rewards of the climb were many, fantastic views and descents just to name two. It was all downhill to Isny, and the remaining miles were so enjoyable that we rarely stopped for pictures. We were spending two nights in Isny at Schloss Neutrauchburg, a small chateau on the outskirts of town where the bikes spent the night in a former carriage house. Our the rooms were quite grand, with a settee and a bathroom bigger than most of our previous bedrooms. You know you’re in upscale lodging when there are special towels for removing make-up.
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The splendid weather continued into the evening and we enjoyed a nice meal on the terrace at a neighboring restaurant. When paying the bill, our server asked if we were from the nearby rehabilitation center and thus deserving of a 10% discount. Perhaps we looked as if we needed rehab, but we were both feeling just fine – a little tired but very happy at the end of another great day in the Allgäu.
Today's ride: 33 miles (53 km)
Total: 2,178 miles (3,505 km)
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PS: We're both Virgos!
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