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Had a late start today we had to recover from yesterday's testing stage.
We said "non" to the hotel's breakfast (€16) and troughed at a local bagel joint. Jackie had a fruity yoghourt and a giant muffin. I had a big slice of summer fruits cheesecake (sorry Waynetta!).
We left Strasbourg at around 12 noon. For a change we moved across to the east (German) side of the Rhine. This side was much less populated with cyclists. We soon found out why: the cycle track comprised gravel chippings. Mile after mile. It was like peddling thro sand. We were struggling to make 11mph. So we left the Rhine and moved a little further east. This part of lower Germany was very sparely populated. We travelled through mile after mile of tobacco plantations. There were very few villages, but those we did pass through were universally devoid of any shops. So nowhere to buy food/calories.
It was extremely hot. Upwards of 30 degrees. So we were sustained totally throughout the day by (sorry again Waynetta) a huge chunk of salt caramel nougat that we'd bought in Strasbourg.
Yesterday, my knee had 'played up' more than I let on in the blog. Towards the end of the stage it was such that talk of giving up was entertained. At the hotel I googled the symptoms. The best fit was a tendon problem (were the anchors for the quads abut the patella). The cause was said to be a combination of excessive exertion (maybe) and lack of training (I've been doing about 250 miles/month). The cure (assuming this diagnosis is correct) is 6 to 8 weeks rest. Whilst that is not possible, on this expedition, I did the nearest thing: I gave it a good rub, stayed an extra hour in bed, went for a walk before the ride and raised my saddle even higher. The result was that...it worked! We pedalled around 70km today without the hint of a problem. But we will slow down a bit now that we're approaching the most dramatic scenery.
Leaving late meant that my hope of making it all the way to Basel in time to see the England footy qualifier, against Switzerland, was evaporating by the hour. By 2 pm I'd given up all hope of making it to Basel to cheer on Hodgeson's boys. Pity.
We got only as far as Freiburg. Nice place. The hottest city in Germany.
Spoke to a guy in a bar tonight who'd heard the Rhine came from high up in the Alps. We can 't see the Alps yet, but Switzerland is only a few hours ride away. It's the best lead we have to far...
- comments
Waynetta Hello Lunchi these are all and carbs = good. you could get some more carbs in via my isotonic drink- do you need to to send recipe again??
Mr Jangut Never mind the guy in the bar I've already told you the height of the source of the Rhine. 1000 metres higher than Ben Nevis.
Steve-o Waynetta, we have the recipe Mr J, it's nowhere near Ben Nevis