Google

Planning a route to Medenbach using google maps and 'walking route' turned out to be a mistake because it chooses the most direct route possible whilst avoiding the most evil roads. So it does not care how many hills are included, or that a heavily laden bike without suspension might not be the best vehicle for what can only be described as dirt tracks.

About a third into yesterdays ride Raul had had enough. His ankles had got to the point where continuing would be foolish and so we called for help... then left him at the top of a hill overlooking a very picturesque valley (and some other hills).

Calin and I pushed on another 60km or so. It took till 9pm which is why I'm writing this today and not last night. Eventually we arrived at the house of his aunt, had a very fine late supper and then lots of sleep.

The german hills in this part of the country are something else. For most of yesterday we were up and down constantly, climbing as high as 1880ft and as low as 238ft, although we were mostly above 1000. The scenery is something else as well - tiny perfect villages, fields, meadows. At one point we were dropping down a postcard valley and this deer starts bouncing along in the field alongside. It seemed startled, probably hadn't seen bikes before. Unlike (some of) the cities, the car is the only means of transport out here.

I said before that Raul called for help. He was rescued by Calin's uncle and so now all three of us are in this rather sprawling house. It has many rooms downstairs but only a couple upstairs, plus a whole bunch of cellar. And a whole bunch of garden, and good German food. Marianne and Wolfgang are excellent hosts.

Raul has to rest for at least two and maybe three days. Tomorrow is a rest day for all of us (actually today as I write this, but tomorrow in the context of this entry). Then myself and Calin will set off and Raul will catch up probably via train when he's ready.

554km so far.

Location:Weinbergstraße,Herborn,Germany