Kerfuffling towards Koln
Five days of biking through vineyards, woods,
farmlands and villages. Sometimes a bit too hot; sometimes a bit too wet;
sometimes a little rough; other times just perfect. It is good to be on the
bike with nothing much between me and the sky.
We began at Nierstein, a village on the Rhein
renowned for its production of Riesling. If you ever want a great place to hang
out for a few days, then don't go past this village. Book into Villa
Spiegelberg with hosts Carola and Hans who run a superb guest house no more
than five minutes walk to the Marktplatz and a couple more down to the river.
Gardens to die for, a swimming pool to cool you off and a cellar-full of good
local wines and beers to wash down your evening picnic. And of course it is
perfectly situated for bike riding with many trails to choose from.
Two warm-up days of riding, one a LOT warmer
than the other blessed by Ernst our savior who brought out cold drinks for us
to enjoy in his carport. He also gave us good directions as prior to this, our
navigation left a fair bit to be desired. I blame that on being on the right
side of the Rhein, as I have never really liked the right side of anything
much.
Seven set off from Nierstein to ride to
Oberwesel, not expecting the 1.5 km to the youth hostel at the end up a
gradient that would try Chris Froome. Most cheated by getting a lift up the
mountain or walking. Sturdier men rode. We all enjoyed the spectacular views
from the top and a wander round the fortified castle next to the hostel. Maggie
left us next morning, leaving six riders to get to Leutesdorf, another
picturesque village on the Rhein. Our hostel overlooked the water at ground
level this time, a perfect place to sample very local Riesling and beer. And
the next day we challenge get ourselves in the rain but made it to Koln or
Cologne. I confess to cheating again, catching a local train from Bonn to Koln
for the last 30kms. I never have much liked rain riding.
Here's the metrics for those readers so
inclined:
25 July: Ameche Radweg loop Nierstein to
Neirstein; 35km
26 July: Rhein Radweg loop Nierstein to
Neirstein via Gernstein; 70km
27 July: Nierstein to Oberwesel; 80km
28 July: Oberwesel to Leutesdorf; 74km
29 July: Leutesdorf to Cologne; 56km
2 comments:
I'm so impressed! Everyone around me in Poland rides, and I skulk on public transport. It sounds as if your countryside is pleasant, despite rain and hilly bits. Has your leg completely recovered? I look forward to the next instalment. May the weather be kind.
Good to see Graham and Jo in the photo and was that Maureen?
Hope the rain stops or you will be on a train ride!!!
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