I had a head full of cycling epiphanies, but now, as I try to recall them, it’s like trying to catch smoke with a butterfly net.
Arriving at hotel, the only obsession was food. I knew they have a restaurant and I was hoping day one kitchen debacle would not happen again, arriving too late and watching the chef leave. Thankfully it was not like that, however, there was an event and there was not a single place to do any other order. Hunger games day two, I thought to myself. To my surprise the, a hero appeares, lady working at the hotel came in the clutch, she was immidiately suggesting restaurants, but all of them were 2-3 km away in the city. Just having stopped 168km ride, I said to myself, I’d rather die of hunger than bike now, even for 10 minutes to get food. Probably, my expression revealed too much and she realized that is not an option and jumped on her phone to find the restaurant that will deliver. After mentioning the delivery, I was ready to hop back on the bike and do another 160 km, but just not the 3 km needed. To prepare for the morning I also asked for breakfast, which they did not have. Only some bread rolls I could order. To my mistake and travelling with no cash, I could not buy any. Being extremely nice, the lady promised to bring some special turkish bread rolls with some cheese, for free. Just for me to have some something before I go.
As if all this was not already too much, she came back in half an hour with a plate full of food, sausage, some potatoes, toast, grilled aubergine with cheese, tomatoes, and some ham slices. Now I feel so bad and I must figure out something for her. (Note to self, send a gift to the hotel!)
I guess all the good stuff balanced out the rough start and cold weather throughout the day.
The hotel from day one was quite cold, I even woke up in the night because I was cold. I woke up at 6 to pack and get breakfast at 6:30 and start at 7 latest. It did not go as planned, when I arrived at breakfast, I realized that outside it was very dark from the clouds that looked quite ominous and the wind also seemed strong. I checked the weather forecast which did not match so I decided to wait an hour and put on all my long warmer clothes. After an hour around 8 I decided to start. It was a bit cold but not as bad as the wind. After an hour or two, the wind disappeared and so did most of the clouds. Everything was going fine until around 80 km when the energy crisis hit, and I blame Germany for it. I completely forgot that Sunday is not a Funday in Germany, but an off day. So, not having enough snacks, I started crashing. Trying to push for my planned lunch stop, I barely made it. After a big meal, dessert, coffee and exchaning few words with people in restaurant who were all surprised on what I was doing, I continued onwards. The sun was gone and wind picked up so I put on all the layers I have. The refuel was so needed and I felt it after. I just started flying again. At one point, the road was so nice that I managed to push 30+ kmh and before I was below 20 for a while. Should definitely eat more.
Oh, the noise from yesterday? It disappeared for a while, but then it started again. The other new issue, the annoying handlebar bag. I have no idea what changed from day one but today on every bump it would hit the front mudguard which would then hit the tire. I stopped so many times trying to fix that, to no avail, but that is a problem for tomorrow. But for now, it’s time to savor the sweet victory of a well-deserved pizza.
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