Neuburg-Donauworth-Germany-8-13-14

Neuburg-Donauworth-Germany

Steep Hills and Rain

24 miles (38 km)

Total so far: 737 miles (1,186 km)

Ascent: 1421 ft (433 m); Descent: 1220 ft (372 m)

• World > Europe > Germany > Bayern > Vohburg an der Donau  – map
• World > Europe > Germany > Bayern > Neuburg an der Donau  – map

Nobody said anything about steep climbs. We were completely unprepared mentally. Bikeline didn’t mention hills.

Oh, well, it started raining at 7 am just as we were about to break camp. We waited a bit and it looked as if it might clear, so we packed up and left. Then it really started raining and continued for the whole day into the late evening. The temperatures have been unseasonably cold for August, but all the hills we climbed managed to keep us overheated in our rain gear.

The hills were steep; the kind Mike had to push up several times along with other cyclists with luggage. There were many hills today, starting from Riedensheim most of the way to Donauworth; the steepest were on the eastern side of the route. Other cyclists seemed equally surprised as they would ask us what lay ahead in their direction.

We rode on silky smooth pavement most of the day…on bike trails and on country roads through absolutely lovely villages and rural Bavaria.

We ended up at the boating club campground in Donauworth. It took us hours to find. But the hosts were delightful. Everything we had was soaked from the night before so we set up camp in the open basement drying room that the club used for their equipment. Three more cyclists showed up and shared the space. No food or power at the site.

Neuburg-Donauworth-Germany- Donauworth church