2nd and third days on the actual road. Much of this post will dwell on today, day 6.

Yesterday was an absolute write-off, at least in cycling terms. The storm was at its peak, and it was bad. I’m not in my best cycling shape, and as I turned around and headed to the station in Magdeburg I was both full of self loathing, broken and despondent, however I’d doubt anyone, at least any normal non masochist, would’ve bailed in these conditions.

The picture of the rather grand Magdeburg central station rather belies the actual weather. This video might help, as I sheltered under a train deciding enough was enough. I also got hit by a falling branch – brilliant stuff.

Basically at my wits end I wasn’t sure exactly what to do. Not taken by Magdeburg, or the campsite, at all, I knew I had to go somewhere… and decided to rip up my itinerary and head to Hannover. All good. Reserved a pitch at a campsite on the edge of the city and ‘jumped’ ( bike, 2 panniers, 2 bar bags, and a tent is never ‘jumping’) on a train.

Train was good. Got off in Hannover headed towards campsite. Heavens absolutely opened. Street lights were on, folk were running for cover, and I was back-pedalling into the town centre to find a hotel. Right move. Never heard/seen thunder and lightening like that. Didn’t bother me, I was in a lovely wee hotel in the town centre and so could be a tourist for the day.

Today, day 6, was a much stronger motif.

1. It wasn’t and isn’t pissing it down

2. Breakfast was decent and had.

3. It was less windy. Still windy and straight into my coupon, but less than Monday. And well yesterday not worth taking about.

The plan today was to get back on track. I had 50 ish miles to ride to get to the campsite I should be at. And it was pretty glorious to be honest. Felt like what I had come for. At last.

Riding out of Hannover was joyful. Easy, interesting and solid.

I was making good (ish) progress and set my sights on a place called Hamelin for lunch – certain there would be a kebab vendor at the station.

The countryside was rolling, I loved that, indeed wanted the hills. And the lanes glorious.

What a change from the last 2 days. Finally feeling I was on a cycling holiday. And loving it.

Caught up with a chap on a bike and started chatting. I opened with the obligatory (in German, thanks to Morgan on this one) “I’m sorry, I can’t speak German”, to which he replied, “ well what are you doing riding your bike across Germany if you can’t speak the language”… I replied “spending my money on your campsites, Restaurants, bars (obvs), kebab shops (mainly) and hotels”. That was the end of our chat.

Is funny how different people can be. Even in one country. Some lovely, others, well I put it down to fear, mainly of someone doing something different, perhaps he considered me a cycling vagrant (perhaps wouldn’t blame him), or perhaps Brexit, though I was quick to get across my Scottishness (thankful for once not to have a companion saying ‘Norwich’ loudly as I did).

When I got to Barntrup, my destination’ I attempted to get some lunch at a local bar/restaurant before heading to the campsite. The owner took one look at me and informed me they don’t serve food to individuals. Fair enough, Dobber, I’d have spent a fair whack. Anyway….

I made Hamlin around mid-day and as luck would have it, my route took me past the Hautbanhof.

There was a kebab shop. I was feeling hungry, but good, I pressed on.

And made it to Barntrup around 13:30. No dramas at all and loved the ride. Ok, the wind was annoying and I got stung by a wasp. After riding the next 10 miles wondering if it was 911 or 112 and how I’d tell them where to find me (in the case of anaphylaxis), panicking that ‘what 3 words’ would be in German- I did make it. And am happy to report still alive.

The campsite is great. Full of Dutch. The last one was too. Both times someone kindly offering me any help if I need it. Which is lovely. Really lovely. Though I am quick to point out I have everything I need.

And equally quick to wonder why they are camping for 6 weeks around 100 miles from where they live, and in storms.

Got me thinking though. What you reckon you could produce from your panniers that would stun them. Suggestions please: Like I have a wee seat, 2 stoves, food, clothes for a month. Etc…. It imagine you forego the clothes and produce some sort of foldable plasma screen, satellite dish, sound system. I don’t know… but whilst riding I am going to concoct a system that when I get off my bike and set up will have them speechless on awe, rather than full of sympathy!!

Shots from the day. Ciao.