But the overall theme (if there is one) was waterways. Cycled the Rhine and Danube as well as Belgium, Dutch and English Canals. With Debbie and Aaron we toured the Loire Valley by car – can’t really say I cycled it as 10k in Samour doesn’t count.

Met some interesting and great people along the way, too many to mention. Only used my “cold weather” gear 3 times as the temperature was consistently hitting 30C + all the time.

In the spirit of today’s trend of having the “Ten Best of…..” My top 10, in no particular order are:

• The cycle paths of Belgium, Holland, Austria, France. (Worst by a long shot were England and Hungry)
• Madeira – very pleasant surprise
• Best Bridge – the wooden bike/Foot bridge near Kelheim
• Best Campsite. – Vilshofen an der Donau, totally geared for cyclists
• Bad Days – None, well there were some not so good days but then without them the good days would be ordinary
• Accident free days – all except one – when the bike and I parted company on a bridge
• Punctures or mechanical failures – none
• Best piece of gear – My ultra light weight camp chair with the Brooks Saddle coming in a close second
• Best website/app – hands down Komoot.com in combo with the Garmin Edge.
• The people you meet along the way.

The last few days can best be described as “repositioning” day. After the marathon bus ride to Düsseldorf, it was a relative quick cycle west. But relative is a relative term. While only 35 kilometres, the effects of a very long 36 hours converted the kilometres to miles and minutes to hours. Then, theoretically refreshed after sleeping in a bed, I decided to do 140 kilometres that day so I would have a mere 80 to catch the ferry to England the next day. After all, it was mostly flat terrain and the winds didn’t look to be strong.

It seems that on every bike trip there is one day when I over estimate my reserves and capability. This day was it. It started out okay, even leisurely with an enjoyable ferry ride across one of the many rivers in Holland. But then the heat, once again in the low 30s, started to sap any energy. Then I needed to put on some considerable effort and speed if I was to get the next ferry crossing before it closed for the night. I made the crossing just, only to discover the ferry actually closed 1 hour later. Finally I found a hotel. It was a chain motel sandwiched between a McDonalds and the Motorway that had all the faded finesse of the 1970s. I don’t remember much about the day other than tiredness and pain and this little memorial to a shot down WWII Lancaster Bomber. Only 1 survivor.

The next morning didn’t start with a bright cheerful sunny look. It had a adopted a foggy, cold look tastefully accessorised with rain. The temptation to get a train the rest of the way was great, but then I’d just have to wait longer for the ferry. So I cycled along, not singing in the rain, although I did splash a lot. Once the rain stopped I was able to brew a good strong cup of tea and everything was once again right with the world for a while. My body hadn’t adapted to the sudden cool weather.

Anyway, now I’m waiting for the ferry, lined up with lots of vans, cars etc so I can get on board, recover and sleep.

I’ve been using it since Heathrow Airport and it hasn’t put me wrong – – yet….

Needless to say Holland is flat, very flat, one forgets how flat and crisscrossed by canals, today (Monday) I cycled about 60ks just along canal paths.

However the last couple of days have been a good break as I stayed with Wouter and we went rowing with Breda rowing club. Boy am I envious of their facilities. You could easily put all their members out on the water and still have half of their boats in the sheds. Then there’s the Wednesday evening dinners they have.

Today it was back to the bike in a misty morning that gave way to a rather pleasant sunny afternoon.

Tomorrow I head over to the Rhine and I might have to climb a few hills, bummer.