"Maybe we should test a stake."
- Kelley Pigott
A leisurely start to the day was balanced by our longest cycling day to date. We finally pushed out after dropping our fees into the collection box (no one was on duty).
A short cycle into town, via a riverside path and back alleyway, brought us directly to a beautiful bakery for breakfast. We must be doing something right. While powering cell phones and drying tents, we struck up a pleasant conversation with a Dutch couple who was also on tour. The woman was a molecular biologist who had recently been moved into a project manager position. We spoke about bike touring and current politics. The Dutchman suggested a book about the importance of doing nothing. I added the bicycle to the equation.
Note: Track this book down after returning to the States.
Leaving before noon, we embarked on a 6+ hour ride, our longest to date. The kilometers just melted by. Aside from the early morning climbs, the terrain was relatively flat. It’s so important to experience prolonged flow on a regular basis. We certainly did today.
In Germany, we have experienced long stretches of smooth, gravel roads. This is a change from the Loire Valley. The constant noise of gravel being pressed by my rubber tires has become rather comforting. Movement tends to be that way.
The highlight for the day was our visit to a prominent beer garden in Ingolstadt. It’s obvious that Bavarian communities bond at these local establishments. The atmosphere was lively and the food excellent. Germans serve beer by the liter, you must take care. We had a local brew and a lively conversation before pedaling out of town to the established campsite (18 euros each. Ouch!).
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