Regensberg

After a few days in the relentless heat, I took the train to Regensberg for a couple of days rest and some air conditioning to allow my body to recover. I realised once I arrived, that I was suffering from mild heatstroke with a headache, no appetite, dry skin and throat, and a few other symptoms that don’t need mentioning here. Seven hours without shade in 39C heat is challenging to say the least.

It’s been an interesting few days with finally coming across some other cyclists in the campgrounds. I met Els, Bertrand, Helen, and Vincent from the Netherlands. I also met Lia and her one year old son Lucas, from Germany. Lia is an absolute star towing Lucas in a trailer using a Specialised Diverge (I think). She loves cycling and wanted to give it a go with her young son. Truly incredible. Many people are on electric bikes which clearly have their advantages.

The weather is going from extreme heat to rain and storms so I’m working my way towards Passau but will likely need to use the train again as I’m not keen on cycling in stormy weather, nor camping in the same. The gravel paths take a l more energy than tarmac cycling so I need to be mindful of that when planning ahead. Big kms will be a challenge. 

Regensberg is lovely and I’ve spent my time wandering the streets, doing laundry, resting and making the most of fueling and hydrating. 

Dillingen to Neuburg 72km

A tough day on the bike today, brutally hot, challenging riding on gravel and 12-14% pinches with nothing really to distract from the discomfort. Much of the riding was on a gravel levee which was quite loose with absolutely no protection from the sun. 

Ulm to Dillingen 54km

What a lovely stay at Brickstone Hostel. Anja was an absolute gem making me feel so at home. This hostel has all the comforts of home and is so close to everything. This combined with my day with Susanne made my trip to Ulm so enjoyable. 

A shorter day today due to the heat. I nice flat, easy ride beside the Danube. I saw my first snake! It was quite impressive, black in colour, and a decent size at around one metre. I didn’t stick around take a photo, but my legs surely went the fastest they have pedalled all trip!  

The campground in Dillingen is basic but adequate. There are some nice Dutch cyclists here which means I can communicate! I have shade for my tent and there are cold drinks available. The heat continues to be extraordinary 

Ulm

Such a lovely day sightseeing in Ulm, being shown around by Susanne, a friend of Sandra’s from The Crossing where I stayed recently. Such a beautiful and generous person. Ulm is a beautiful city with a lot of history. The church spire was the tallest in the world until Barcelona installed a glass crucifix on the La Sagrada Familia, now making it the tallest in the world. And GF pizza, yummy! 

Riedlingen to Ulm 67km

I set off before 7am this morning as the weather is brutal at the moment. With very little food for breakfast, I contemplated catching a train at one point but pushed on. 

The Eurovelo and Danube cycle path infrastructure is amazing but there are some sections that are just not touring cycling friendly. Today’s example was a 19% climb that was almost impossible to push the bike up. I considered unloading and doing shuttle runs but managed five steps at a time on rotation to get to the top. Not my finest hour as there were words coming out of my mouth that will not be repeated! There were quite a few pinches upwards of 13%, again, not touring cycling friendly in my honest opinion. The ride itself was uneventful but quite industrial with a lot of trucks and traffic beside the path. 

I’m in a hostel in Ulm because I want to see the city. My first look has me so excited to see it. I will also meet another lady tomorrow who lives here, a friend of Sandra’s from The Crossing. I’m feeling so privileged to be able to do this! But I also need to be sensible with the heat. Six hours in the sun today has taken its toll and the hot weather is set to continue.