Straubing to Deggendorf 42km

Today was one of those days on tour that just happen. It was forecast to be wet but it looked okay. The weather was fine when I left Straubing but within ten kilometres, the storms hit. The Danube cycle path had a detour which was not rideable in my opinion, and the challenges kept coming. 

I had planned to make it to Passau having paid for a room there tonight expecting wet weather. After riding on the main road, having my wheels sink on the Danube cycle path, stopping to wash the derailleurs and chain multiple times, I eventually made it to Deggendorf in torrential rain, and decided to pull the pin. I wasn’t having fun. I found a room within 100m of where I was sheltering from the rain. It’s fancy with a spa, sauna, pool, restaurant, etc, but I needed to get dry, clean and warm. I had to clean everything on the bike including panniers. Hopefully, I’ve washed enough grit out of the chain and derailleurs to make it a smooth-ish ride. The rain eventually stopped around 4pm so I’m glad I didn’t wait it out. I’ll head to Passau tomorrow morning.

Regensberg to Straubing 54km

After a lovely stay at the Hotel am Peterstor in Regensberg, I chose a shorter ride today due to the forecast bad weather. Apart from a light sprinkle, the rain didn’t eventuate. Nevertheless, I’d already booked and paid for my accommodation in Straubing. It’s a nice place and well worth a visit.

The route was a mixture of tarmac and gravel. Much of the gravel is a bit sketchy and requires quite a bit of concentration and therefore takes more time.

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!