Day 11: Long road, short journey

The night was cold – really cold, just 8 degrees. So cold that not everyone wanted to sleep outside. Some therefore retreated to slightly warmer corners such as the kitchen or the pantry, while others stayed in tents. The bravest even slept under the open sky, wrapped in several layers, enjoying the crisp night air. An early rise was necessary, because another long stage lay ahead: 64 kilometers to Bad Zwischenahn, where we had already been promised shelter the day before. So we packed up early, had breakfast, and were ready to leave punctually at 9 a.m.

But before we could even set off properly, sad news reached us: Cedrik had to end his journey. His bike was beyond repair; any attempt would only have postponed the inevitable for a short time. With heavy hearts we said goodbye – and with him, a piece of ever-present chaos also left. In return, more quiet would settle into the coming nights, for the saw was silenced.

Then we mounted our bikes. We split into two groups: in the lead were Mr. Bock and Clemens, who had to restrain themselves today from rushing ahead at record speed. Instead, they guided the group at a pleasant pace of 19–20 km/h. Two short breaks and a stop at a bakery – where Mr. Bock treated everyone to coffee and cocoa – lifted everyone’s spirits. Already by 2:30 p.m., the first group reached the destination, surprised at how easy 63 kilometers could feel. We had originally expected to arrive between 4 and 5 p.m.

The second group, as usual, took things more leisurely. After nine hours of riding, with plenty of breaks and many petted donkeys along the way, they too arrived safe and sound – without any incidents.

Mrs. Angebrandt, however, took a very different route – quite literally. Instead of heading in the right direction, her longing for warmth initially pulled her south. Her comment: “You really should hold the phone the right way up!” In the end, her bike computer showed an impressive 115 kilometers – a little extra loop in pursuit of the sun.

But, as the saying goes: all’s well that ends donkey-well! In the end, we all found each other again at the parish hall of St. Catherine’s Church in Rostrup, part of the Lutheran parish of Bad Zwischenahn. We were warmly welcomed there – by the sun and by the sexton. Finally, a roof over our heads, a kitchen, and enough space. The fully equipped kitchen was quickly put to use, and later we went shopping for dinner: the classics – potatoes with spinach and fish sticks. Of course, some snacks to make up for all the cycling calories and, traditionally, apple spritzer also made it into the cart.

In the evening, we gathered together for a meal that immediately reminded us of our childhood. Afterwards, the group dispersed: countless rounds of Doppelkopf were played, apple spritzer was sampled, the ping-pong table and foosball were put to good use, while others made phone calls or took advantage of the long-awaited Wi-Fi. At last, fatigue drove us to bed.

Our conclusion the next morning was perfectly summed up in Theresa’s words:

“What a premium accommodation – we were even able to sleep in shorts.”