The Plan

The Plan: Two months of unassisted cycling and camping through Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and wherever else our legs may take us.

The Route: Starting in Brussels and flying out of Berlin are the only given at this point. We plan to cycle parts of the Flanders Cycle Route, Rhine River and the Danube River. We will also be using the EuroVelo and regional cycling routes.

Accommodation: WarmShowers website (like couchsurfing for cyclists). We are also planning on staying at campsites, backyards of friendly locals or in the wilderness.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Day 18: Köln to Koblenz via Bonn - 64 km

How quickly our tune has changed . . . Today found us on another train! Two things led to this turn around decision. 1) the ride from Dusseldorf yesterday did not in fact produce the breathtaking Rhein River sites that we had been expecting. Stephanie, our host in Köln told us the next section was equally if not more industrial and she thought the real scenery started around Bonn. 2) a newly hatched plan to conquer the Hapsburg Empire, inspired by our fellow train traveller Paul's rave reviews of Bratislava and Budapest in addition to Vienna and Prague, has extended the distances we hope to cover in what time we have left. I.e. give us beauty and culture or give us the train!

Fortunately today's rail experience was relatively painless and as we emerged into the southern outskirts of Bonn, and the landscape transformed into forested hills and picturesque houses, we knew we had made the right decision. In fact, we jumped off the train a stop early and eagerly made our way to the bike path running along the banks of the Rhein. Nothing but smooth riding from there to Koblenz where we set up camp for the night. 


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