From Oldenburg the ride journeyed through the port city of Bremen along the river Weser. Two years earlier I had been here for the 2007 Blue Planet Run on our travels around the world. So it was somewhat reminiscent for me to now bike through this city of tales, passing once again by the impressive city hall, Parliament buildings and St. Peter's cathedral. Like so many historic towns in Germany, Bremen boasts an abundance of sculptures around the city square and in parks and flowering gardens. I took my time taking it all in.
This year's bike ride is different from last year's experience in that the cobble stone roads within the city limits of the towns in Germany have been a challenge. The medieval brickery makes for an uncomfortable and slow going and shakes the panniers vehemently, causing regular adjustments. On the other hand the bakeries, and eateries along the way more than offset the discomfort of the road conditions.
I traveled north to Buxtehude and rode on top the river dikes of the river Elbe flanked on the west side by acres and acres of apple orchards. Further down the road this peaceful and green farming landscape with beautiful farm homes was interrupted by the industrial aircraft giant Airbus who has made it's home here with an assembly plant for the airbus 380 complete with controversial airfields and runways. I arrived at Christian and Catherina's house by six in the evening and enjoyed wonderful hospitality, dinner and a hot shower. That evening we talked bike vacations and toasted with a local apple cider wine.
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