I cycled English Channel to the Mediterranean in 2023 with a lot of the people on this trip. So last night it was great to catch up, reminisce about that trip and have a good chat.
Day 1 and we are off 🫣 I always get a bit nervous on the first day of any tour, but once we have gotten going and have settled into things, usually it's OK. Today we started with a steady ride of 64 ish miles (104 km) and 3,100 ft (963 metres) of ascent and according to Garmin 10 climbs! 😊🚴♀️👍
The sky looked omnious as we set off this morning, an Ironman Triathlete I know, called Damien, commented once that I'm like a Flump - the one with rain cloud that follows him round, I'm beginning to think Damien is right 🤣. The picture is of Ernest Flump 😳.
We were on cycle paths for a lot of the ride today, they are wonderful, in superb condition, a pleasure to be on. They also keep us away from a lot of busy traffic, which is great.
It was warm and cloudy when we left, with a few drops of rain in the air. At one point it chucked it down (waterproofs on). Tbh the views and the flat cycle route made us not notice the rain. After lunch, the rain had stopped, the sun came out and off we went, back along some quiet roads & cycle paths. The sting in the tail came at the end of the day with a lovely climb. The hairpin bends are amazing, although coming down was probs. a bit slower than going up 😬😂🚴♀️.
The mountains are fabulous & a joy to look at with the snow still along the top.
Tonight we are in Mittenwald. It sits in the northern foothills of the Alps🫣. Interestingly Mittenwald is renowned for it's brightly coloured houses and for its exquisite craftsmanship of violins and cellos 🎻, a tradition that apparently dates back to the 17th century, starting with the renowned Klotz Workshop. It is said that Aegidius Klotz, crafted a violin for none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart himself.
A standout landmark in the village is the Roman Catholic Church of Saints Peter and Paul, painted in a distinct pink and embodying the characteristic style of the region.
I'm off to explore, sample some of the local cuisine😋🌭, look for some brightly coloured houses and a bright pink Church (well why wouldn't you). 🏘️🏠 Thank you for reading, have a lovely evening and I'll see you tomorrow😊
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Looks and sounds amazing, careful on those bends lol xx
Those hairpin bends are scary 😟 but good fun 🤩. Hope you are OK
I had your more down as Pootle Flump than Earnest 😂 I’m sure those ‘hills’ don’t look so fearsome close up 😳😬
Judging by the forecast for tomorrow (thunderstorms) definitely a Ernest & not a Pootle 🤣🤣
You are all off and running I liked some of the lovely photos 👍
Thank you, hope you and the cat are ok xx
Day 2 is even better if I remember! You have been warned xx
Ooh Sara, that sounds very scary 😧 I’ll let you know how it goes xx
Nice read Wendy, a don’t remember you bringing rain with you, but then perhaps I have been lucky. Enjoy the days to come, I look forward to the read.
Thanks Richard, I think you may have just been lucky 😂
Sounds like a great first day with some fabulous scenery x
It is quite stunning.
Sounds like a fab start to what will be a great trip I’m sure. Hairpin bends, bet there’s going to be plenty on the trip, hopefully with less rain than our last!! Xx
You would love the hairpin bends!