It’s Monday and I’m straight up grumpy. Here’s why:
- Number of rainstorms I sat out: about
78 so far - Number of rainstorms I rode through: 3
- Number of flats: 2
- Speed of wind: I dunno exactly. But there was an extreme wind warning again and I felt it
- Distance ridden on cobblestone: also unsure but a few kilometers at least. It’s understandable that when the path enters a town or village there will be cobblestone. it is ridiculous when the actual cycle path uses them.
- Number of drivers to yell at me: 1. First time in 1700 km and for sure I had the right of way. A55hole
Dresden is stunning. Not sure if there are any history buffs out there, but Dresden is the site of a controversial bombing during WW2. The British and Americans firebombed the city for 2 days in 1945, using thousands of tons of explosives. First the bombs were of a type that destroyed things. Then of a type that started fires. The city was literally flattened then torched and 25,000 people were killed, almost all civilians. So pretty much all of the buildings in the following pictures were actually rebuilt.
Also, if you’ve ever read Kurt Vonnegut’s book Slaughter House 5, it is in part about this bombing. And there is a scene in the book where the planes suck the bombs up and reverse the destruction. I don’t know why exactly, but the vision that conjures up has stuck with me probably more than any other thing I’ve read.
It was a shorter ride today, and not solely because of the challenges. I intended to spend some time wandering around Dresden. I didn’t get to do quite as much as I hoped due to weather, though.
Tomorrow will be my last day in Germany until after Czechia. I pass through a corner of Germany quickly as I get on the Danube cycle path next weekendish.
To be honest, I’m ready for a new country. Not that Germany is responsible for its weather, but a border will feel like a new start and there isn’t much rain in the forecast (not holding breath).
I should enter Czechia about mid afternoon tomorrow. I didn’t realize before leaving that Czechia and Hungary don’t use euros, so my first order of business will be finding a bank machine. Prague will follow on Wednesday.
Will you also need a new SIM card when you cross into Czechia?
Note: Be very careful overtaking anyone there, and be sure they’re a nice person before you do. You don’t want to be accused of passing a bad Czech…
Hahaha. No new sim needed. The EU passed laws reigning in providers and making them play nice across borders. Can’t say the same for Canadian companies
Well, I think you’re tired (not grumpy) and need to rest a day or two. That should improve your attitude. And maybe less rain, cobblestones and flat tires will help! Maybe take more time tomorrow morning to explore. The town looks stunning and I know how you love history. Sleep well. On to a new country.
I’m pretty sure I’m plain old grumpy :). To be honest I’m surprised how not tired I am. I’ll have a day and a half off the bike starting Wednesday, the final day of rain according to the forecast.
Excited to hear your descriptions of Czechia and what those will be like. Give us all the details; people, food (I already see bread dumplings, meat with cream sauce and fried cheese – I think you’ll be in heaven), vistas and biking infrastructure, cobblestones or not. And what an absolute pile of history you are riding on right now, so much to think about. Let’s hope the weather brightens up for you and gives you a chance to dry yourself out and feel the sunshine on your lovely face.
Now I have a craving for Czech roast goose with caroway dumplings…
(I once had Czech inlaws.)
Sun is coming out right now!
Hola Karenka.
You are traveling with Chad.
Well written.
So many daily details.
Chad, Wow. Thanks for the cool descriptions of your ride. Your blog makes me want to learn more about Dresden and what it must have been like.
To add to your history of destruction for Dresden: Whatever little the allied bombing left standing then needed to survive the general levelling of history by the East German government. Ideologically they preferred to either eradicate things that reminded of the past or keep ruins standing and essentially roll the dice on any survival of architectural history instead of reconstruction.
💯. Some of this reconstruction didn’t even start until the Soviet Union collapsed
You’ve had more than your share of rain to contend with, Chad, so here’s to a new country and a new start! I’m curious if you’ve had issues with being able to fully dry your gear and clothing between your travel days? Is the temperature still reasonably warm for those rainy days on the trails? Any clothing regrets as far as your packing choices are concerned?
Looking forward to more sunshine for you and in those photos!
I try really hard to keep the super important stuff dry. My one shirt with sleeves, sleeping bag, etc. other things have been wet for days, especially my shoes. It has not been warm but also not too cold for me. Low teens at night and 20 give or take during the day. When wet that’s pretty cool but it hasn’t bothered me. The heat wave is on the way now though. I could have brought less clothes but I don’t have any huge regrets.
That sounds like some great packing and planning, Chad. The heat wave to come may offer a break from the slight cool. If i remember correctly, you still wear a pie eating smile when underdressed and soaked during BB deliveries. Even then, you make it look tolerable. May you have dry trails and comfy warm temps around that next bend!