09 August, 2007

Stages 7 & 8 - Ulm to Landsberg am Lech - 140 km total

Rain, mud and ass-less chaps!
It was forecasting to rain yesterday through next Tuesday, so I went to the bike shop and bought a set of waterproof ass-less chaps. Basically, that.s what they are, but they work! I checked out at noon and fortunately it quit raining about 12:30. Unfortunately the bike path map I have did not show that the path along the Iller river is dirt and gravel. I looked like hell, and so did my bike, after about 15k. So I got off the path ASAP and whipped out TT and made it to Erkheim for the night, only about 65k in the record books. This area is like S. Georgia, minus the trailers and clay. There are plenty of corn fields and cow pies, as far as the eye can see! That is basically what the last two days have looked like, as the pictures will attest. It is surprising that even in these rural towns, all of the homes look respectable. People actually take care of their shit here. Today was more of the same, cow pies and corn, but this time I got on plenty of the wrong paths. But between TT and my map, I was able to make it to Landsberg. Unfortunately it wasn.t as far as I wanted to go, but after so many "off course" adventures, I was ready to bed down. My goal is to make it to Garmisch tomorrow, but judging by today, that won.t happen. The paths in this part of the country are marked, sort of...... Either I missed a few, or they just aren.t where they are supposed to be. So patience is a virtue when it comes to cycle touring down here, but that.s ok I don.t have to be in Thun until the 19th! I could go on and on, but as my family would say, just get to the point. The point is, I.m having a good time, regardless of everything that comes my way! Til next time, keep the rubber side down.
Folks, on your left, corn. Down the middle, bike path. On your right, shed. Over and over and over......

Hmmm, imagine that, more fields.....

City Zentrum (Center) Landsberg

Landsberg "falls"

Props to my boy, and gal! I wonder if they haul Porche ass?

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Brian, your writing is wonderful! I'm enjoying this trip right along with you, thanks to your efforts. You make blogging seem easy (not that I've tried it myself -- too busy with full-fledged websites for other people).

Keep up the good word!
Jeff =8-)

Haley D. said...

We love how you can make a long story even longer! Seriously, we love reading about your travels, even if it feels like you & Toto (not TomTom) are back in Kansas, Dorothy. Have fun, keep cycling and blogging. We love you!

Stephanie said...

That is awesome! Since I'm married to "the boy", I took great pride in the last picture. I called Mark at work, and told him he has to check out your latest entry. Keep the stories and pics coming. Your writing style is hilarious. You are quite the storyteller. :)

Mark Brunner said...

Thats my truck and I was comming to ride with you, but I saw the ass-less chaps and kept driving. Keep on brother look like you are having a great time!

Mark BRUNNER EXPRESS