Day 6-8; Regensburg - Rothsee - Rothenburg; July 24-26, 2003

Thursday was boring. Whole day I was sitting and lying in front of my tent. Took a day off hoping that my hamstring would get better. My wife says I should at least try elastic band to stiffen it. Next to my tent there was a group of Hungarians, they were going to see the town, asked them if they could stop at the pharmacy - No problem I heard.

Friday. Have to move on. No time. I bandage my foot and delicately start to roll. Stiffened foot works fine. Since the camping site was located on western side of the city I did not have any problems leaving it. Found 1st bridge and in few minutes I was heading northwest toward my destination (road B8) with moderate traffic.

It was not long when I reached first climbs; generally speaking I was heading towards Bavarian hills. From now on for next few days I will be going up and up. Also wanted to mention that after Regensburg I had to finally say good-bye to Danube (I will see you later when I get home).

Pressing hard with only left foot I was climbing meter by meter. That bloody road instead of going flatter was getting steeper. About 10km after Regensburg I stopped again at petrol station and had a snack.

It is much colder, and it may rain. I put on rain jacket.

Nothing is happening, everywhere Bavarian valleys and hills. Much more greener. For a while I left all the fields behind me. Still climbing, sometimes I have to get off the bike and push on foot. Other time I try to change the gear to lowest and the chain gets stuck between spokes and sprockets, blind me! Nothing big but after a minute my hands a black with grease and there is no way I can wash them. Wet grass me must do the trick.

I cross Danube Main canal.

Day like others except the fact that on last kilometers I learn that the camping that was supposed to exist does not!! I asked people before and all of them were claiming there was one. Nope.

Well, there is not much I can do. I sleep illegally at the parking lot among parked caravans very close to Roth Lake (Rothsee). No shower!

Of course did not sleep well, and actually get up very early next morning. Did not want to be woken up by police.

Distance: 110 km
Average speed: 15 km/h

Rain wakes me up around 6. Inside the tent you have a feeling like it is thunderstorm. Rain did not last long though. Cloudy, cold and windy but I have to run. There is no way back now.

Again nearest petrol station plus something from last night (dry sausage and tomatoes that saved my life yesterday).

Going on normal road, but since it is Saturday and very early there is almost no traffic. Small climbs, not very steep but irritating. The same Bavarian landscape.

Abenberg, 11 km after Roth. I liked the gate to town. It was similar in Regensburg, but bigger. It must be very German or Bavarian style.

I rest in Ansbach, very nice place. To Rothenburg still have ~30km as read from the map. But man, those 30 kilometers almost killed me. 3/4 of it was heavy climbing plus it became hot again, and mind you, my foot was still hurting.

Just before the town - horror. I simply cannot ride, have to push the bike again. Must say though that I was expecting this last climb, it was indicated on the map.

Rothenburg - very old town, surrounded by walls and castle inside and on top of the hill. Now there is a hospital. Now wonder it was a fortress, nobody could climb those hills.

Towards the end I loose the track. In the city I was following camping signs and all of I sudden they disappeared. I must have missed the turn somewhere. Asking people, being directed I get to funny road that goes steeply down in shape of serpentine. No way, I am not going down unless I am 1000% sure that it is the right way. I would not stand another climb today. I stop a car waving and ask. Yes, it was the right direction. 10 minutes later I am on luxury camping for €9! Very expensive for a camping but it was worth it, they have all the facilities man on the road needs, and mainly very clean shower. Oh I needed that.

Distance: 98 km
Average speed: 15 km/h