Day 16 Billerbeck DE – Mettingen DE

Anna with her husband runs the hotel & restaurant, nothing is too much trouble

Hotel am Ludgerusbrunnen in Billerbeck was excellent as was the breakfast. Though the place looks & feels new, it’s at least 8 yrs old.

Today is my not so little brother’s 70th birthday!! So will be having lots of chats with him today.

Over the past few days, my 60mile days had accumulated an overall shortfall of 20 which meant not hitting my end of day markers. Yesterday I pushed for 12hrs & caught up. Now, with not enough fuel in my body I fell back again.

A bus shelter – thankful shade to rehydrate

Germany’s answer to the High Peak Trail (beautifully tarmaced)

Lots of these sandy trails – don’t look much but they can be treacherous

Daniela Emsdetten – Baeckerei Triffterer, Westum

I came across Daniela in the bakery shop during a rehydration stop in Westum – she started the chat, telling me to move my bike! I did as I was told & the conversation then was where I was going & why, & from her, how a young Romanian woman moved to Germany on her own 25 yrs ago & built a nice life, whilst supporting parents back home. I’m delighted that Daniela will be following from here on.

My final destination was a slow, hot, sunny 45 miles slog.

Day 2 Minworth UK – Frankton

No ride pictures – Sorry!

Last night’s bed was the Cuttle Bridge Hotel, beside the Birmingham & Fazelpy Canal. With a 38 miles ride today, I hung around until after midday trying to add GoPro videos to my blog. Not straight forward!

Today’s ride had a few worthy sections but will be remembered for the disproportionate time spent cycling Coventry’s hazardous road system & for the wonderful welcome received on my arrival at Mike & Karen Burnett’s home. Whilst working for GE, for many years, Mike & I had run the Siemens Wind Power account & became good friends.

With 2yrs to catch upon, there was lots to talk about, especially trips & adventures, past & future, all enjoyed with fabulous food (Oksana you may have competition!! 🤣).

Bikepack UK to Ukraine: My Journey Begins

Just finished packing my bike & now it’s ready to ride! Changes this time include nice, new 14 litre Revélate Portage Panniers, a dynamo to feed Exposure’s new Revo 5 light/charging port & a few additional gadgets.

With one week to trial the bike (&me) – I’m trusting that is enough!

On 29th June the ride begins heading to the south coast to Dover, with a couple of days in London visiting family. The journey should see me arrive in Ukraine in early August.