Today was the start of my bike tour. Before I can follow the Danube I have to get from Bern (Switzerland) to the source of the Danube in Donaueschingen (Germany). The distance is approximately 180km, what is about 2.5 days of biking. The first stage is from Bern to Lenzburg, where I will visit friends and stay over night.
The begin of my tour couldn‘t be better.. My front gear lever is suddenly not working, although it was working two days ago. During packing everything, I wondered, why I should take an extra gear cable with me. I never had problems yet, so I decided not to pack one. But it seems that fate wants to tell to have always an extra cable with you. After 10km I stop at a bike shop (luckily it was at the middle gear and I still could drive). The man of the shop is very helpful and fixes the problem. Additionally I buy an extra gear and an extra brake cable, just in case. Hopefully no other issues will appear already at the first day.
The path goes through many small farming villages. In Ersigen I make a rest at the grandparents of my wife. With new energy or at least a lot of sugar from the chocolate they dished up, I continue through many more villages.
After almost 50km I reach the river Aare. It‘s a beautiful place. The last time I was here, about one month ago, I saw a ring snake swimming in the water. This time I didn‘t see one, but two swan parents with their five cute children.
Some kilometers later, the industry region starts. It is already almost 16:00 and I did not eat real lunch, except the chocolate and some pears the grandparents gave as well. I buy a salad (they had no vegetarian sandwich – no I am not a vegetarian, but don‘t eat meat most of the time).
The way gets better again in Kölliken. Instead industry buildings and a lot of traffic, the path follows now small rivers.
Finally I reach Lenzburg. Since Bern I could drive on the bike route 34 (Alter Bernerweg with start in Estavayer-le-Lac and finish in Baden). After 98km I arrive at my friends, can take a shower to get rid of all the sweat of a long hot (up to 34 deg.) day and get a tasty dinner.
