After 2 days of packing, Linda and I had sorted all our gear, and carefully packed the bicycles and gear into boxes. Very carefully. I cut one of the boxes down to bring it one-quarter inch below the airline’s limit. Both boxes–with as much extra gear as I could pack inside–weighed in 1 lb below the 50 lb limit. I deflated the tires on both bikes as a typical airline requirement (and I needed that extra inch of space from the deflated wheels to get Linda’s bicycle to fit in her box).
Wednesday morning, the taxi to the airport arrived early, in the requested van format. We still had to juggle the boxes into the vehicle, but everything fit. I remembered to bring an extra roll of tape for when the airline requested we reopen the boxes.
We arrived at the airport with plenty of time. Check-in went smoothly. They did not request we reopen the boxes. They measured the boxes 2 in shorter than I had measured them. They weighed the boxes at 22 lbs for Linda’s bicycle, and 32 lbs. for mine. No one cares about accuracy anymore!
We walked through security with no wait or fanfare, although the bicycle locks in both Linda’s and my bags prompted a quick hand-search.
Landing Thursday at 7:00 a.m. Munich time, we walked down to baggage claim to begin the hunt for oversized luggage. Both bicycles already waited for us at the entrance to baggage claim.
I didn’t have any problems reassembling either bike, although I caused myself more than a moment of concern when I thought I had packed the wrong skewer for my front wheel’s quick release–prompted in part by too many bicycles living in the garage. I realized my error only as I reassembled the front rack, which requires a skewer the exact length of the one I brought!
From there we wandered through Customs and purchased train tickets from the airport to Ingolstadt, 50 miles north of Munich. Ingolstadt rests directly on the Danube and Eurovelo 6— the bicycle path I followed uphill and into a headwind on my Istanbul to Ireland trip. For this trip, I’ve planned downhill and with a tailwind all the way to Budapest! Once we arrive at Budapest, Linda plans to wander back via train to Munich. I’ll be continuing onwards and around over the Alps and back to Salzburg and Munich.
We boarded the train only to have everyone else get off the train! Fortunately someone translated that a bridge was out, and pointed us to the appropriate nearby track.
Weather forecasts for the past couple of weeks in Munich have varied between cold, rainy, and snow (!). I had made no real plans for the first night of the trip so we could adjust based on the weather. The day was cool and gray, but no rain. However, with both of us dragging from lack of sleep, we decided to spend the night glamping in Ingolstadt.
Before we headed to the campground, in Ingolstadt we purchased fuel for the stovere and cell plans for both of our phones in (6 GB for 10 Euro). Prepaid cell plans in Europe are inexpensive, especially if you don’t buy them in the airport or train station. Just wander into a provider’s store in town.
Friday morning we rolled out of the campground at 10:00 am and rode back into Ingolstadt to visit the castle, and pick up groceries for the day. We ate lunch in the castle courtyard.
While in the courtyard, we discussed how things were packed in different panniers. At one point Linda told me she had three bathing suits packed. She got me. Apparently my look was priceless.
From there we rode on dedicated bicycle path on one side or the other of the Danube. Until it didn’t. We had reached the Danube Gorge — a protected area of the Danube. The GPS indicated the path continued in the middle of the river. As we pondered what to do next, a ferry showed up, providing a scenic view of the gorge for the next 5 km, and a short respite from riding.
I spent a lot of time before the trip riding with Linda to help her prepare. The farthest she had ever ridden was 24 miles just a couple weeks ago. With a little help from a tailwind, she rode 59 km (almost 36 miles) before we stopped at the campground in Herrnsaal! Rain began to fall just after we climbed into the tent for the night.
Our long ride yesterday positioned us for a short ride Saturday into Regensburg. We’d spend a couple nights in Regensburg exploring the city before heading onwards.
I planned this trip, Linda’s first bicycle trip, to be an easy one. Still, I’ve never had so many things go right for so long. I wonder what’s next?