To Erding, Germany

July 20, 2025

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It's a wrap! 40 riding days for me. 41 for the Stelvio climber. We made it with only 10 miles of rain. Jacinto had a flat tire from a bad patch. He also had continued shifting issues the entire trip. This despite having a new chain and cassette for the tour. I had a loose seat that a bike shop fixed with lock tight. I'd say we did very well with the weather and bike issues.

Today we were at breakfast a half hour early. Which does not mean we were out the door a half hour early! Today's breakfast was so heavy on bread that they had baskets you could fill with your choices. There were scrambled eggs, scrambled eggs with ham, and also boiled eggs. Plus the usual cheese, ham, fruit, yogurt, etc. We've gotten spoiled with all of the included breakfasts this trip. Only a couple of them were bread and coffee. Jacinto is ready to get home and drink coffee from his 20 oz coffee cup.

Last night there was a heavy rain with a lightning show. It was still raining when we went to sleep, and everything was wet this morning. That has been the pattern the past week or so. Evening rain suits me just fine!

We had an excellent last riding day. It was country riding the entire way. The only busy spot was at Rosenheim. That was annoying with the path crossing the road and back again. We speculated how long the country riding would last before we got into the suburbs. We were hoping the airport was far enough on the outskirts of town that the city riding wouldn't be tedious.

The day ended up being better than I'd hoped for. Our intended overnight location was Grafing. I expected to feel whiny as we passed, but the miles were ticking away, and the weather was perfect. What's not to like? I couldn't quite decide this morning between tights and capris - it was a little chilly, but supposed to warm to 84. I went with the tights. As long as we kept moving, there was enough breeze to be comfortable.

We got closer and closer to the day's end, yet we were still in the country. Could we be this lucky? Yes! We were. We still have to visit the bike shop to get the bikes boxed, and reserve the taxi to the airport. It seems as if everything should be straight forward. I'll make an update.

We've been to dinner, and are back in our air-conditioned apartment. Jacinto is drinking a cup of Nescafè and is busy being happy about not needing an alarm in the morning. That pleases me also.

This has been a grand tour. Thank you for following along. I'll make a short update about getting home, but this is pretty much a wrap.

This might have been the only fountain I saw today. It was early on.

Cows! We have seen few animals this trip. We have smelled more.

Typical scenery before the mountains ran out.

I’m much for likely to take a photo if it’s on the climb. It’s more opportunity to pant!

Germany has trees and open space. Variety is nice.

Jacinto was all in on church photos today. #1

We have a suite to celebrate the end of the tour. My back is old enough to appreciate sitting on a sofa over a bed.

Four miles from the finish and farming was still happening. This is my kind of tour ending.

There were two of these trees today. I don’t know what they were about.

At the Greek restaurant they gave us some Ouzo as an aperitif. I’m afraid we aren’t fans.

Today's ride: 56 miles (90 km)
Total: 1,525 miles (2,454 km)

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Kirsten KaarsooCongratulations! It is always with mixed feelings went a tour is complete. We enjoyed following along. I hope the boxing of the bikes and your journey home goes smoothly. We look forward to the final post.
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1 week ago

Kathleen JonesWell done! Really enjoyed following along. Loved your joy in discovering new things.
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1 week ago

Rachel and Patrick HugensWell done! I enjoyed following along with you guys. Patrick
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1 week ago

Mike AylingThanks for another great journal.

Jacinto should ride his Rohloff bike next time!
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1 week ago

marilyn swettCongrats on completing another great tour! I enjoyed following you on your journey. Safe travels back home.
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1 week ago

Gregory GarceauI'll join the chorus of congratulators. As always, I enjoyed your fun and breezy journaling style.
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1 week ago

George (Buddy) HallA fantastic adventure, I enjoyed following along. You finished about 250 miles southeast of the Weisbaden-Mainz area, which is where I worked during much of 2019. I loved biking along the Rhine river every weekend - parts of my bike routes were along Euro Velo 6 (best as I recall), and I remember thinking how great it would be to ride that whole route - perhaps that will be your next adventure? Best wishes and safe travels home
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1 week ago

Scott AndersonHey, you're done! I really enjoyed following along on this one, and look forward to a first hand report in Tucson this winter.
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5 days ago