Partings are bittersweet especially when you are not sure when you can meet again. Karin had made an early run to the local Backerei for the special buns that we love so much. They have the delicate layers of a croissant with the structure of a bun. They are delicious and topped with butter and local Beelitz buckwheat honey or cream cheese and Norwegian smoked salmon, the combination is memorable.
Our sleeping cabin at Margaret’s. We found out that it was made in Canada and shipped to Germany by boat. What are the odds that we would be sleeping in a Canadian wooden cabin in the middle of Germany?
We really like this tasty syrup made with sugar beets. It is not too sweet and it goes nicely with toast, waffles, ice cream...the process to make this syrup requires cooking the beets and much time in a press. Interestingly, due to the way it is made, this syrup does not lose its nutritional value, has low calories and is quite a healthy treat.
The route is following forest, parks and lakes and is consistently on a good surface. We are seeing lots of logging here, yet a healthy forest remains. Selective logging is an approach that is refreshing to see.
When we rode through the Harz region earlier in Germany, we heard much about the wild cats. This is our first sighting in this region. This impressive statue is one of a pair which were erected here in 1908 and is in Geltow on the bank of the Templinersee
We are glad that we decided to ride to Berlin today and not take the train.. The weather is good (for now!) and we can take our time over breakfast and savour the time with Karin before we head out.
The R1 route continues to be excellent, with a smooth hard surface for riding, following lakes, winding through beautiful forests and villages. It was interesting to experience a different area of Schwielowsee, and follow the lakes to Potsdam and through parks and forest to Berlin. Despite the size of the city, we found the approach to Berlin to be very relaxed with a good infrastructure for cycling.
As we came down the path from the bridge, we couldn’t help but stop to admire these incredible statues of these cats. We were unable to translate the sign describing their significance. Nonetheless, we enjoyed seeing them.
As we approached Potsdam we could see much affluence and modernity reflected in the architecture. The Kongresshotel on the Templinersee is an example. It features a number of buildings like these which are connected in creative ways and jut out to the water like piers or ships at dock.
Now this is nice. We deviated from the route to follow this lovely paved route of several km which follows the Autobahn towards Berlin. No cars allowed...just walkers, rollerbladers, bikes....and with a treed buffer, we were protected from the sounds of the vehicles.
Steve Miller/GrampiesMy efforts to understand German are often foiled by their practice of running words together. For example, "aufeinander". Is that aufein ander? is it au feinander? Only if you happen to know the word, or if you realize that it is auf ein ander, can you (I) finally surmise that the sign advises pedestrians, bikers, and skaters to watch out for each other. That is, to take care "on each other". Reply to this comment 4 years ago
We are getting closer to Berlin and it is getting interesting. This is not the forest anymore! However, the routing is excellent and protected for cyclists.
Things changed a bit when we got to the Brandenburg Gate as suddenly we were surrounded by tourists and the riding was compromised by much construction, detours and traffic. We followed the example of locals and found our way.
We are finally at the Brandenburg Gate and it is indeed an impressive area. Suddenly we are surrounded by tourists which feels odd as it seems that we have been on our own for much of the trip.
When we were in a Berlin a few years ago, we were fascinated with the phenomenon of the figure of Ampelmann on the traffic lights and how the passionate support of Berliners saved this iconic image of East Berlin.
After the wall came down, the government tried to replace the Ampelmann with standard lights but the collective protest saved him.
At this point in our ride through Berlin, the combination of heavy car and bike traffic as well as construction made for a challenging situation. It is a bit of a free for all. We followed the example of locals and found the courage to join in. At times vehicles were wedged on an angle in front of us, and we would all just go around the cars. We learned that in Berlin, you van ride on the sidewalk only if you are 8 years of age or younger.
Charmaine RuppoltInteresting -- I didn't know you can ride on the sidewalk only if you are 8 years and younger. Good idea! Reply to this comment 9 months ago
We could feel the thunder storm coming, but we had no idea that it would be so bad. The sounds were terrifying and the rain was torrential -not rideable. Lightning was flashing all around us. We took refuge under a train overpass. Barry stayed with the bike and Mary Ellen took the umbrella and went in search of a hotel.
Suddenly, the rain stopped...the skies cleared and it was lovely. So we headed on to Köpenick where we had booked a hotel. We had about 10 km to go and suddenly, without warning, the storm was back. Once again, we had to deal with torrential rain but without the thunder. The roads were flooding and there was no opportunity to stop, so we carried on and arrived at the hotel looking like drowned rats. Hot showers were the first priority and then our room was transformed into a drying area for our clothes and bags.
What a crazy day. We started the day rejoicing that for the first time in weeks, we were riding in shorts without jackets and by the end of the day, we were hypothermic from the rain and cold.
Today's ride: 80 km (50 miles) Total: 1,249 km (776 miles)
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Kathleen ClassenWhat is with the weather this year? We are warm and sunny in Provence for now, but have no confidence it will last. Enjoy Berlin. It is a fantastic city. Reply to this comment 4 years ago
Suzanne GibsonGlad you are enjoying Berlin! A fascinating city. We have a granddaughter there and visit often. Hope the weather gets a little more sane! You are doing so well braving the storms, you deserve something better now! Reply to this comment 4 years ago
