Capability test to prepare for US (Oct 1st - 3rd)

As I have never done anything similar before, not even close, I had to see how I would fare on the bike with luggage for several days in a row.

That's why I set off at midday on Wednesday and covered 90 km. The following day I wanted to ride 180 km. But mountains, rain, cold, wind and no open supermarkets on the national holiday killed my plan, especially as the forecast for the next few days was similarly negative. So I abandoned the ride after 100 km and took the train home. But that didn't mean the test was over. The next day I took the train to Koblenz and then cycled 174 km back home through the Rhine valley. I felt really good, even though my marathon run in Berlin was only last Sunday. Okay, I stopped after 27 km, as my knee surgery from last year cannot yet be completely ignored. I also didn't want to jeopardize this test.

Bottom line: I'm ready. My bike and luggage weighed 18 kg. I was still missing my tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat as well as food. Together I think that weighs 6 kg. I will lose these 6 kilograms body fat by the start of the tour in 6 months, so my bike won't be any heavier than now - but I will be fitter ;-)

This is all I will carry on my trip. Only camping stuff and food bag have to be added

This is where my first half day ended. Seligenstadt, small village on river of Main.

second day I was riding with absolutely nothing. Didn't even know in Germany you can ride for hours without seeing anybody. Not even gas station or super market. And it started raining and became pretty cold.

When I saw this I decided to return home as weather forecast became even worse for the upcoming days. No wonder there is no gas station :-)

Today I started more than 100 miles away from my home and returned within 8 hours. Was pretty cold in the morning. About 44 (7 degree).

Riding along the river of Rhine I had all interest to speed and overtake to get warmed up.

Many castles in that famous area. Burg Pfalzgrafenstein 700 years old and still in the middle of the rhine river

Finally the gate to Palatinate (Pfalz)