Bob is now close to the Austrian border, whereas Mark still has over 100 miles to go, having cycled a mere 83 miles today. It may have something to do with the heat. Temperatures have once again exceeded 38 degrees - causing sunburn to Mark's back despite wearing a white cycling top. And Bob reports how slightly further south, it may have reached 46 degrees centigrade!
Interesting countryside hereabouts. The Rhineland/Saxon architecture has now given way to predominantly modern designs - with the exception of farm buildings and churches. Most villages in Bavaria also have a massively tall Maypole painted blue and white - similar to the red and white variant in Welford-on-Avon, Warwickshire. Except, the Bavarian ones are adorned with local coats of arms or pictorial representations of the occupations of those who reside in the village: farmer, butcher, painter, etc.
Maypole in Bavaria
The heat requires frequent stops for refreshment - water and nothing stronger than a Radler (that's a Shandy in English). But very small meals too: wurst and bread being a favourite (OK, a sausage sarnie). And with the Danube now the width of a football pitch, it was still surprising to see a dead Beaver by the side of the road. And sadly, dozens of Hedgehogs.
Roadside shrine in Baden Wurtemberg
After a massive climb uphill (this Danube cycleway isn't always easy sailing, especially with the insects biting), a downhill 40mph spree into mediaeval Kelheim where it seems the river cruisers and industrial barges are prevented from going any further upstream along the Danube.
Route-finding in Bavaria is difficult: the bottom right icon denotes the
Donau-Radweg
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