We suspect Summer has finally surrendered to Autumn. The days are getting colder and shorter. The last two days were rainy and windy, but the forecast for today is rain-free, temperature in the low 50s, and overcast. We can live with that. We can bike with that!
We bundled up, and were off! This time, we took the train east, past Jena, to the little town of Hermsdorf. There is not much in Hermsdorf, except a train station. In all fairness, there is not much of a train station, either. Just a red ticket machine, and two elevators, one on either side of the two sets of tracks. Fortunately for us, both elevators were working. The bikes may not appear heavy, but lugging them up and down train station stairways isn't nearly as much fun as one might think!
We found the bike path without much effort. The plan is to bike another section of the Thüringen Radfernweg Städtekette, from Hermsdorf to Jena. If we time it right, we should arrive in Jena in time to have dinner with Becca and Martin. We plan, God laughs!
The rain has left the ground quite soggy. This would not be a problem if the path were paved, but the first 10 kilometers or so are not. The bike path carves through a beautiful forest. The trees are young, but very tall. Other than the sliver of blue sky we saw at the train station in Hermsdorf, the sky would remain grey and overcast for the entire ride. Photographs in the flat light do not do this place justice.
Fortunately, the path changed from dirt and gravel to pavement, and the signage was excellent. Cyclists are welcome along this section, as evidenced by the guesthouses and beer gardens situated along the trail.
We found a lovely spot for our picnic lunch, but it was too cold to linger.
I asked Ron to pose for this picture, to give perspective to our surroundings. Can you find him?
The terrain was different than the other rides. More trees, fewer towns and villages. The trail was very well maintained and marked. We didn't get lost or turned around once! A big first for us!
It was late afternoon when we arrived in Jena. As if on cue, the sun peeked out as the first church steeple came into view. But the bleak sunshine couldn't undo the hours of cold and damp riding, so we settled for a hot coffee and an early train back to Erfurt.
Bike Talk
Radweg #10 - Hermsdorf to Jena
23 miles
37 kilometers
Average speed: 7.8 mph
Top speed: 23.4 mph (speed reached in Erfurt to outrun the number 5 trolley)
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