Weimar has an incredible history to explore. But today is not a day for exploring history, however important and interesting it might be. Today, Weimar is simply a beautiful, convenient location for three groups of exploring cyclists to meet - Becca & Martin from Jena, Kathrin & Andreas from Apolda, and Ron & me from Erfurt.
From the plaza in front of the train station a sign directed us the short distance to the convergence of five (yes, five!) bike routes. The plan is to cycle from Weimar northeast to Apolda, a distance of about 17 km (about 10.5 miles). Andreas was a fabulous guide, and we frequently left the path for scenic side trips and impeccably manicured parks.
At one stop, the sound of children playing was just too much for me, and I found myself swinging from a half-slide, half-swing, almost zipline.
We kept an eye on the sky the entire day, as the forecast suggested rain.
We almost made it all the way to Apolda before the clouds caught up with us and tried to give us a good drenching.
Fortunately, we found shelter under a very large, perfectly placed tree, and within minutes the shower had moved on. Then a final climb up the steeper-than-anywhere-we-have-been-yet hills of Apolda, and we were once again in Kathrin and Andreas' beautiful garden.
We enjoyed coffee and a blueberry torte which Andreas made from the berries we picked the day before.
Our bikes seemed right at home on the train as we completed the journey back to Erfurt. Supper was once again supplied by the Apolda garden: tomatoes, with a side of tomatoes! Good food. Good friends. Good night!
Bike Talk
Ragweg #4 Weimar to Apolda
14.9 miles
24 km
Average speed 7.6 mph
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