The last ride had to happen, and what a ride it was. We took a train to Naumburg, about an hour from Erfurt. The train stopped briefly in Apolda where Andreas boarded. To say it was a perfect Fall morning for a ride would be a gross understatement.
Naumburg is known for its Cathedral ("Dom" in German) located in the old town. The square was significant, the Dom magnificent, and the tiny narrow carriage ways through the surrounding market were inviting.
We could have spent the entire day here! But we had a good distance to travel if we were going to reach Apolda by dark. Andreas has lived and biked here his entire life, and suggested this particular ride as it is one of his favorites. We were not disappointed!
We took a break in a small village. Although we had not encountered many other cyclists on the trail, there were many queuing up outside a little bakery. Soon we knew why! Ron assured me that these were not decadent pastries: "this is biker fuel!"
Back on the trail, I was grateful for every calorie, as we started a rather challenging ascent. There were two castles on a ridge line nearby, and up ahead we would have to make a choice. Did we want to go all the way up, or stay on the river path. Ron and I didn't hesitate: the river path is fine! It wasn't long until we reached the turnoff - a bridge that would take us across the river we had been following, so that we could skirt the mountain. But the bridge had been taken down! We no longer had a choice. Up we went. It was so steep in parts that we had to dismount and literally push, pull and drag our bikes along. But we were rewarded handsomely! First, the lion monument welcomed our show of strength.
Then around the corner, the castles and valley below came into view!
After cresting the top, we reached a paved road and flew down to the village below.
But we weren't done yet! There were still many little towns and villages along the way, and the weather and daylight held for us.
We almost missed this treasure. Ron and I were pedaling right past the little villager resting on a bench when Andreas called us back. OMG! She is a statue!
Too soon, we were outside Apolda, starting the slow, gradual, incredibly long ascent to Andreas and Kathryn's home. Kathryn wasn't able to join us on the trail today (it was a work day!) but she cooked us a fabulous Italian meal "in honor of Ron". Bellisimo!! Well done Kathryn!! Well done Andreas!! Perfect end to a perfect day.
Bike Talk
Radweg #14 Naumberg to Apolda
Miles: 27.9, mostly uphill
Kilometers: 43.3
Riding Time: 4 hours, 8 minutes
Top Speed: 21.3 mph (paved road after dragging bikes up mountain because bridge was out)
Slowest Speed: -.2 mph (when bike slid backwards while pushing it up the mountain)
Final Bike Statistics
Click on the box below for a bike recap, and final bike mileage. Feel free to sing along - you know you want to!
Comments