Around the Pond: 5000 km on the North Sea Cycle Route

Today I leave the North Sea Cycle Route, which I have been following for nearly 5000 km during the last three months. The NSCR continues towards Hamburg, while I continue in a more southerly direction, through Buxtehude and Sevetal. My goal for today is Lüneburg.

I ride mostly on cycle paths along major highways. Where possible I follow long distance cycle routes leading in the right direction. I'm not in a good mood today. I just want to get home. I'm angry about the car drivers, about the bad condition of the cycle path, about the weather, about the front disk break, which is constantly squeaking.

In the afternoon I decide to spend the night on a camping site in Melbeck, just south of Lüneburg. Around 5 p.m. I call them to enquire how long the reception is open. They tell me that they close at 6 p.m., and to check in at the restaurant if I arrive later.

I try to make it before 6, but I'm a bit too late. In the restaurant they show me the meadow for the tents, and the facilities. I'm the only one here with a tent. There seems to be a school class on a trip in some huts a bit away.

I cycle 2 kilometers back to Melbeck to buy something for dinner. I make it just in time before the supermarket closes. Back on the camping site I am surrounded by kids who are curious about my bike, and want to make a test drive.

This is my last night in the tent. Tomorrow I'll be home. It is just over 100 km to Bergfeld.


Day 92 - September 2: Stade - Melbeck

Route

Stade - - Melbeck

Statistics

Distance: 99.63 km
Cycle time: 6:10 h
Average speed: 16.14 kmh
Total distance: 4906 km
© Thomas Stets ts.semper.d@googlemail.com
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