It was only once we were fully packed up that hubby said shame we can’t stay another day   it certainly was a lovely place and the church bells thoughtfully do stop at 10pm so a great nights sleep but we had to get on before the forecasted

Rain hit us. We had decided the night before to go for the non recommended route as the alternative through wineries meant hills and we had chosen the Rhine because it was FLAT! The non recommended route went along muddy tracks and as rain was forecast we had to do this section before the rain.It was 20kms of rough terrain so we had to get off early or we’d be pushing heavily laden bikes through mud..

Getting out of town proved not so easy as we were faced with the dreaded umleitung /diversion signs. The diversion signs as usual seemed to totally disappear so figuring we were past the building sites we made our way back to the Rhine and found a seriously overgrown and broken down track still it had signs on it so off we went. The path deteriorated further pot holes, rocks sticking out and then coarse sharp road gravel…bye, bye tyres.Suddenly we came to a section where we met diggers where they were building a new flood dyke we weaved past them. As we went past I said I think they’re shouting at us “oh no theyre not”said hubby confidently!

It was a beautiful ride when you could take your eyes off the track for a second to look at the scenery. Very peaceful we didnt meet a single person.Finally I arrived at a junction the track we’d been on was really closed with big signs and tape…oops..The signs there quite menacing by order of the Bundes… do not enter no doubt fines would have been pretty hefty. Our guidebook did state you needed to go on the website to download any track closures; was this done?.Hubby was in charge of maps so I think that was his responsibility…

We cycled onto Hamm and enjoyed a lovely cuppa with friendly owner, cat, and various other friendly patrons. On we went although it was only within 15mins before rain gear was donned. The Halfords Uk bootees on their 3rd outing are deteriorating rapidly… can I be bothered sending them back!

As we approached Worms the traffic was incredible which totally put me off trying to deviate into the city centre to get lunch. Hubby was looking down, lunch was not forthcoming when as we reached the Rhine again there was a large pension and restaurant. Perfect timing as the rain poured down even more.

Hubby was really keen to stay near the next town Oppa as its claim to fame is the largest chemical factory in the world. Staying here was not that easy as although rooms were advertised you had to phone up. I got my new mobile/handy out battery flat. Luckily as we were standing outside one place a Turkish guy came along with 2 new workers ftom Turkey who had rooms booked. He phoned the owner up for us but he was not doing rooms for 1 night bookings. The turkish guy did offer us to stay with him very kind!

We cycled on a bit worried that all the towns accomodation would be full of overseas workers.

I then rang the bell of a tiny hotel at 3pm which clearly said it was not open till 5pm and the owner kindly let us in. Its probably the smallest room we’ve stayed in and its bright orange!It is also up in the roof so up the usual 3 flights of stairs. Great fun sitting in the quirky bar having a light supper.

Hubby was a bit worried about the security of the bikes, the owner at the pub/hotel thought he was joking as the BASFcompany has 1000s of bikes for the workers to get around on as the works of BASF stretch over 10kms so everyone in the town has access to a bike.. Hubby checked about the company and the last time they had an explosion the whole town was virtually destroyed.Why are we staying within sight of the works ?.

Ps Hubby reminds me tk let everyone we will soon be sprouting dandelions out of our mouths,. Some days it has been like snow so many dandelion seeds in the air perhaps we should be wearing dust masks?

PSS I need another massage after struggling to keep my bike upright on the closed track!

Hotel Knobelschlosser

Oppau

80e incl breakfast

Cheap meals and drinks in bar

English tv good wifi