Survived today,you know its going to be a tough day when at 9am you’re soaked in sweat after only 40 mins cycling. Easy exit from Stuttgart so no going around in circles today.First 10kms we had a little bit of industry still and bumpy tracks but then we were back in the countryside with gentle slopes full of wine vines, open arable land and nature reserves full of bird life.We didnt pass too many coffee stops in fact none so we had to do the recommended detour to a historic town called Marbach perched high up on a hill of course.

By the time we’d cycled up the steep hill into the market square of Marbach in the heat I was feeling in need of a hospital bed not a cup of tea. Tea had to suffice.Another pretty town someone asked me the way to the town hall in german, hubby thought tbis was hilarious someone asking me the way. I directed them tbe right way aswell, Im  getting good at this navigation lark.

Continuing on from Marbach for another hour or so we struggled to find a lunchspot it was too hot to eat anyway but we needed more water. We diverted into a little town called Plerdelsheim for drinks and a roll. There we met an older couple cycling, they were local Germans doing a day ride and were interested in our travels. They were also not riding electric bikes, we were trying to work out the optimum age for going electric. I suggested 80 he replied you might not have the mental capacity to manage an electric bike then..good point.

We peddled on often swapping sides of the Neckar and either cycling by the Neckar river or the Canalised Neckar bank.There were no signs of all the hordes of cyclists with panniers that we’d met the previous 2 days. There was one couple we passed and they looked very hot, we probably did aswell.We decided to finish around 2pm it was intensely hot as we entered Besigheim someone stopped and asked me the way again. Hubby has decided Im becoming too germanic!

We booked into a basic guestthouse as the hotel was full but  they supply a washing machine hurray  so all todays clothes got chucked straight in.At least its cool inside as it is a really old building with thick walls.

Besigheim is as picturesque as you’d expect, disappointed towers are off limits at the moment due to nesting eagles.Reasonable food at the Hotel in the town with a good variety so you dont have to eat schnitzel!

Time to restore energy to cope with tomorrows humidity and heat…

Cafe Ankara Guest House

BESIGHEIM