Norwich to Uppsala (Sweden) day 4. Wet

Day 4. Wet

The forecast today was to be very wet and windy so I briefly considered sitting it out. However I had to do at least 90 miles to stay on target so went outside for a pitch inspection. Unfortunately the weather at the hotel this morning was just light drizzle plus a strong, but manageable headwind. So I foolishly decided to set off with the plan to take stock at Bremen around lunch time.

The route itself was even duller than yesterday as I just cycled along paths by the side of the road.

At first all was going well so I didn’t really notice the weather gods were slowly ratcheting up the amount of precipitation. By the time I got to Bremen I realised I was very wet and my so called waterproof gloves were useless.

I stopped for a quick cafe review. Very standard fare and with no famous German cyclist museum next door to help the rating it scored a rather poor 6.27.

I decided that as I wasn’t tired yet and that the weather had been manageable, I would push on so I quickly booked my hotel at a suitable end point.

This was a mistake as the further I went the windy and wetter it got. My so called waterproof boots were now full of water so all extremities were completely frozen. Although my actual waterproofs did a fabulous job. I found it was easier to keep going than to stop as I was slightly warmer when cycling.

Over the years I know it’s always wise to carry a portable emergency bakery with you. Fortunately mine was well stocked so I was able to have a couple of refuels featuring a soggy croissant and chocolate donut. 

Here is the winner of rain shelter of the day. (The rest were all bus stops). Certificate on its way Mr Mayor.

It was the hardest and probably stupidest cycle ride I’ve ever done (and I’ve done a few) so if the forecast is like that again I’ll definitely be taking the train. I’m also absolutely wasted so the thought of another 100 miles tomorrow is not creating the warm fuzzy feeling it normally does.

The only bonus was that the hotel I had booked in a rush was not only very good but had a raw herring dish on the menu, which although not pickled, sets me up nicely for when I enter Scandinavian.

To finish on a positive note then tomorrow’s forecast looks better and the ride will also feature the first ferry crossing. However number 1 priority is restocking of the portable emergency bakery.

Tomorrow’s weather

Stats

	Miles	Time on bike	Average speed	Meters climbed	Miles to go
Day 1 Norwich to Harwich	77.64	06:05	12.8	784
Day 2 Hoek of Holland to Deventer	102.95	09:02	11.4	366	884
Day 3 Deventer to Cloppenburg	103.48	08:16	12.5	231	782
Day 4 Cloppenburg to Wedel	90.45	08:20	10.8	538	678

Today’s route