67 miles ridden. 442m climbed. Temperature 28C.

It was a beautiful, clear, cool day. For some of it we had a cooling headwind, for some of it a fun tailwind. The Rhine was majestic.

After a few miles we parted company with the Rhine and set off across country to cut off a large loop of headland and take us in a more south-easterly direction. The scenery changed dramatically with rolling hills and field after field of wheat and corn. The small lanes and paths we followed were immaculate compared to what we are used to in the UK and all the drivers we came across made way for us which just added to the joy of the day.

The first leg to morning coffee saw 7 of us (in a somewhat pedestrian peloton) cover the first 19 miles dealing with more complex navigation around small towns that the first three days put together and after coffee we made short work of the next 23 miles to one of the famous Peak Tours picnic lunches. We really did all have a great morning and even enjoyed some hills for the first time this trip.

After lunch we crossed over the Rhine and headed off towards our next river – The Neckar.

More stunning scenery through the afternoon took our minds off the fact that it was slowly heating up. It always seems to be hottest between 3pm and 5pm but with more woodland and the breeze it was relatively easy to regulate temperature. However I drank at least 3.5 litres of water in addition to drink stops so it was hot!

Ladenburg is a really mixed city – quite industrial but with a beautiful old sector where some of us are staying in fairly nice but not air-conditioned rooms. I’m never going to get used to walking into a hot room!

Tomorrow we have some proper climbing…..