45 miles ridden – 899m climbed – temperature 24C (average, maximum was 29C)

Today was almost as much climbing as yesterday over a shorter distance but aside from one steepish hill it was fairly well spread over the last 20 miles so no lungbusters (thankfully).

The scenery was stunning with a wonderful mix of woods, fields, prairie meadows and of course a good chunk of the Jagst river.

The cycle paths are amazing. Almost everywhere we have been there has been a dedicated cycle path or a clearly marked area of the road which seems to suit both cyclists and motorists. Morning brew was just outside the village of Dörzbach at a beautiful spot on the banks of the river. The Jagst is not quite the Moselle, Rhine, or Neckar but it has it’s charm.

It was only 12 miles from morning brew to lunch but there were some climbs to get through so it was more a case of the time to lunch rather than the distance. More beautiful countryside as we made our way to the lunch stop in Bartenstein. Thanks to fellow rider Paul there is even a picture of me riding.

Peak Tours look after us very well – benches courtesy of the good folks of Bartenstein, gazebos courtesy of Peak Tours. Bu lunch 70% of the climbing was done leaving us just two noticeable climbs. The first wasn’t that steep but was 10-15 minutes after lunch so we had the opportunity to re-taste lunch and the second was the gentle but long sweep up to the medieval fortress town that hosts us for two nights either side of tomorrow’s rest day.

After yesterday’s struggles I adopted a different gearing strategy today and stuck with the small chainring and fast cadence rather than powering through on the large chainring and that did well for me.

Although undulating, the last 10 miles miles of the approach to Rothenburg was stunning as we were riding across the top of the hills. We passed through little villages and hamlets all of which seemed deserted aside from the sound of kids in school. No cafes, no shops and lots of fixer-upper properties. It’s difficult to tell whether the area is financially troubled or it’s just the way things are.

We could see Rothenburg from about 5 miles away as it sits on the top of the highest ride around. As we got nearer buildings became grander and more characterful.

The traffic free entrance to the city did not disappoint and the general feel of the place is great. I’ll post more photos tomorrow after I have had a really good snoop around.

No air-conditioning in my tiny loft eaves room but it’s double aspect to I can get a through draft!!!