32 miles ridden – 166m climbed – temperature 36C (max 39C).

Today was hot – very hot – but very nice.

Because of yesterday’s events I had to be up at 6am for some final ‘fettling’ with my bike before it was loaded onto the van for transport to the start point some two hours drive south west of Frankfurt. Despite the forecast of cooler weather it was still very hot but that didn’t dampen our spirits as the group gathered on the banks of the Moselle.

Today was a short day and most of the ride followed immaculate bike paths along the river with occasional detours into small towns. It seems odd to us Brits that so much is closed on a Sunday but all the big shops and most of the small ones were closed but also everywhere seemed deserted. Maybe everyone was just staying up of the sun? Except for us of course – mad dogs and Englishmen…..

The Moselle is quite majestic and the hills either side feel – and are! – wall to wall vineyards.

It wasn’t long before we enjoyed one of the infamous Peak Tours picnic lunches sat under trees by the river bank made comfortable by the hot breeze blowing through the trees.

It got even warmer after lunch and in the end we were all relieved to arrive in Bernkastel-Kues to get out of the heat which peaked at 38C. Thank heavens for air-conditioning!

I could tell it was going to be an attracting place with a good range of shops because Viking River cruises call in:

Aside from the fact that it transpired none of the open restaurants had airconditioning (!) it is a really pretty little town:

and thanks to one of my fellow riders here is a picture of me riding today: