The rolling hills of the Sauerland |
The RTF riders underway |
The hill at Km. 75, warning of a maximum grade of 10% and saying we should envy cyclists riding triple chainrings! |
The scenery was marvellous but after our second food stop I realized that my legs were just not up to our planned 153 km route. I had not been out on a bike since July 21 but still...it was disappointing to turn off and follow the 113 km route as Tom and Rudiger bravely continued onwards. In the end, I made the right decision as I had terrible cramp attacks several times en route and had to get off the bike more than once to work out the spasms. I was taking care to drink a lot so I am not sure why the cramps were so extreme. At least I had some opportunities to take a few photos.
After staggering back to the elaborate sports centre after completing my ride and its 1500 m of climbing, I was able to enjoy a good cold shower and a few beers as I waited for the return of the others who arrived pretty quickly considering their extra 40 kms and 700 m of vertical gain.
We were all impressed by the region and will surely return as it has promoted itself as a cycling region but I hope that the kinks in my calf muscles and adductors will be long gone by then!
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