Day 286 1st May
39 miles (Raayerhof to Weeze) Average speed 12.4 mph Top speed 19 mph
Awake at 4am as the rain started but was too lazy and warm to get up and cover the panniers and bike. Up at 7 and off to the wonderful kitchen out of the rain, to cook mushroom and cheese omelette. I chatted with two Dutch couples also on bikes and we discussed our routes. Then I packed up in the least rain possible before heading off at 10.30. I followed the cycle path along the road at good speed and with the wind behind me it made for a good ride even in the drizzle.
I saw the first indoor river for fishing! A strange concept but maybe it could take off. Stopped briefly in Venlo at Jan Linders shop to buy lunch and partake of another free coffee. Then I carried on in the drizzle to Venray, where I went to a tourist info in a hotel, which consisted of a computer touch screen and not much else, but at least I got a couple of maps. I continued on along some very good, and some very dubious, cycle paths before reaching Arcen which had a chateau and an arsenal but wanted 15€ to have a further look, so I used their toilets to change into dry clothes and get some water before heading off to Germany.
Chateau at Arcen
Then I got lost in the holiday park with no exits and carried on to Wahlbach but as I went through a forest to get there I must have missed the big Wilkommen to Deutschland sign. At least I knew I was there when I saw the flag flying proudly from a house and a marching band in the street to welcome me.
Marching Band to greet my arrival in Germany
I carried on, hoping that the rain would cease for long enough to have my lunch and then came across a kids park with a hut to leave bags. A perfect solution in case the heavens opened. I got some rather odd looks but I guess they assumed I was English and let me carry on!
Lunch by the playground
I checked for campsites and found Kevin’s bar, which didn’t sound very German, so I thought I’d say hi and check out the deal. 16€ including breakfast and good hot showers and an ex RAF man to chat to in English. As it was raining I had to sample a few of his beers before setting up my tent in the pub garden. Luckily he had two umbrellas to escape the rain and hang my tent out to dry on.
Some shelter at least
I cooked pasta for my dinner and went back to see him for another beer and chat. As it’s Bank Holiday here (it always rains!) there were no shops open but normal service should resume tomorrow.
I really hope he serves a full English in the morning.
Goodnight said Zebedee.