Team Rynkeby Berlin goes to Paris – Day 3

Day 3 – Heilbad Heiligenstadt – Marburg

We’ve been on the road for three days now, and we’ve experienced so many amazing things. It’s impossible to mention everything, at least not at the moment. And every day is different. Not only because the route is different, meaning conditions can change fundamentally, but also because the weather plays a role, and last but not least, the two groups are put together anew every day. More or less the groups are composed randomly by using a certain criterion. Yesterday, for example, the two groups of cyclists were sorted alphabetically by their first name. Today there was a women’s group (with three male guests, selected by the women) and a men’s group. It’s interesting to observe how these groups behave, as far as I can tell.

However, a certain routine is important, such as the morning briefing before takeoff. And that certain roles can be filled. Both groups need a captain and navigator and must have reliable people in the first three rows to lead the group. We also need two experienced people to provide cover at the back of the group. And a few medics, who fortunately haven’t had to intervene seriously so far.

In any case, new constellations arise every day; you have different people to talk to, who constantly switch between the first three rows, in particular. It takes a while to get used to it, but today, for example, the atmosphere was completely different from yesterday. And so you get to know the different team members, sometimes more, sometimes less intensively. Strengths, weaknesses, sense of humor, views, you name it. And interestingly, we all tick the same boxes in the essentials, yet are different. But there are also always the many little things, like a group that’s already at the break point or taking a short break somewhere along the route greeting the other group appropriately. Great.

Generally, I find the strong team spirit very impressive. It’s like always when you want to achieve something big: every single team member is important and makes a hugely significant contribution, which is essential for overall success. We all have a common goal, and we won’t let anything unsettle us or even derail our positive spirits. Of course, not everything is perfect, and that’s not something you can necessarily expect.

We were expecting good weather, but today we weren’t so lucky. While yesterday we had to contend with a strong headwind, today it was rain. It wasn’t constant, it wasn’t heavy rain, but in the long run it’s tiring to constantly ride in rain gear and keep taking off your rain jacket. On top of that, today we had to climb a lot, but the rain somewhat ruined the beautiful descents, because you obviously have to be a lot more careful in wet weather. You just have to accept it instead of complaining. You have to remember why you’re doing this ride in the first place.

Added to that are the nice anecdotes and a kind but unobtrusive gesture from one team member to another. We are calling this “Secret Santa”. This can simply be a small token of appreciation or a small gift. Everyone gives a little treat to another team member every day for the duration of the tour, whatever that may be. The other team member is decided once by drawing lots. I think that’s great and an absolute enrichment.

Such a gesture can simply be a small token of appreciation or a small gift. A compliment. Any help. A small gift. A paid drink. Or something creative. Sometimes “it happens” just so, not as part of “Secret Santa” – as seen on my bike during a group gathering after the first steep climb of the tour.

Else, we were able and had to simply finish the ride despite the rain. Despite everything, we braved all the adversities together in a great mood, with fun, laughter, and braved them all. And every day had a little highlight. Yesterday, I was able to greet my aunt at the route, and today, our team member Esther was able to welcome a sponsor/donor personally recruited for this project.

And like every day, we are reliably and lovingly provided with well-earned refreshments twice a day. Today, among other things, we received cherries and vegetables from my aunt’s garden. This was greatly appreciated by the team. Along the way, we bought some cherries along the side of the road. After a brief conversation with the vendor, he gave us another basket of cherries. Great. Thank you so much!