Team Rynkeby Berlin goes to Paris – Stages 3 & 4

Team Rynkeby Berlin continues its amazing journey and mission, to support children suffering from critical illnesses. At this point all say “Hi” from from Darmstadt, our target destination of the 4th stage from Fulda to Darmstadt, both in Hesse.

Stage 3: Mühlhausen – Fulda

A gentle 120k ride, a few shorter than the day before and again quite appealingly. Both, the landscapes and the team work. On this stage again wind shield (or pacemaker) but in the second group. The additional task is to keep certain distance to the other group ahead of us. This is to ensure other traffic participant will have the chance to pass by. It all worked fine despite a smaller issue at some time.

Weather was better again. For multiple times it looked like rain however for this time we have been spared of it. It was another great joy and I am really looking forward to the next stage, where the group set up will be done very creatively.

First stop for to refill.

For the second break today we stopped at a nice place called “Die Bimbel”, a deprecated and old fashioned rail station. However, the short but very steep climb to there was worth it eventually (earlier each of us was asking if that was needed).

Lunch break at “The Bimbel”

Nice view of Herlesberg, among the Werra river, not far from the town of Eisenach

To answer the question why it is not easy to find good sports for a break is: simple: we are nearly 50 people. Out of those nearly 40 riders plus support cars and (electric) motorbikes. This all needs its space without disturbing others. Ideally not close to a busy road. Such a place for a break needs to be selected strategically with both, a specific distance ridden and ahead of us.

At this point I need to highlight our support team, who whom no effort was too much to provide creative and delicious meals for all of us. Whenever we stop for a break, they’re already there and everything is set. With a rich variety of foods and drinks, all paid by ourselves.

Time for a delicious break.

Lunch Break

After all, another gentle 120k ride, from Mühlhausen, Thuringia, to Fulda, Hesse. Crossing the former border between East/West Germany. Including some climbs, and yes, at times that was challenging.

Nonetheless, on day 4 our team remains as strong as on day one and we enjoy not only the good mood but also very nice landscapes and beautiful places. Wish there would be some more opportunities for pictures. However, there’s a lot of unforgettable memories already.

Fulda Cathedral

The town of Fulda, our final destination for the day, is definitely worth a visit. It is rich in history and culture and one should have visited. If time allows after arrival I used to go for a walk to see a little of the town that we went to.

Stage 4: Fulda – Darmstadt

Again a nice group shuffling. Today ladies vs. gents. In that matter we have an almost equal setting (20 men / 16 women). Two men were allowed to join the women’s group for the equal group size. And no surprise, our ladies are strong. Impressive. In other words our team consists of strong and brave women by almost 50%. No secret, they’re strong. Ladies, you were so powerful yet another day! 💪💪 Actually, we knew before, but on this day it became obviously visible.

Team meeting in Fulda, right before the start

Ladies were in group 1, gents in group 2. With a proper distance at all times. Felt like a usual group ride with other fellas, but it wasn’t. He did have a slightly higher pace than the days before but on the other hand, this track was shorter with far less climbs. Hence, the last couple of days went smooth, knowing, the next day will be challenging again. As for many other occasions, a proper (route) planning pays off. 😉 However, on this day I have secured the group’s backend once again.

Evening routine after arrival since we don’t carry a new dress for each day.

Not to forget, each team member, rider and supporter, are supposed to provide a small and secret gift of any kind to a other team member, randomly assigned for one time but to be done each day. That is thanks to our team internal “Event Team”, one of the internal teams being assigned to special tasks (events, planning, finances etc.). Well, this has brought an extra smile each day which was the exact purpose of this. Like this a lot. it is simply amazing how the team acts together and stands together. Truly inspiring.

Lunch Break

And, also not to forget: we draw a lot of attention, again we receive a lot reception, applause and appreciation. In general the weather was okayish for the last couple of days. We hope for some better weather though. Yesterday we were facing quite some wind and rain for the last hour (the one hour we had to wait for a ferry). That’s fine and part of the game. 🤷‍♂️