Bien à vous! Greetings from Verdun, France! 🇫🇷
Team Rynkeby Berlin has proudly managed another couple of stages on its way to Paris as part of our mission to support children suffering from critical illnesses (and their families). In total 300 km were added to our mission on both days. Not to forget all the little and big climbs – thousands of meters – added throughout our entire journey so far.
Stage 5: Darmstadt – Saarbrücken
Stage 5 led us from Darmstadt, Hesse to Saarbrücken, Saarland. This stage was a bit longer compared to the last 3 days and included a ferry crossing, once more. Neither rain, nor wind nor any technical defect will stop us. 💪 And we were facing A LOT of wind and rain. That’s part of the game. 🤷♂️ However, there’s also sunshine. Don’t worry. ☀️
Once more I have joined the (sub) group of 6 front riders. These six brave men and women are being called “windshield”. And that’s exactly what they’re doing: facing most of the headwind and providing slipstream to the rest of the group. This is a shared effort due to rotation among those six riders, while the rest of the group is – more less – fixed. Especially those at the backend always remain at the end of the group to secure the group’s end, to support in case of any defect and to “pull back” the affected rider providing slipstream. However, slipstream will enable a rider to save up to 30% of efforts.
Anything can happen on such a long trip. Not only the weather in all facets, but also extremely nice landscapes and panorama views. Amazing. Despite of the rain there’s a lot of joy. Landscapes today were super nice as we passed plenty of vineyards in a region well known for that (see German Wine Route). We also passed Kaiserslautern, a German town with quite some history. That town is also home to a well known football club (FCK). Well, we missed their stadium, the “Betzenberg” as well as the stadium in Saarbrücken, home to the 1. FC Saarbrücken. There are priorities. 😉
All the things that happen on a long trip remind me to a certain and special cycling event (Berlin – Munich – Berlin coming soon). It is not only just cycling over a long distance. It is also about the things you see and enjoy over the day. Whether with a great team or solo, the trick is to keep up the good mood. And every day, hour and minute there’s a great mood in the team. Convinced of our ability to make it to Paris, as a team. And to accomplish our mission, regardless of the amount of wind and rain. Not to forget all the nice chats while riding, helping to get closer, to turn comradeships into friendships.
On this occasion I need to mention our bike escort. We’re not only riders and supporters (who are preparing great refreshments and helping in so many other ways). There are Aaron und Patrick, two motorbike riders escorting us each day and they’re delivering constantly. And there’s Jörg, a mechanic in a car, literally carrying half a repair store. They’re always available if needed. Hopefully not that much though. 🤞 This is TEAM WORK. 💪💪
These guys ensure a safe journey for us, the riders. The motorbike riders keep up the good flow by blocking roads or roundabouts temporarily so that a large group easily can pass. And – if needed – they look for a good place for a short break ahead of us. These guys are extremely helpful. Same for the car driver who remains behind the second group of riders, protecting us from the rest of the world behind us – and coordinating a short break at a parking slot or something, in case of a pile-up behind us. And – if needed – Jörg helps to fix an issue with a bike. Thank you guys, you are amazing. Obviously, there’s some more “luxury” on such a trip unlike for classic bike packing tours. On this journey we “just” have to ride the bikes. Nice.
Again both groups of our team were re-shuffled, today young riders vs. old riders. Including a couple of riders assigned to the “wrong” group by purpose. We had to find out who. What a nice gimmick for the long way, apart of plenty of panoramas, beautiful landscapes and villages on our way. It’s never boring even if it appears to be so (you may wonder what we’re doing all day on a bike). We’re having fun, a lot of small chats and laughters. A good mood.
We arrived in Saarbrücken safely. All this is for a good cause. Each minute and each mile. We continue to collect donations. 😉 For instance, on this morning we met another hotel guest who was impressed about what we’re doing and he donated immediately. Very nice. Thank you!
Stage 6: Saarbrücken – Verdun
Stage 6 led us from Saarbrücken to Verdun, France. 🇫🇷 What a special stage finish. Did I mention the rain? We‘re only happy when it rains. 🤪
Day has started rainy again. Why not? For quite some time we had to deal with it however we do not stop. It was nasty but there was no option. Luckily, the second half of the day was very sunny, which is very helpful to warm up. Eventually it was warm enough for a cup of ice cream. Yay! Thanks, Yves! ☺️
Once again, there were some very beautiful and picturesque landscapes, even and especially in the rain. All that beauty! Wow! In these (rainy) moments, beautiful landscapes appear much different and romantic – in a way. Simply good for the soul and the mood – to not only fight through rain and getting the day somehow done. No. There’s still something to see, especially once managed to climb up another hilly part. Amazingly, the good mood among the team and the two groups remains great.
Speaking of groups, for the group shuffling today some dance pairs were supposed to find each other. Depending on the dance groups performance, the two group leaders could make their selection for their respective group. Very interesting. 😅😁 Eventually I got a lot of headwind again. That’s okay and totally intended. Everyone should contribute what they can.
At the end of the tour today we have visited the Necropole Nationale in Verdun. 13.000 graves in place of 1.6 million deadly victims. A thoughtful moment. What a useless battle at this time. And still, there are so many useless and unnecessary wars on this planet. Will it ever stop?
Thoughtful moments in Verdun
Shortly after our visit we arrived safely at our hotel, not without passing a former battlefield. For me it always takes a while to digest what I have seen. Our beautiful place to stay over night and the team spirit were helpful.
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