A short day with regards to mileage. An uneventful morning, travelling through Holland.
The roads are busy but smooth and fast. I'm thinking of the time ahead, when I can be alone on the highway, dreaming of Norway.
Passing through small towns and bypassing the bigger ones, I soon arrived at the German border, signs for Hamburg. I passed through the border with a nod and a smile to the patrol. The guys waved and stared at Bess. She was impressive with her kit and sponsor stickers.
Following the Dutch / German border on the A31 I made good time until a scheduled stop for toilet, snack and stretch. A quick check over the bike and its luggage, I discovered one of the bungies had snapped and was hanging precariously near the back wheel. That could have been nasty if it had got entangled in the wheel. Having secured the luggage with some cable ties I continued on the A311 . No more singing that day.
Having lost some time with the running repairs I decided to pull in for the night. A camp site off the main drag was my choice. A beautiful spot by a lake, with toilet block, kitchen and bar. Not exactly "wild " camping, but I knew that as not too far away.
My routine had quickly become diciplined. Shower, clothes wash, supper, blog then usually sleep. Only day 3, but a pattern was forming. Self dicipline was vital. Location was just south of Bremen in the Wildeshauser Forest. That night I mingled with a few locals around the pool bar and the talk came around to football. They assumed that I supported Liverpool FC because of where I was from. I soon corrected them. This was to happen frequently on my journey.
First night under canvas. I awoke at 5.30 am and was on the road by 7am. Hamburg and on to Denmark was the target for the day.
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