08/07/2021

08/06/21 at 00:19: We are finally lying in our tents, outside the last drops of rain are still dripping from the leaves of the trees and my bottom is really sore. Finally a little time to tell you about today’s events.

After leaving our sleeping place a little late, we drove towards Mêlník. I think the mountain hike with our tandem the day before, with temperatures sometimes in the single digits combined with constant rain, had pretty much exhausted us and our bodies were getting what they needed to avoid getting sick. So it was already 12:30 p.m. when we left the beautiful, quiet place with countless butterflies and decided to pay a visit to the Smetana monument in Dušníky to start the tour right there.

On the way there, heavy rain started, although the day had started so sunny and wonderfully warm with countless butterflies that we could only just stop them from coming with us. When we finally arrived in Dušníky, we realized that we were in the wrong place and we were deeply devastated.

Do we still have to drive to the right place? No, we are running out of time, because come what may, we would still have to drive sixty kilometers today. So we drove straight to Mêlník, as originally planned, and unloaded there when the first shower came down, which stopped us for a while. Everything took a little longer because things were finally getting really serious, there was really no turning back, so to speak, and we were careful to stow everything away properly. We also repaired the lighting inside the piano, which had not been possible before because the builders of the cargo bike had needed the piano until the last day.

Then we finally made it. Everything was in its place and rainproof and well stowed away. We just wanted to take a quick drone shot when a grey wall of rain rolled towards us. It was true, you could really see the rain coming towards us. We quickly took refuge under the bridge where we had unloaded everything and then a downpour started to fall, it was impressive and we were glad we hadn’t set off yet.

Since we couldn’t leave anyway and the rushing and splashing provided a beautiful backdrop, we decided to give our first nature concert here and now and take a few pictures for you, since unfortunately streaming will only be possible in Germany. Another cyclist was there too and was kind enough to walk around a bit with the camera. To be honest, it was an exhilarating experience. Really, it was a very poetic moment.

[ V I D E O ]

It’s already here: we’re playing in the Czech Republic under the bridge in the rain

It rained for a full hour, but then it was time to really get going. I parked my car in a place that seemed more trustworthy to me, because it was only expected to be picked up in two days by a friend who wanted to ride to us on his racing bike. In the meantime, we got talking to Nico from Vienna, whose final destination was Hamburg and who was keen to get on the Tastdem with us and accompany us for part of the way, despite the late hour. So we finally set off at 7:30 p.m. and after a few kilometers we were amazed at how well developed the cycle paths are here and, above all, how well signposted they are. We enjoyed the wonderful sunset and the light of the golden hour, which made everything look simply wonderful in the humid air.

So I sat in front, Nico behind me and Andreas on Nico’s bike.

The first few kilometers were relaxed, passing a nuclear power plant, small towns and countless anglers at an average speed of 17 km/h.

It quickly became apparent that the weight distribution of the trailer was anything but optimal, because every time it hit a small bump in the road it began to bounce and lurch, which felt anything but good. So we stowed the technical case at the front next to the piano and put the other case upright so that the center of gravity was a little more forward and more pressure was exerted on the front wheel of the trailer. Unfortunately, this option is not in our interest at all, as the entire aesthetic is lost and stowing one case is also completely impractical. Tomorrow we will think further about how to solve the problem, because after rearranging the things, the driving experience was much better and we were able to drive over larger bumps without any problems. Without the conversion, a few of the following sections would have been unthinkable.

[ V I D E O ]

Pure challenge: Driving through huge puddles and bumps at night with over 200 kg of luggage

It got darker and darker and soon we could only see what was in front of our bicycle lights.

In the end, in addition to good conversations and pothole-filled sections, we managed a full fifty kilometers. Of course, not what we had planned, but still respectable. Nico turned out to be a well-traveled young man who had already crossed a few rivers and cycled several thousand kilometers. He was also one of the first to say when describing our project: “You can do it easily.” He had already done a few moves in Vienna on a cargo bike and we would rock it. We will hopefully meet him again on the tour.

Nico and Andreas are already asleep and while I’m writing this it’s already 1:45 a.m. and my eyes are also closing. Finally, by the way, we even saw a shooting star that flew exactly in the direction we were going to ride. If that isn’t a good omen for the trip. Good night everyone and sleep well, your Julian.

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