Eupen to Regensburg. Day 2: Blankenheim to Koblenz

Getting ready to cycle another hop to Koblenz

Waking up at 08:30 and getting ready for breakfast, which is ready at 09:00. I've planned to take it easy today.

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Some of the things I wanted to do different from yesterday: depart early, take plenty of breaks, maybe look at something that seems interesting on the way, and make plenty of photos. Unfortunately, I couldn't do these improvements to the extent I wanted to, due to the fact that this day started with an adverse surprise. My tire got flat again.

In the photo, you see me going to a tool shop in the 'Gewerbepark'. A Gewerbepark is an area where larger stores gather with the goal of keeping traffic out of the old town and having enough parking spaces. I wasn't cycling at the moment.

Look at this picture. I've bought an Auto valve. Problem: I do not have such a pump. Arriving at the hotel again, I noticed that I've bought the wrong tube.

The next photo is a second time at the tool shop.

I've made a repair-stand in front of the store.

The tube has been replaced by a tube with the correct valve, a size 15 spanner has been purchased, and I've taken my baggage with me as well. Everything is set.

RIP old tube.

Voila! Almost perfect. The reason for it not being perfect? Even though the valve is the correct type (Dunlop), it is not the correct size. I can't screw an additional sealing on the valve and I can barely close the bolt that holds the air inside the tube. Basically: it holds the air inside, doesn't release it, but not all parts can be used due to a lack of space. I can tell you beforehand that it will lead to an amazingly short durability.

The birds do not seem to accept their hospitality.

Only going downhill. Very nice.

Some scenes from Dorsel.

Location: between Dorsel and Müsch. The sign says: UP Koblenz Mayen Nürburgring LEFT Dorsel.

Dorsel scenery. Nothing going on there.

Sign of Müsch.

Looks so peaceful.

FREMDENVERKEHRSORTS MÜSCH!! Sounds so German somehow.

Welcome. The state recognises this is a holliday destination. Barweiler.

Just so you know.

The route from the border of NRW to Barweiler.

Already had to use the pump several times. Good purchase.

This sign says: check this guy out!
The motor-cyclist is doing a trick on his motorbike.

Never heard of towns like Cochem, Daun, Altenahr, Adenau, Ulmen or Kelberg. Now I have.

This photo is of a race track called after its city, 'Nürburgring'. I care so little about f-1 or grand prix, that I did not even bother to look at some race that was going on at the moment. I actually passed a spot where you could have seen something.

This is Nürburg.

Döttingen city centre.

No idea how I got on this track.

Leaving Baar, entering Nitzermühle.

Virneburg.

A break was necessary at this point. In front of me lies an incredibly steep hill and I was already quite tired.

I'll have to cycle all the way up there.

A nice view of Hirten.

Leaving Hirten, going to Mayen.

Passing Kürrenberg.

This is the point from where there are no more hills. It moves fast from here on out.

Koblenz: 20 km; Nürburgring: 33 km (back)

I've made a small detour.

The suburbs of Koblenz.

What kind of crazy looking church is this?

Between Ochtendung and Bassenheim lies this. So much plastic.

Koblenz 10 km

Finally reached the "University City Koblenz".

From Barweiler to Koblenz.

Koblenz panorama.

8:30

The view from the hotel window.

The room where I'll sleep...

... is really creepy.