This spring, what I saw of southern Europe, thanks to injuring my shoulder March 31st in Naples, I saw mostly from a van. Since leaving Paris June 8, I've ridden my Global 2000 bicycle 5,443 miles and climbed over 200,000 feet. Since bonking (running out of energy) and sagging out of Ireland, July 2nd, I've ridden every mile every day. I'm not fast, just determined. From Belfast to Amsterdam, I saw northern and central Europe from the seat of my bicycle.
When the Euro replaces the current money, it will be even more difficult to tell when a border has been crossed. In many places, there's no sign to indicate a change in country. It was not hard to tell I was in Holland when I crossed one of the sea dams. These massive structures were constructed in the 1980's to prevent damage from North Sea storms. The old grain grinding windmills and modern electricity generating propeller windmills making their woosh woosh sound as the blades sliced through the air were additional clues. I didn't need the redundant hint of riding on top of the dikes where the wind could push rain against my face.
Since Luxembourg the weather has been 50-65F and rain or drizzle with occasional breaks. Each day's terrain has varied from constant hills (6,000ft in 80 miles) to flat (600ft in 106 miles). The languages changed from French to Flemish to Dutch.
Over the last few days the brick and cobblestone streets of Belgium and Holland have done a number on my right arm and fairing (windshield) mount. Rest will do my arm a world of good. I had already ordered new handlebar mounts for my fairing to be sent to Canberra, Australia, so I won't have to ride without my trusty wind and water blocker.
I was able to buy chocolate each day. In French speaking Belgium, I ordered deux (2) each of seven different chocolates. Six were delicious. The next day, I found a chocolatier who had labels so I got five each of two kinds. All were delicious. Maybe I can start dieting in the Orient. Perhaps a rice diet.
After today, Odyssey2000� has 114 days left with less than six weeks worth of camping and just 4,400 miles in only 58 riding days. If I lose .2 lbs (700 calories) per riding day, I can finally drop 12 pounds ... if I can stay away from the chocolate covered macadamia nuts and Portuguese sweet bread in Hawaii.
The route in Japan has been changed from the cold short sunlight day north (from Sapporo to Tokyo) to six days of riding from Kyoto to Hiroshima. Two 100+ mile days into Vietnam then to Hanoi have been replaced with a train trip. It has become apparent that crossing difficult (bureaucratically speaking) borders are better crossed by train (like going to St. Petersburg) than individually (like Panama).
Our camping gear will be sent from Japan to New Zealand because Odyssey will not be camping from Hiroshima to Christchurch through China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. The temperatures during that time should be between 67 and 88F. New Zealand will be back to 50-70F, but the scenery should be spectacular. Hawaii will be Hawaii ... with scenery, warmth, and chocolate covered macadamia nuts.
Odyssey2000� will finish by starting the Tournament of Roses Parade with everyone riding in new long sleeve jerseys. Unless it gets changed like last year, we should go off at 8am, January 1, 2001 ... the first day of the next best year of my life.
Happy Trails,
Bruce