Derby to Dubrovnik*

We started writing this a few days ago, but after a few long days on the bikes and full evenings chatting with WarmShowers hosts we are only now getting round to posting this... After 14 nights in Germany, including 10 nights with WarmShowers hosts, we are now leaving Germany for the last time to head south into Austria. We didn't intend to spend this long in Germany, but we've had such a great time, and everyone has been so welcoming, we thought we'd extend the route through Bavaria and we're very glad we did!  The Bavarian Alps isn't that common a destination for British tourists (in our experience at least!), and following the last few days we don't really understand why. What the region lacks in height relative to the neighbouring Swiss and Austrian Alps, it more than makes up for in quiet serene roads, friendly hospitality and plentiful beautiful lakes to swim in.  Mary next to one of many beautiful lakes we cycled by/swam in  Beaut...

The Alsace region, in France, has an interesting history, switching between French and German control numerous times. It is so close to the German border, and this has really shaped the people that we've met and the multiple languages that they speak. We were recommended the Alsace by some WS hosts after we'd talked about vague plans to visit the Black Forest - but they weren't fans! "It is so dark!" Whilst we were sure we'd have a great time visiting there, we were convinced that the French vineyards, bordering some lovely forest and hills, were worth a try.  Enjoying the shade in the forest  As it was Rhys' birthday, we booked an apartment for two nights and it felt like luxury fully unpacking somewhere, knowing we wouldn't cycle for a whole day! After two weeks on the bike, it almost felt weird not to cycle! In fact, we couldn't fully resist using our bikes on our rest day, but only for a little boulangerie run for fresh pain au choc...

I write this as we've just crossed into France for the first time, two weeks and 1234km into our trip. Today it's my (Rhys') birthday, normally, we'd celebrate with a long bike ride, whereas today I'm being treated to a shorter ride, with our first rest day tomorrow. We've now ridden most of the middle Rhine, and only have a few more days riding before we hit the mountains, however, we're taking a little detour, following the recommendation of one our fantastic WarmShowers hosts to take in the Alsace and wine region to the west of the Rhine. Mary in Wissembourg (Alsace, France) Birthday scenes  Our progress thus far  When most people go on a grand tour, they visit the great cities and museums of Europe, and explore the culinary breadth this great continent has to offer. Whilst our grand tour has taken in some of the great wonders of Europe, it's also been a tour of discount supermarkets, lunch on non-descript park be...

Today it's Monday, which means we've been going for a whole week! It's already been so fantastic and it feels like we're settling into a wonderful routine.  We really enjoyed the rest of our cycle to catch the ferry at Harwich. Highlights included stopping at our old college, Girton, where we met many years ago!  The students looked so young and we reflected on how much time had passed since we'd studied there, and how we were only there for a short time; but what a fun and formative few years they were! At the time, we only ever cycled the two miles into Cambridge, and wouldn't have entertained the thought of multiple long days across Europe! Getting back up Castle Hill after a day of lectures seemed quite enough!  We had another really great night's stay at our friends, Tom and Laura's new house, complete with lasagne and being loaded up with teabags to help us cope as we got into Europe. Girton College with a heavy bike After a few unexcit...