Himmelpfort to Berlin,14th July

The day has dawned with light rain falling. Everything outside is wet. The tent floor is giving up the ghost in terms of being waterproof and our sleeping mats and clothes are damp. After a quick breakfast everyone is ready to go but standing under the awning of the cooking tent because the rain has really set in. Off we go and the rain doesn't let up for the entire 70 km to Oranienburg, where it finally stops as we board the train.

Which was really a pity because it effectively stopped John from taking photos on what was a beautiful route between little villages and along locks and canals.

John also has a major bike problem develop when one of the spokes on the rear wheel pulled a section of the rim out and buckled the wheel. Dan assisted in straightening the wheel by tightening and loosening spokes, but it kept getting worse and so Liz and John, along with others tired by the relentless rain, boarded a train at Oranienburg for Berlin, a distance of about 35 km.

So for all those who follow in our footsteps, the route was one of the nicer ones we have been on, with a great tarmaced cycle way to follow. It was just a pity the rain spoiled the enjoyment somewhat.

On arrival in Berlin our colleague Garis from Melbourne navigated us to the Ibis hotel with his GPS. The truck was waiting with our gear and we quickIy got showered and changed and Liz headed off to a laundromat with all our clothing. John found out where the best and biggest bike shop in the city was and headed off with Bob and Gloria. Bob has been riding a recumbent bike which is proving too difficult, so he is in the market for a new touring bike.

John had quick success and bought a new rear wheel for 87 Euro. The bike shop changed the cassette over from the old wheel. Bob also found a new touring bike, so all in all a successful mission. A note on the shop. It was about 2 acres in size, 21 bike mechanics working on
fixing bikes, and 5 cashier desks to pay on the way out. Every possible product to do with cycling was on sale.

Dinners was tapas and fine Spanish red wine at a little bar around the corner with 4 of the team and we were in bed by 9 pm.