Day 8: Oranienburg - Gransee
August 4, 2016
We were basically following the Berlin -Copenhagen bicycle route. From Oranienburg we followed the Havel and after a while our path led us through a lush forest of oak, birch, beech and pine trees. The path was smooth tarmac and there were only a few small towns along the way - Liebenwalde, Zehdenick. Although it's a popular bike route, there were few cyclists out.
We decided to leave the Berlin-Copenhagen bicycle route to visit the town of Gransee, a town with a medieval city wall, the remains of a Franciscan monastery and some nicely restored and some neglected buildings, buildings that had fallen into decay during the 40 years of socialism in East Germany.
Our route was a tiny bit hilly, we passed through farm country and again we had perfect cycling weather. Only in towns did we encounter the cobblestones and rough road surfaces which are notorious in this part of Germany and are excruciating when you're on a bicycle. So thankful.
Just one problem on the horizon. I was having technical problems with my bike. Both Janos and I ride e-bikes. You still have to pedal to get support, but they take the edge off climbs and headwinds. We love them. If they are working. However, they are quite heavy with the rather large battery and motor in the rear hub. For some reason - who understands electronics? - the battery went on and off several times during the day which left me pedaling a rather heavy load and always in the wrong gear. I was feeling apprehensive, but by the end of the day everything seemed to be functioning again. And tomorrow?
We were basically following the Berlin -Copenhagen bicycle route. From Oranienburg we followed the Havel and after a while our path led us through a lush forest of oak, birch, beech and pine trees. The path was smooth tarmac and there were only a few small towns along the way - Liebenwalde, Zehdenick. Although it's a popular bike route, there were few cyclists out.
We decided to leave the Berlin-Copenhagen bicycle route to visit the town of Gransee, a town with a medieval city wall, the remains of a Franciscan monastery and some nicely restored and some neglected buildings, buildings that had fallen into decay during the 40 years of socialism in East Germany.
Our route was a tiny bit hilly, we passed through farm country and again we had perfect cycling weather. Only in towns did we encounter the cobblestones and rough road surfaces which are notorious in this part of Germany and are excruciating when you're on a bicycle. So thankful.
Just one problem on the horizon. I was having technical problems with my bike. Both Janos and I ride e-bikes. You still have to pedal to get support, but they take the edge off climbs and headwinds. We love them. If they are working. However, they are quite heavy with the rather large battery and motor in the rear hub. For some reason - who understands electronics? - the battery went on and off several times during the day which left me pedaling a rather heavy load and always in the wrong gear. I was feeling apprehensive, but by the end of the day everything seemed to be functioning again. And tomorrow?
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