We want the phrase “through gritted teeth” to remain as a metaphor…
We’re using RideWithGPS to do the the route planning and the daily navigation. It’s a great package, and it allows you to choose from about 12 different map providers, and then to pick a route optimised for walking, driving or cycling.
It worked splendidly in the Netherlands where the whole world is optimised for cycling, but it’s been gradually getting less good as we work our way further east and the cycling tracks become more mountain bike-y. Sid and Doris are no fans of gravel and we would rather go a few more kilometres in search of smooooth tarmac.
Today’s farm track was a bit of a low point. So from now on we are going to be pushing the route more towards public roads, and trusting less in the purpose-built cycleways. Yesterday’s main road section was also pretty scary (we don’t want too many Sid And Doris Bonkers moments with lorries up our backsides), so we are going to be more fussy about using small roads too.
With that view, we’ve looked at the Weimar-Prague section in more detail and we really don’t trust those cycle paths and roads it suggests. So we’re going to be taking 4 days rather than 3, and going further east before turning south on a small tarmac road over the Germany/Czech border. It’s hilly enough, let’s not torment ourselves with muddy gravel or heavy traffic as well.
PS No, the picture isn’t of us. Yet.