Stage 5: Augustdorf to Marsberg, 60km

My virtual bicycle tour to Girona continues. Today I cycled from Augustdorf to Marsberg, again in lovely summer weather, some clouds and light wind, sometimes not even headwind. 

Monastery in Marsberg

After Augustdorf, I rode along an army training area, the Truppenübungsplatz Senne. I saw some tanks roaming about. I did not dare to take pictures, as taking pictures of military installations is generally not a good idea. 

Once, when I was cycling from Gdansk to Istanbul in the summer of 1990 with my friend Kyösti, we saw some army areas with strict signs prohibiting photography. Given that it was in Bulgaria, we obeyed. 

I also remember walking past the presidential palace of Mozambique in Maputo in 1997, on the opposite site of the street, not stopping nor looking too intently at the palace. The guide has told me that the guards had instructions to shoot anyone stopping for too long with live rounds. Quite scary, but of course I had to check it out myself. 

No such dangers in Germany. No other dangers either, the traffic was calm, with few cars driving at moderate speeds. So, I cycled along, more or less south via Paderdorn towards Marsberg. I did not have any lunch of coffee on the way, as I had a few energy bars and water with me. 60 kilometers is a short ride, less than 3 hours, so no need for breaks, at least not with tailwind. 

Marsberg townhall

Marsberg is a town of about 20000 inhabitans situated on the river Diemel. Its history dates back to the 13th century. There is a nice old monastery and a rather imposing townhall. 

According to Booking.com, Zeitlers Hotel and Apartments should have vacancies. I decided not to give any money to Booking.com and instead headed straight to the hotel itself. And, low an behold, there was a room for me. At 45 euros a night! 

For dinner, I had mapotofu in the local Chinese restaurant, GingSeng. Delicious after 4 days of German cuisine. And then two pints at a local Kneipe. 

Today's virtual ride. 

Stage 5: Augustdorf to Marsberg.

Today's real ride in Helsinki.

Ride in Helsinki

See all stages (a map!) and all blog posts about my tour.

Statistics:

total virtual distance: 389km

total real distance (ridden in Finland): 394km

riding time: 19.5h

accomondation costs: 310 euros

food costs: 130 euros

beer costs: 70 euros