Stage 5 – Miltenberg to Hattersheim – 75 miles

Today was a day I was facing with a little trepidation. 75 miles is one thing but rain was in the forecast and because of the heat, they were predicting thunderstorms for late in the day. So we decided we’d get a good jump and leave Miltenberg by 830 am. Swans in the river

I felt a little stiff and sore after the previous 260 miles so I was not particularly excited about the ride. We also changed tires on my bike since I had 2 flats the previous day. But after the usual great breakfast and a little more PM on the bikes, we headed out. Buildings when leaving Miltenberg

Surprisingly, I felt pretty good after we started. Legs felt good so I just started pedaling. And we rode…… we stopped at Aschaffenburg first after 25 miles for our “Second Breakfast”, croissants and coffee, at a nice little place called “BrotBox”. Then when we left, we decided we’d go about another 20-25 miles when we’d stop for lunch. Well, we felt pretty good with a little more caffeine and water, so we rode about 35 miles to the outskirts of Frankfurt before we stopped for lunch. The road was good, the legs were fresh and we were making good time. Schloß Johannisberg in Aschaffenburg

The lunch stop was at a little pizza place on a plaza with a nice view. The waiter was from Turkey and he enjoyed joking around. There were 4 different containers on the table… salt, pepper, cheese and another covered container. One of the guys took the lid off, curious about what it was. He dipped his finger in it and tasted it. “Funny tasting stuff” he said, “tastes a little like ashes.” When the waiter returned, he asked him “Hey, what is in the this funny little container.” He replied, “It’s an Aschenbecher…. an ashtray”. Of course, we roared and the waiter didn’t understand why we were laughing so hard. But he joined right in!oThe plaza at Offenbach

The last leg of the ride was through the waterfront in Frankfurt. Lots of walkers, gawkers, other riders and just folks enjoying the beautiful sunny day. We arrived at about 430 with plenty of time for a bier, a little bite and a shower before dinner at the Tapas restaurant behind the hotel. Food and wine was delicious! And now the bed looks simply magnificent!!Waterfront in Frankfurt