Our first overnight bike tour is planned for Easter weekend. We will be riding to Lauenburg along the Elberadweg. This is sort of a beta test - if it work and we like the experience, we may do this sort of thing more often. To preserve the power in our bike batteries, we will ride on a lower setting (tour or eco). However, there will be times that will require more engine support (like hills or a strong headwind). A common occurrence is to forget to turn the power assist back to the lower setting, which usually results in a comment of "Wow - this is beautiful! Oh, I am still on turbo!"
The 80 km (50 mile) route to Lauenburg.
Leaving the house, our first “stop” is Dannenberg. Mostly it is a stop because we need to look at the map several times as we are trying a new route…
We are finally approaching Dannenberg
Just entering Pisselberg there stands a pond with a small island. Inhabitant: one swan
Like a mirror
Our first official stop is Hitzacker. Here, we plan on having some lunch and possibly charging the bikes. We will cross the Elbe here on the ferry to follow the Elberadweg on the east side.
A Currywurst and a latte macchiato later and we are ready to leave
Success! We are all plugged in and charging
An antique car meet-up in Hitzacker
Waiting for the bike ferry – apparently we are not the only ones. In this area, the Elbe river was the border between East Germany and West Germany.
After the ferry crossing, we follow the Elberadweg north-ish. It is a good thing we were able to charge our e-bike batteries as there is a strong headwind.
The scenery is beautiful along the bike path
A stork looking for food in a small pond
A remnant of the many watchtowers that made up the East/West German border
We need to take quite a few breaks – both to rest against the headwind and the shade from the sun.
Finally we see Boizenburg...we are almost there! Only 25 km to go!
Getting closer!
We arrive as the sun is bathing the town in golden light
Most of the buildings in Lauenburg have a plaque that describes the history of the building - the date of its birth, when it was sold, what it's purpose was in its life, and if there has been damage to it during it's life.
This is the thinnest house in northern Germany - only three meters (9 feet) wide!
After dinner, we walk back along the river towards the setting sun
After our walk, we sit on the balcony, listen to music, and drink a glass of wine while watching the full moon rise over the Elbe river
Today – Easter Sunday – we make the 80 km ride back to Lüchow. Our path will be different for the return journey. We will cross the Elbe in Lauenburg and ride along the west side of the river. We begin with breakfast at the hotel overlooking the river.
A quiet village (Hohnstorf) on the other side of the river on Easter morning.
HOT!! Coffee
Delicious Apfelkuchen to finish off breakfast. I need my energy to the ride home (obviously).
Leaving the town in the early morning sun.
Looking back at Lauenburg while crossing the bridge. We have decided to try the other side of the Elbe for the ride home.
A decision to forgo the bike path leads us down this...rudimentary...trail. Seriously, it was on the map...
A rest stop to rehydrate
Ooops, my chain came off. Time for a repair.
Sheep! Why are there always sheep blocking the way?! Another detour during our detour to get around the sheep.
Today is more difficult than yesterday - it is quite a bit hotter and still we have a head wind despite the change in direction. A well deserved rest at a cafe along the Elberadweg. And more power for the e-bike batteries.
Another remnant of a by-gone time. An inner border watch tower.
We had given up on riding along the west side of the Elbe and rode the ferry over to the east side in Neu Darchau. As such, we had to ride the ferry back across the Elbe at Hitzacker. It is quite crowded.
We made it!
It has been a long and hot return journey but there is satisfaction knowing we successfully completed out first long-range bike tour.
We enjoy a nice glass of wine as we watch the Easter bonfires in the distance.