We set off at 22:00 with one broken bike but happy. Our journey on trains began we were due in Utrecht for 8:50.
Our first transfer failed, it didn't happen, we tried to jump on another train to no luck and we're booted off. Leaving us to reorganise another train in 5 hours. So we went for a walk into Stuggart trying to avoid the crowds finishing their Friday night partying. We sat on benches are crisps finished our last German Beer dejected but upbeat.
We got on a train that arrived late to the next station in Mainz meaning we missed our next intercity train.
So we had to take a regional train up the Rhine stopping at 20+ stations and getting delayed by the inter city trains using the tracks the regional train became very busy.
But meeting the fantastic Frank a Maths teacher from Mannheim. Who entertained and informed us up the Rhine, telling the rest of the carriage about our adventure.
But we arrive in Koln Messe/ deutz with 5 minutes to spare, Dominic sprinted ahead to hold the train leaving his bike in Josh's hands. Dominic got to the train and pleaded with the conductor and stood in the door wat but was moved by security on the train... A dejected sight to the other 3 as they moved up the final 8 steps to find an empty platform.
Another 1hr wait we were on 13:30...the ferry would leave at 19:30.
We caught the next inter city after Steve and Connor rearranged tickets at the office. Sandwiches were eaten and water drank... Tension continued to build but humour and friendship made us focus on achieving the next step... Utrecht.
Again we arrived late into Utrecht (9hrs late from our original plan) running with bikes up and down stairs but missing the connection to Rotterdam. But jumped on the next regional train with no problem. We had arrived in Rotterdam Central with 1hr to go.
What now a 1 HR 30 minute fast bike ride but one bike wasn't working. So we asked local taxi drivers if we could put our bikes in their boots. We were happily suprise when they said yes. We split into two groups and we're off. A 45 minute drive to the ferry had begun nothing else could go wrong. Until Steve and Dominic taxi took the correct turn off and Connor and Josh's continued on. Steve and Dominic arrived at 18:30 the busy terminal with 30 cars ahead waiting to board.. They met Claartje van Ette and Bob de Boers who were travelling to the UK on bikes to tour the North Yorkshire Moors. Then Josh and Connor arrived and all was good as we walked the bikes onto the ferry, setting sail
Prologue
Dominic Connor Josh and Steve separated after walking off the ferry. 3 road home and one caught the train as their bike was still not working. As the cyclist sped home they went past a lone rider, who shouted out and caught up to them on Woodfield Road Askern... JT had spotted the BRC kit and was so happy to see us. His mate Dean Exley was also pleased to see us and a couple of others started chain ganging. They were two fast and we turned off onto the quieter roads through South Elmsall reminiscent of our recent ride to Goole.
All arrived home the adventure complete bikes to clean, food to be eat and sleep to be deep!
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