Today we really got going. Curves, scenery, kilometers – the full program. Shortly after the start, the Sauerland showed what it can do: winding roads, sometimes long and fast, sometimes narrow and leisurely, always embedded in bright yellow rapeseed fields. The wind was pleasant, the mood was good – and the sun gave it its all.

A quick stop at an open bakery brought the first cappuccino of the day. And it was really good – 4 out of 5 coffee cups! Cake? Not a chance. The breakfast was too good, I couldn’t fit a slice in.

After visiting the bakery, I continued on – and suddenly the sat nav showed a wide blue stripe on the map. “Oh, a river?” I thought – and was completely surprised when I realized it was the Rhine!

It may sound trivial, but I honestly didn’t expect to be there so soon. I actually wanted to stop somewhere on the riverbank and take a few nice pictures for Pawtrail – instead I ended up directly on the Rhine.

We took the ferry to the other shore for 4 euros – and this spontaneous crossing was somehow special. A little highlight that wasn’t on the agenda.

Once I reached the other bank, I took the GS in Sankt Goar up the mountain via a small, inconspicuous path. The next Pawtrail moment was already waiting at the top: Balou, a friendly, fuzzy dog (probably a Labradoodle), was out and about with his master. We got chatting briefly, Balou posed for a photo – and I had my animal motif in the can.

Then the GS reported 85 km remaining range. “Everything’s easy,” I thought – until after one kilometer it suddenly only showed 80… and shortly afterwards 75. The indicator was dropping faster than my confidence. For a moment, I wasn’t sure whether to take a break or push.

Fortunately, a petrol station appeared out of nowhere – with McDonald’s right next door to comfort our souls.

Time for junk food and the first fuel consumption measurement: just over 5 l/100 km. So the old lady is not only charming, but also economical on the road.

We continued through the hilly landscape, past fields, farms and villages. Near Grumbach, the weather became increasingly changeable. The navigation system reported 1.5 hours to the French border – and the rain radar announced: “Something’s coming!” And indeed – shortly before Zweibrücken, the first shower arrived. Short, but intense enough to at least give us a taste of the “wet adventure”.

Having arrived in Zweibrücken, the French border is now within reach. That’s enough for today – 339 winding kilometers are enough. Dinner is served in style from the saddlebag: sandwiches with cheese from the bakery, plus an apple from the hotel in Winterberg and a few provisions (sausages, cookies). Breakfast tomorrow: a chocolate roll, coffee will be found on the way.

And a small addendum:

At the bakery this morning I was approached by two sales clerks outside – would I take them with me? Just for fun, of course. When I told them where I was from and where I was going, they immediately asked: “Alone? Is that any fun at all?”

Yes, do it. Sure, it would be even better with Regine – but if it doesn’t work out, the adventure doesn’t have to be canceled. Traveling alone means being free, deciding spontaneously, no compromises. And that’s exactly what I’m enjoying right now – on my way to the Vosges and beyond.

Conclusion: 339 kilometers, a cappuccino, a labradoodle, a shower – and a whole lot of riding fun. The adventure picks up speed.