TechBikers Copenhagen to Berlin 2017: Day 2
We were up even earlier today and on our bikes racing for the ferry before we’d barely finished gulping down our breakfast. There’s nothing like fresh air and starting the day on a tight schedule to get the adrenaline pumping. A special shout out to Kristjan Laanemaa for clocking up extra kms to help TechBikers who were struggling to keep up so that we all caught the ferry on time.
Thankfully, we made it and promptly crashed out in our seats for a power nap. Not for long though. We’d made it to Germany and left the ferry on our bikes, ready to tackle the kms still stretching out ahead of us.
Now that we’re on the second day of our Copenhagen to Berlin cycling challenge, we’re each settling into our own pace and cycling in smaller groups until we make it to a designated rest stop. The middle day is always the toughest mentally and the cold means that we can’t stop for too long without risking cold muscles and losing too much momentum. Those first few kms back in the saddle after a break are tough but we definitely need regular breaks and plenty of carb loading when we’re cycling over 400km in three days.
Why we’re doing this challenge is front and centre of our minds though and whenever we start to feel tired, we remind ourselves about raising as much money as possible for Room to Read. Your donations are still coming in to help as many children as possible learn to read so… THANK YOU!
Forest bathing, punctures and cobblestones
The landscapes we’re seeing on this ride are stunning and there’s been loads of laughter which has helped to take our minds off the extra tough parts of today. We’ve had so many punctures as a group that it’s now become a running joke but slogging it out over all the cobblestone roads has taken its toll.
Cobblestones look quaint but they’re deceptively ferocious - they’ve really tested our stamina and ability to cycle through the pain. Several of us have come off our bikes and are currently sporting a vivid array of bumps, bruises and scrapes. We’ve all been helping each other to push through the pain barrier at different points along the route today. Who knew we’d look forward to seeing traffic lights so much?
Sadly, unlike the Paris to London cycling challenge earlier this year, it hasn’t been warm enough to cool down in a lake during a rest stop but we’ve been enjoying our Copenhagen to Berlin alternative - ‘forest bathing’ - as the route has loads of trees including a long stretch with evergreen trees towering up on either side.
Two thirds of the way there
Tonight, we’re staying in Göhren – Lebbin. Our Saturday night is consisting of a quick drink, a foam roller session, a long bath and lots of sleep. It’s an awesome feeling knowing that we’re on the third and final day tomorrow. We’re aiming to arrive in Berlin in time for sunset and a big celebratory bier so we’ve got another early start to make it there in time.
You’ve helped us to raise €50,000. Let’s keep going!
We’ve got some great news to end the day with – so far we’ve hit our €50,000 target for Room to Read thanks to your awesome support with donations!
Every single €, £ and $ raised goes to Room to Read thanks to our sponsors covering costs so a huge shout out to them: Danske Bank, Rising North, TechBBQ, Mapillary, Balderton Capital and Factory Berlin. We’re also incredibly grateful to each and every person who’s donated so far. Please keep donations coming so that every child gets the chance to learn to read.
Don’t forget that you can also follow our progress on Twitter.
We cycle Copenhagen to Berlin for Room to Read because we believe every child deserves the chance to learn how to read. You can donate here.
