What a day!
I left Frankfurt at 9.30am, safe in the knowledge that I could take my time because I didn't have to be in Rotterdam till 7.30pm. However, while sneaking past the hotel's car park barrier I caught it with my handlebar and knocked the barrier off its hinge! I quickly jury rigged it back on and did a runner!
I was making good progress; passed the new arena in Frankfurt - still under construction, but what a stadium! However, approaching Cologne the Autobahn was closed and left my GPS floundering. In the end I went right through the middle of the city - what a stunning place, dominated by the cathedral (where Martin Luther nailed his edict) on the banks of the river. I wish I'd stopped and taken some pics, but you can look up some on Google Images if you're intetested...
Anyhoo I got headed back on the road into Holland where the real fun began. Just over the border the Autoroute closed for repair and sent me away god only knows where. I tried to head towards Eindhoven but that seemed to be a no-go area for some reason. I kept getting redirected south and east - and Rotterdam was north-west! Time was getting tight, too - I had to get to Europort far across Rotterdam by 7.30!
I bit the bullet and headed north along backroads towards Nijmegan. This turned oug to be a good plan for three reasons:
1. It got me going in roughly the direction I needed,
2. It kept me off the Autoroute, and hence away from roadworks, and
3. It took me through several beautiful small Dutch towns and villages I'd otherwise have missed.
I picked up the Rotterdam Autoroute near Nijmegan and hammered it towards Europort, including missing a turnoff in Rotterdam and having to circle round and find my way back on track.
I eventually made it to the ferry with 8mins to spare!
Phew! Shattered and on my way back to Blighty!
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