Germany 2013 - Sept 7 - Crazy Bike Race

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September 7th 2013

Published: September 9th 2013

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Brian and Amy

Hambacher Schloss

Castle on the hill

We woke to more sprinkles so everything was wet and the snails and slugs were out. Brian went for an early run and Amy went for a walk around the neighborhood. One of Brian’s distant cousins, Christy, from America is stationed in Germany and is an Army MP. She came around lunch for a visit and brought here little two-year old boy. We didn’t get to spend too much time with her but the Aunts had a nice visit while we were gone. Osse and Nik (the dog) came to fetch us to attend a local bike race. Over 500 brave souls raced “Klapprads” (folding bikes with no gears). They raced 6.5 km up the 673m tall Kalmit mountain - in crazy costumes! This is an annual event and the theme this year was Winter. We saw a Yeti, Igloos, Penguins, Polar Bears, and lots of men who dressed like figure skaters. Hey – whatever works. We got exercise ourselves hiking up the mountain to get to the finish line. Over 3000 people watched and there were prizes for young, old, fastest and best costume. We think the Yeti got top prize. Everyone was a winner with some free ice cream

Yeti

First prize for costume!

and celebratory schorle. We met many of Britta and Osse’s friends from school and had a lovely outdoor dinner with them all. Before dinner, we practiced English, German, and origami with Harry and Anita's very bright daughter, Leo. Britta made fabulous pumpkin soup and we also had balsamic figs, roasted vegetables, potatoes, lamb and fresh berries. Did we mention fresh and wonderful food before? We want to thank their friend Janine (originally from South Africa but lives in London) for taking pity on us and speaking lots of English and helping us discuss and solve all the world’s problems. We’ve decided we like her very much. Another late night but worth it.

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