Day 4: Markranstadt to Halle - Grampies Repositioning Ride: Leipzig to Valencia Fall 2025 - CycleBlaze

August 23, 2025

Day 4: Markranstadt to Halle

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We were both feeling a little sick and doddery this morning.  and it gave me pause as to whether we could still reach Spain this time around. It didn't help that Dodie pulled up after 60 feet, because her seat was out of adjustment. And I tried to head off with my stand still down. Jurgen and Birgit kindly walked along down the road, getting us straightened out. I wondered if they too were wondering about us. But eventually we were on our way, though deliberately cruising very slowly.

Our route passed through several solid looking, but rather boring villages villages. Either we were on all but deserted roads, or cycle paths that paralleled the roads. For a while we followed the Saale radweg, the Saale being the small but main and picturesque river in this area.

60 feet, and the action stopped
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Karen PoretWell, if the partial license plate on the right is an indication, maybe Dodie skipped or..skidded..😂
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5 months ago
Juergen applies a steadying hand.
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Goose attack, near Marius' home town of Alltranstat
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Solid but boring towns, with threat of rain.
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Karen PoretSolid and boring can be seen as a routine to some..After all, this is Germany where many are “set in their ways”…
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5 months ago

The cycling gods were not about to give us a total break, though. Straight out  of Markranstadt we faced a strong headwind, and this soon carried a moderate and chilling rain. We were forced to abandon our gay summer attire, and to pull out increasingly serious gear - like the rain pants, and my recently acquired heavy duty lined fisherman's gloves.

The Saale, with nice bikeway
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Downtown Halle. We lack the strength to check it out!
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Our trip was just 40 km on the basically flat, but I felt exhausted  when we pulled up to the B&B hotel in Halle. They always write this as Halle (Saale), so perhaps there is another Halle somewhere. This hotel was just what we needed, with a large elevator leading to a big bike storage room, just beside our room. We seem to be positioned in the centre of town, with some large church-like buildings nearby. We are too beat to go check those out, but perhaps we will find strength to stroll over to the nearby grocery store. Right now, though, a long recovery sleep seems in order, even though the day was  not at all tough.

Tomorrow, we will up our distance by 50%, so I hope we do some fast resting and healing right now!

Today's ride: 40 km (25 miles)
Total: 41 km (25 miles)

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Karen PoretSleep is essential for good strength! 💤 💪
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5 months ago
Tricia GrahamYour first day seems to have been very similar to ours. Good luck
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5 months ago
Steve Miller/GrampiesTo Tricia GrahamWell, at least we made it through without total disaster. Things can only get better from here.
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5 months ago
Kelly IniguezHow is Dodie's ankle?
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5 months ago
Steve Miller/GrampiesTo Kelly IniguezThe swelling is mostly gone and she says it only twinges a little bit if she puts her foot down the wrong way. Happily it is fine when pedaling.
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5 months ago