Week 39 - Munich and home

On Monday, we headed northward to Altenstadt, our next destination for an overnight stay. En route, we stopped at the Grossglockner pass, where we embarked on a trail hike. Part of the trail led us through tunnels, but after about a mile, it became exclusively accessible to mountaineers. Afterwards we briefly visited Florence, Seppi, and Isabella, and I also left behind my Austrian bike at their place.

The following morning, after a brisk hike, our journey led us to Munich. Once we parked near the city center, we found ourselves savoring beers at the renowned Hofbrau Brauhaus. Later, we strolled to Marienplatz and enjoyed some bites in the square inside the Rathaus. Our day in Munich concluded with a visit to the Viktualienmarkt and the English Gardens. For the night we stayed at a hotel conveniently close to the airport, to give us a headstart for the following day's flight.

We returned home by Wednesday evening. It felt like I hadn't missed a beat when we played pickleball the next day. And it was great to see all our pickleball friends again.

With the cyclocross season approaching, I was eager to regain my form. By Friday afternoon, I engaged in a leg-strengthening routine and Tabata intervals. However, I could only manage two out of the three planned sets.

Saturday was dedicated to a two-hour zone 2 endurance cycling session, which was both invigorating and muscle-stretching. Unfortunately, Paula tested positive for COVID-19 and had to isolate in our guest room.

On Sunday, I seized the opportunity for a brief gravel road cycle. My route encompassed West Whately Road, Nash Hill, Hemenway, and North Poland. I attacked the hills and managed to achieve several personal records during the ride.