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Tuesday 21st 49F/9.4C [6.20] Bright, with a final sunny day. Peaking at 23C/73F. Before temperatures drop and cloudy weather arrives. NW winds increasing slowly. Gusting to 12m/s later. 20C/68F in the room. 8.5C/47F in the greenhouse.
Up at 5.45 after a busy night at the fire bucket. I feel borderline dizzy in the background.
7.30 55F/13C. I have just been outside to check the plants. They don't need watering. The drive doesn't need another trim either. It is really rather chilly out there. I was treated to a warbler's rendition of a Paganini piece.
12.45 71F/22C. Bright sunshine and breezy. I went for a ride to check on progress of the new cycle path. Whereupon I discovered the route was already, just navigable from Flemløse to Ebberup.
Though surface conditions deteriorated the nearer I came to Ebberup. At Flemløse the surface had been graveled and rolled firm. Several walkers were enjoying the route. No warning signs to keep off. So I went off-road.
The firm gravel surface continued on for some kilometers of delightful scenery. Though I soon became grateful for wide tires and full suspension. Here, the fine gravel was no longer rolled but only as-laid. With lots of tracks from what may have been mopeds or scooters. Plus the occasional tractor tire pattern. Some of the tracks made the going almost lethal at intervals. As they weaved from side to side.
I eventually came across a rusty diesel road roller. Near the device being used to spread and measure the depth of the fine gravel. From then on it was firm mud. Of varying quality of surface and smoothness. The number of weeds, further on, suggest that the old track had not been touched in quite some time. Not since the tracks and sleepers had been lifted.
At Ebberup the relatively smooth mud suddenly gave way to tall grass. Strictly single track and safe for walking only. The cycle path is due for its official opening at the end of the year. With the route divided into three sections for the clearance and establishment phase. Each length under a different contractor.
I have marked the navigable section in red on the image above. Though it will need a mountain bike. Or considerable skill over much of its existing length. I was averaging only 10-12kpg on my sturdy e-bike. Once the fine gravel is laid and compacted it will be a safe and very enjoyable experience to ride any part of its length. Currently, I really wouldn't recommend anybody try to ride the unpaved sections.
I am delighted to see that they paved way is generous in width. Fortunately they did not pander to the pony and horse riding minority. As they did with the Korinth to Ringe cycle path. Here they used asphalt for only a foolishly narrow strip. With a much broader track of viciously sharp sand running alongside. Sand which was quickly scattered across the asphalt by family walkers their dogs and prams. Where I punctured three times in short succession on my trike on the weekend after the official opening.
It soon proved that ponies don't keep to the sharp sand. They also shit everywhere. Including all over the narrow, asphalt strip. Pony riders are obviously much too sensitive to carry poo bags. They might despoil their snow white gloves.
Fortunately the vicious sand has long been lost to grass and low weeds. With few signs of pones having been ridden anywhere but the edges of offending villages.
Meanwhile the asphalt surface on the Korinth route is far too narrow for safe passing. Whether it be pedestrians or opposing cyclists. I usually pass or overtake on the grass-covered sand. E-bikes don't habitually run on 23mm Continental puncture magnets.
One other problem, which has long dogged [sic] cycle paths is pedestrian traffic. And yes, I do encourage people to enjoy these routes. But! How to politely warn those lost in the silence? That a near silent cyclist is bearing down on them! What is the correct etiquette?
I have had countless encounters with pedestrians. Who were completely unaware of others using the facility. The very real shock! To be woken from one's inner thoughts by a passing cyclist. Is not to be easily ignored. I have had people virtually curl up into a ball of utter terror. While simply trying to pass them as slowly as possible from the rear.
With luck they/we are on opposing paths. They will have had ages to see you approaching from afar. Often along infinite straits. Which road builders can only dream of. Some pedestrians will spot your approach and drift easily onto the grass well in advance. Allowing effortless passing with a smile and [hopefully] a brief thanks from the cyclist. While other walkers have an agenda. So that it is simpler to take to the verge where it is easily possible.
The main problem is approaching a walker from the rear. Should one tap the bicycle bell while still well behind them? My own tactic of politely clearing my throat. Has, all too often, resulted in severe nervous breakdowns. As the meditating walker is thrown into an all too obvious panic!
One could not possibly exaggerate the reaction I often get. With my deliberately polite "ahem!" 100m too early and they will not hear my approach. Within 100m, a cough is easily enough cause for panic of the: "Did you see that evil alien in his space ship?" variety.
This new cycle route also follows a long disused railway track and is already beautiful. Thanks to the trees and hedges along its length. Remarkably few houses will be affected by increased foot or cycling traffic. A few farmhouses do lie near the route. Which has seen pedal driven rail trolley hire for many years. With dog walkers enjoying the unique atmosphere and peace. Away from the all too familiar and all pervading traffic.
One should be grateful for the trolley hire. It kept the railway in private hands. With reasonable maintenance to ensure it was passable. By families on foot or riding the trolleys. Though I can't say I have noticed much use over the long years. Best of all the farmers were not able to absorb it into their 65.5% agricultural land coverage in Denmark. The rest is forest.
I wonder how they will handle the road crossings on this new cycling route? Many of these crossings are of tiny lanes or even farm tracks. Though at least two crossings are of fairly major roads. Where traffic is usually traveling fast. With little risk of a police car or radar speed cameras checking their progress.
Most other cycle paths have used chicanes. Formed with staggered railings. To block the cyclist's path. So that they must slow, pause and take great care. To check for traffic before crossing. Not always helped by unkempt hedges blocking their view!
Having reached an impassable barrier at Ebberup I rejoined the roads briefly. Before taking a narrow lane. Which snaked uphill across the open, agricultural landscape. With hardly a house to be seen. One would not drive that way but a silent bicycle can pass unnoticed. Provided the family dog has been fed that day!
Lots of Red kites were hunting over the fields. Many of which were full of lying hay and grass. I must have seen a dozen Red kites this morning. I kept to the narrowest and quietest lanes as much as possible. As I headed home into the wind.
After lunch I took my solar telescope outside for an hour or two.
I have chicken breasts for dinner. Probably fry one and have chicken in bread rolls. And so it was.
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