Härtetest!!!

Clearly the biggest challenge on my Merida MTB. Initial boredom quickly gave way to the relentless climb from Wernigerode up to the Brocken. After that, it was an enjoyable downhill ride from the Brocken towards the start/finish.

A good 9 hours with 2 breaks of 15 minutes excluding 30 minutes of stop at the Brocken.

Food: 3 bananas, 4l of water / iso / energy, dextrin bars, oat bars, 100g of nuts, 1 plate of pea soup (Brocken)

Estimated calorie burn at 92KG and 184cm is about 2200kcal, added around 1500kcal.

Up to Stapelburg, everything was rideable. The first climbs crept in when I finally reached WR. After about 15 minutes of rest and considering turning lazy and taking the train, I overcame my heavy legs and made my way towards DreiAnnenHohne. (I regretted this in the meantime 4 - 2000 times :-) ) The continuous ascent turned at times into a pure vertical ride. For my battered beginner legs, (almost 2000 KM in the last 3 weeks), it was becoming increasingly tiring. Energy, Powerbar, and banana helped a bit, but didn’t necessarily make it better.

Only after reaching Schierke and the next short break to find some refreshment in the "klaten Bode" did my heart rate return to normal. So, the last climb up to Northern Germany's highest peak. Yes, that was also cruel! But in my mind, the thought spread that apart from a small climb over to Eckertalsperre, everything else consisted of downhill riding. Breathe and eat pea soup!

A quick view from the Brocken down to WR and towards home. Now quickly, it is already 22°C at 10:45 and noon is expected to shine again with 32°C.

Shock control, tire pressure, and off with the downhill. Only a short time later, Eckertalsperre was reached, 550m of altitude difference, yet pleasant on the bike. Slowly but surely my back is starting to have issues.

Now follow a bit of the Ecker, past Hasselteich and continue to Bad Harzburg.

Next goals were Bettingerode and Wiedelah. In Wiedelah, it goes along the train tracks into the Oker mountains. A nice flat and easy route for any bike type.

In the meantime, you can already see Nordzucker AG peeking through the trees... Home!

All in all, a demanding route, with a lot of views, variety, refreshment, and good nutrition.