Ride 7-9/16 Cycling from the Danish Copenhagen to Sweden. (S2:E4)

Stage 7 started early in the morning from Copenhagen. The Swedes are apparently still sleeping at that hour on a Saturday. I quickly snap another photo of the town hall in the distance. It appears in the exciting Netflix series 'The Killer' which I occasionally watch before going to sleep. After a nice breakfast with a stack of pancakes at the end, I started my ride.

Cycling Adventure 15 (CA15) is my path of personal growth with which I want to inspire people to develop their own path of personal growth in this rapidly changing world.

My body suffers less (for now) due to the flatter course compared to last year

It was still quiet in Copenhagen, Denmark. Only along the nearby lake I saw some brave runners. My body suffered less (for now) due to the flatter course compared to last year, when I cycled over the high mountains in central Spain. The temperatures here are also very pleasant for cycling. The temperature averages about 20 degrees while last season (S1) I cycled in temperatures up to 50 degrees.

To reach Sweden, cars can drive via the 8 km long bridge over the water from Copenhagen to Malmö, Sweden. Since it is forbidden for cyclists to cycle over the bridge, I took an alternative route to Helsingor where I took the ferry to Helsingbor in Sweden. I drove there under a radiant sun via a beautiful cycle path along the water and through the woods. This time I informed myself well and did not pay too much to take the ferry. I had booked a ticket online for the ferry in Puttgarden, Germany. Since I could only select a small motor vehicle, I had unfortunately paid 27 euros too much.

Things went smoothly in Sweden. There was a lot of wind but luckily it blew in my back so I got to my destination much faster than expected. During the day I tried to eat regularly but not too much. Since I was riding in very low heart rate zones (in the recovery and endurance zones), my body mainly used fat as a source of nutrition. And I've had enough of that for now. Around 17 pm I arrived at the hotel where I ate a delicious pasta with a plate of cold vegetables.

Cycling towards the hamlet of Vikensved near Vaxjö where I have my second rest day with the hospitable family Van de Catsye

I had planned to leave as early as possible every day so as not to arrive too late in the evening and to be able to go to sleep on time. Because sleeping is the most important means of recovery during such a long cycling trip. Ride 8 towards Kristianstad was about 175 km. The departure started with good weather but towards the afternoon the weather became changeable with occasional heavy showers. The chance of a flat tire is greater in rainy weather, which I experienced during the third stage. A flat tire is anything but fun, especially not with the type of tires I have (for those in the know: Continental Gator Hardshell type) because they are very difficult to get off and back on the rim.

The coastal region in the south of Sweden where I drove through during stage 8 reminded me of a mix of our Belgian coast, the Flemish Ardennes and the Antwerp Kempen. The big difference are the typical cozy harbors that you will find in almost every larger village. Tired but satisfied, I went to eat a nice piece of meat after arriving at the hotel. I was served by Maria who had moved to Sweden with her parents 9 years ago. We had a short conversation, among other things, about the unfortunate war in Ukraine. She told that she has a lot of family living in Ukraine like so many Russians and does not understand why the war is happening.

The next day started with a bright sun. During stage 9 I cycled towards the beautiful inland of Sweden. It was enjoying the quiet roads and the beautiful nature. I cycled to a hamlet Vikensved near Vaxjö where I have my second rest day with the Van de Catsye family. Paterfamilias Thomas is the brother of my good friend Frank and has been living in Sweden since 2007. There he met the charming Swedish Ellinor and together they have a sweet son Elias. I stayed there for two nights in a six star hotel with all the trimmings. They live very quietly near a beautiful lake where I had a nice day with Thomas looking for big fish. Thank you very much for the very hospitable reception!

Some figures from rides 7-9/16: