 |
| Church square, Freiburg |
First priority this morning was a phone call to Munich for Alastair to confirm he has secured a flat for August onwards – he begins his internship there in September. Next, a trip into the middle of Freiburg to have a look around at the old centre, and look for bike shops. We had an interesting look around while the weather alternated between hot sunshine and thunder/lightning and rain showers.
 |
| Beer delivery |
Finally came across a bike shop and AJ managed to pick up a really good second hand bike for a good price. It needed a new back rim so we filled in a few hours seeking out other outdoor shops while they replaced it - AJ is after a fly, hammock, sleeping bag and a number of other bits and pieces so he can set off on his cycle tour next Tues. Back to the cycle shop to pick up the bike. The low price didn’t allow for payment by credit card so John had to head across the street to get some money out of a money machine. He was then stranded there for the next 10min while the skies opened, it bucketed down complete with hail, thunder and lightning. He managed to get back across the road without getting too wet.
 |
| The old Rathaus |
AJ had to cycle home because the bike wouldn’t fit in the car (it doesn’t have quick release wheels). He headed off in light rain with a huge smile on his face. He is sooooo happy to have his cycle venture close to becoming real and no longer just a dream. It started to rain more heavily. J & I arrived home by car and waited for AJ. He came jogging down the street about 20min later, pushing his bike. He had got a puncture about halfway home. Still a huge smile on his face though. Now after a shower and something to eat he is happily scrubbing the bike downstairs. It’s in pretty good order underneath all its grime. John is down there too so I guess it is a good father-son bonding time. AJ plans to sell the when he gets to Munich and buy a really good around-town bike. He should get a good price for it.
Freiburg is amazing for the number of bikes being used. There are cycle lanes everywhere and it seems everyone in town cycles. There are huge areas of parked cycles all through the centre of the town and they seem to take precedence in some respects over cars and trams. It’s a great sight. The owner of the local cycle shop tells us there is also a great trade in stolen cycles in Freiburg.
