Day 15 Germany, 03/10/2010 Oberwesel–Bacharach–Bingen–Rudesheim–Winkel–Eltville–Mainz. 34.11miles/55.07km, ride time 3hr53mins, av 8.7mph (very muddy!

We woke to a grey morning and then a beautiful red sky as the sun started to rise.

We are obviously getting better at the packing up, as it seemed to take a lot less time this morning. Which was just as well, because as we loaded the bikes I discovered I had my first puncture!! It didn't take long to repair and we were soon back on the road.

We headed south along the western bank of the Rhein until we reached Bingen where we took a ferry across to Rudesheim.

Debbie's turn to navigate, all I can say is 'LETS OFF ROAD!'. 20km of unsealed road, some of it very muddy which didn't make for great progress. We were also hindered by the sheer amount of people out for a walk/cycle/run. Fortunately the sun came out and we struggled on through the mud in beautiful sunshine.

Opting for an alternative route along the road helped a little and we rejoined the Rhein near the outskirts of Mainz. By now the riverside was jammed with people of all ages and progress became very slow. With not far to go we located the campsite easily only to find we had arrived at siesta time. With a bar right next door it would have been wrong not to stop and have a beer, so that's what we did! Had an entertaining conversation with two German guys, who we can now add to the list of people who think we are mad.

Dinner beckons, so until tomorrow farewell.