I step out into the damp mist of the morning, repeat my morning routine for what I hope to be the final time. I make the cold and long descent to meet the route. As with the previous morning, I have chosen to cut a corner from the route to protect my knee as best as possible and try to finish in the daylight.
On the descent, I see a crowd on the vertex of a switchback. Sadly, they are not here to cheer me on my way, but to watching a massive tree being removed from a rather precarious position. On the valley floor, I rejoin the route and begin another steep climb out of Schlechtnau. The faint, familiar buzzing sound alerts me to the fact that I am entering the domain of the lumberjacks. I occasionally to a short break to watch their skillful work. Once I reach Todtmoos, the buzzing sounds fade away and the scenery changes back to a more rural landscape.
The final descent of the day, and hence trip, is through a wonderful guard of honour given by the autumnal trees that were fighting to keep their golden brown leaves. For the final time, I race the sun down towards the horizon. Today, the sun wins. I reach the valley floor as the sun disappears behind the ridge. I am just south of Wehr and follow the River Wehra southwards towards Bad Säckingen - the end point of the entire trip.
Whilst following the river, I lose the sign for the route several times and become so frustrated that I resort to simply following the river. When this was no longer an option, I begin to follow the road, which rapidly becomes a huge mistake.
Suddenly the quiet little B-Road became the backstraight of a F1 circuit, or as they are more commonly known in Germany, a derestricted zone. Motorbikes, cars, trucks and lorries come flying past me at breakneck speeds. Some drivers helpfully opted to use their horns to point out my mistake.
Having survived what was truly the most life threatening moments of the journey, I find the train station and the tiny plaque attached to a random lamppost that signifies the end of my journey.
A journey pedaling through the vast nature playground of the Schwarzwald. Self-propelled, I have explored the breadth of sights and landscapes, meandering through river valleys, traversing nature reserves and venturing into challenging mountain terrain. This journey, just like this country, will occupy a special place in my heart.
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