Can a country get Skyscraper envy? Frankfurt has around 30 Skyscrapers… I wonder if this could be inked to Andrew Lawrence’s belief that the “skyscraper index,” is in play. Andrew maintains that, a skyscraper begins construction when the economy is growing, but this is then followed by a sharp downturn. But once a skyscraper is finished, according to the index, the economy is climbing back. By my understanding there around 6 substantive skyscraper building projects under way in Frankfurt today…
So over the last 1870 miles and four countries, today has been the first dry day since the 21st June. In truth I don’t mind the rain, its just about having the right gear and getting the mindset right. Focus is on drying over suits, boots and gloves and then checking the bike – that takes precedent in the evenings and thankfully the land of very cheap overnight accommodation beckons. I am paying less now per night in each miserly selected venue than I have paid for camping spots in Scandinavia, though in truth I am missing the sea already. I journeyed into Frankfurt today, my new German friends said I must see the “Eurotower”, and there’s me thinking it was a monument to unification striving for peace and understanding across the E.C. when in actuality it is a shrine to a struggling currency.
Finally rode the Trollstigen after many recommendations. This twisty mountain road is in the Rauma Municipality, Møre og Romsdal and a continuation of the Atlantic Road 63. Its pretty steep in places and has 11 hairpin bends but the downside is its very busy with motor homes and coaches and is a modest 850m in comparison to some of the Alpine crossings – stunning views and leading to Geirangerfjorden – well worth it.
This German plane took off from Aalborg West in Denmark on a mission to Åndalsnes-Dombås area. Reportedly during a bombing run on the British cruiser Flamingo in Romsdalfjord the Heinkel was attacked by three Skuas from 803 Squadron from HMS Ark Royal. The Heinkel made a forced landing beside lake Heilstuguvatnet.
The last two days have been rough in south central Norway. Last night I got caught in the remains of the tropical storms at Lillehammer which lies at an elevation of around 250m but with much higher elevations to the west the rain storms get funnelled into this site of the 1994 winter Olympics. Today’s riding was challenging as the estimated 20% extra rain per year fell in one day all on the E6 and all of it on me.
