Now it’s part of Mercedes-Benz . . . but it came from:

Zeppelin!!

What’s the difference between a Blimp and a Zeppelin?

A blimp has no internal structure whereas a Zeppellin is a ‘rigid airship’ with a distinct inner frame.

Count Ferdinand von Zeppellin was quite the man. His invention, patented in 1895, resulted in the first commercially flown airships in 1910 (driven by postal needs). And not just Mickey Mouse distances – we’re talking here NY and Rio (from Europe).

I was amazed to discover that the Art Deco spire of the Empire State Building was originally designed to act as a mooring mast for Zeppellin and other airships.

And they were enormous – take a look at the scale model in this picture:

In fact, the Hindenburg (which famously and tragically caught fire and killed 13 passengers and 22 crew on board) was a staggering 804 feet long.

They’re getting a new lease of life now – who knows what advances we’ll see (interesting;u]y, they feature in “Ministry for the Future” , a wonderfully provocative book on climate change).

Zeppellin’s legacy – a conglomerate (sporting turnover of over 16 billion), a Zeppellin University and lots more.

My friend T from Laois (“the only county touched by counties that don’t touch the sea – check it out, he’s right) is always championing the cause of the humble farmer (in his case I’d be challenging the oxymoron – but we’ll leave that to another day).

Today, I’m happy to say that I fully intend to support the local farmers to the very best of my ability:

Can anyone identify which famous song features this phrase?

The band in question was originally known as the New Yardsticks but were forced to change the name. The story goes that one suggestion was decried as a “lead balloon”. The “a” got dropped from ‘lead’ (to prevent a pronunciation of “leed”) and the “balloon” got replaced by “Zeppelin” – hence “Led Zeppelin”.

Why the interest in Led Zeppelin? (I was always more of a Deep Purple man myself (think “Smoke on the Water” with all those air-guitar opportunities! (well, it was the 70s?))

Friedrichshafen (where I stayed overnight) turns out to be the home of the Zeppelin – and of a wonderful museum that tells the story.

More of that in a separate post.

The song was Stairway to Heaven – featured on LZ IV, which sold a staggering 37 million copies.

Lots of lovely sights to see today:

Lake Constance dominated – and, with it, a lot of tourists (damn tourists! Why can’t I just enjoy my visit?)

Thinking about it, in the 6 days I’ve been away, I haven’t had a conversation with a single soul lasting more than a couple of minutes (mostly check-in, check-out, ordering and paying for meals). When you’re ‘in the saddle’ for 6 hours or so, by yourself, that puts paid to most interaction.

You can get quite used to your own company. It reminds me of running the Chicago Marathon years ago: I had trained very assiduously (by myself) – including those dreaded long distance runs at the weekend (usually 18-20 miles).

So, there I was in Chicago, in the excitement of this amazing race – one among 40,000 or so – and the place was crawling with people. They estimate that over a million locals come out along the route to cheer, support, play music, have parties and more. And all I could think was “ Would you just get out of my way and let me do my run in peace?!” (I can be social too, I promise)

So, no wonder that I love the solitude of these wonderful cycling forest paths – with no people, no cars, no noise except for the birds calling from the trees:

I will confess that the jaunt across the lake on a ferry was rather nice (certainly the easiest kms on the trip!):

Looking forward to seeing the only waterfall on the Rhine tomorrow (can you name it? ( I had no idea!)

A different day today. Pretty flat. Still great cycling surfaces. Great weather. Longer distance covered than previous days. But, funnily, less satisfying.

I think it’s down to the ‘Rhythm Method’

No, I’m not referring to John Charles’ diktats.

Instead, I’m revealing what goes on inside the head of many cyclists tackling long distances.

For me, cycling is meditative. You start by acknowledging your ‘Monkey Brain’ (with the estimate by some neuroscientists of up to 60,000 thoughts per day) and simply assert “Not now!”. You choose instead to still the mind.

With what? Typically, your breathing.

I find this is easiest when you’re tackling a big hill. Because you might die, otherwise.

A bit like yesterday when the gradient was as steep as 12% (think burning lungs, wheels in glue, thigh muscles turning to lead). What do you do? Turn to Rhythm.

There’s a sweet spot – steady your breathing, turn the crank (65-75 rpm works for me) in a gear that lets you keep that cadence without falling over and – the key – a heart rate that is sustainable for you (hint: change gear!). A bit like life?

All thoughts fall away – except Rhythm: the combination of Legs, Lungs and Heart. One turn of the crank at a time.

And when you summit, you mentally salute the hill – and yourself – for just getting on with it.

If you’re not tacking a big hill, Monkey Brain can be much more intrusive. If you’re struggling with which path to follow, which road to cross – that’s when you can lose your rhythm. At least, that happens to me sometimes. Like it did today.

Still lots of moments to take in, though – especially Lake Constance (or Bodensee, as the Germans prefer):

And cool bridges with a touch of class:

And simple moments worth stopping for and savouring:

Germany and Austria added to the list today.

Body adapting to longer distances

Onward.

(P.S. can anyone tell me where Julia gets the mention? Was it Christy?)

Area – about 62 square miles

Population – about 40,000

GDP per capital – highest in Europe

Literacy rate – 100% (!)

Monarch’s reported wealth – 4th highest in the world (c. 3.5billion)

Hint:

“Your bill” (I’ve no idea what she actually said – no English in this hotel – but I understood the gesture).

I smiled. “Prob-lem” (a word understood in every language, especially when the two syllables are separated with an appropriate pause and some eyebrow action). “ No charge for dinner”

The flurry that followed (two other hotel personnel appearing from nowhere) was something to behold – confusion, denial, mystification, anger, embarrassment, barely concealed venom – we had the full spectrum. (Kubler Ross eat your heart out),

It got sorted (previous incomplete bill snatched and crumpled with the contempt it deserved) but I decided I’d have to claim half a point for that uncharacteristic wobble.

And then Switzerland really woke up.

A quick (sneaky) point scored immediately outside the hotel: buses that can take bikes:

My God! How obvious??!! 1 point to Switzerland for extra common sense. Bus Éireann take note.

Next came the seductive roads – ambling out of town at 830, I had smooth open roads with no traffic – and spectacular views to boot. Ask any cyclist – this is about as close to heaven as any rider can reasonably aspire. See you yourself:

Followed by a coupe of ‘gotchas’:

(Perhaps I should have brought my e-bike?)

Definitely 1 point

Elon may not be my favourite person but you cannot deny the genius of the Falcon 9, or the Tesla – and Switzerland has certainly embraced the latter with these recharging points.

Another point to Switzerland.

On a roll (and we haven’t started to think about Swiss Chocolate, Swiss Watches, Swiss Rolls (eh, maybe not them))

And just to ram home the point, when I arrive in Buchs, I espy a shop selling Federer merchandise – only the best tennis player ever?

I think I’ll stop counting.

Today’s spin down from Oberalppass was delightful – downhill! After negotiating half a dozen hairpin bends, it was down, down, down – and don’t bother with the brakes. Which meant 60+ kph for decent stretches.

With the odd tunnel thrown in for good measure.

Lunch was the cyclist’s best friend – pasta. But with a cheeky twist. The waiter did not understand English (this was Romansch territory – home to Switzerland’s 4th official language). And when it came to paying the bill (CHF 26) I asked if I could make it 30. Somehow, Mr Waiter translated that to CHF40.

Paying by phone these days, it’s just to easy to present and Ping! – without checking the detail. As I got to my bike, my bank texted me to say 40 had been charged – Mr Waiter feigned innocence as he refunded the difference. Cheeky bugger!

If 10 years ago I was 38

And in 10 years’ time, I’ll be 84

But really I’m 1,000,010

What age am I

(more figments?)