Eindhoven to Aachen

Rain gear stays on the list this time, and that's the problem. With it packed, plus the warmer layers the cold asks for, jersey pockets and the slim half-frame bag can't take everything. The medium saddle bag goes on, about 3 L, and now it all fits.

We leave Eindhoven on a windy afternoon. Wet and cold, but the clouds break up now and then, and there's still some sunshine here and there. The industrial city gives way to the fields of Brabant, and at Roermond we pick up the Maas. From there it's simple: follow the river south, all the way to Maastricht.

Maastricht is always a lovely stop. All that history, and more good places for a coffee than we have time for. Then the best stretch of the day: the rolling hills of Limburg, up and down, until one final climb brings us into Aachen, the imperial city.

We round off the evening in the thermal baths, a well-earned break after a decent one-day ride. The saddle bag was the price, but it earned its place. We wanted to take a stroll through the city, not just ride into it.