The Mackenzie Brothers

Perhaps the notion of comparing Bavarians to the Mackenzie Brothers is peculiar to begin with.  Firstly, for most people who have not been inducted by birth or immigration into Canadian culture, there is the question of, “Who are the Mackenzie brothers?”  Secondly, for those that are familiar with the 1980’s Canadian television program SCTV, and the Mackenzie brothers, there is the question of, “What do Bavarians have to do with a couple of beer chugging, toque wearing, plaid devoted, cold weather dwelers?”  Thirdly, for some out there, there is the question of “What are Bavarians?”   Fourthly, it’s possible that the comparison is moot.  Why?  Well, because the Mackenzie brothers were perhaps a dream, a cultural pinnacle that Canada struggled towards, along a daunting track of ambivalent cool, and subtle over-indulgence.  Where as Bavarians, may very well have achieved this state of grace.  That said, and some will certainly protest, this blissful state was reached not recently, but some centuries ago here in Bavaria.  Historical accounts are stored in hidden archives, but the evidence is in the feeling of humorous calm that still lingers in the Danube’s flow as one cycles along it’s shore, awaiting a cold beer at ride’s end.

  Hmmm… it’s been a fine introduction to Germany and Bavaria the last few days for all the O.E. cyclists.  A few chose to search out the starting point of the Danube, located in the town of Donaueshingen.  It should feel both a joy and a daunting test to begin the long journey along the rivers path.  Luckily it appears most of our riders have already become quite accustomed to the way of the Donauredwegen (the Danube cycle trail) and it’s many small, and sometimes challenging navigational signs.  There is certainly no shortage of stops along the path for coffee, tea, or some fine German cuisine, and other than one day of rain, we’ve continued to enjoy pleasant days.

  Today found us arriving in Ulm, a city both famed as Einstein’s birthplace, and for the largest church in the World, the Ulm Minster.  Conveniently, a religious holiday has fallen on our rest day, which will make for a true day of leisure, a picnic on the Danube sounds like a wonderful idea to me.  Happy cycling.  Coookookookokokokooo