Thanks to the new map I bought yesterday, I was able to navigate with confidence a fairly straight line to Rheine via Ahaus, Heek and Metelen. At Wettringen we picked up a disused railway line to Rheine – beautifully surfaced, sheltered, signposted for idiots – and hence the perfect route for the end of a longish day in light drizzle. There were times when I was sure I had pedalled a particular stretch before or passed a particular corner – which I probably had, but I’ve cycled in this region so many times that I can’t possibly pinpoint exactly when.

Our lunch stop was in a bakery/cafe attached to a supermarket. It’s been some years since I stopped being sniffy about such places, but I still regret that it’s a sign that there will be no traditional Bäckerei/Konditorei in the town centre. Even less attractive was the self-service bakery/cafe in Rheine. I do sometimes pine for Kaffee und Kuchen served at the table by a waitress in black and white, where you eat first and pay later.

Which reminds me: I must stop eating so much. I had forgotten about German portion sizes.