Has anyone noticed the alliterations I have attempted for some of my titles the last few months? Todays post is a German alliteration meaning “Murnau miles.” Murnau is a town in Bavaria I have blogged about before, and although I biked to Staffelsee about two months ago (which is the lake right next to Murnau) I hadn’t yet biked directly to Murnau.
A friend of mine reached out to me a bit ago asking me if I’d consider biking to Murnau, because she was in need of a magnet for her boyfriend. Due to the Coronavirus restrictions with her job she was unable to leave town. I had no immediate plans to bike to Murnau, but after she asked me the seed was planted.
I took about three weeks off from biking longer distances after my previous longer biking adventure (which was less than ideal.) I was feeling refreshed after this break and decided it was time to go for another bike ride further than my usual 20 or so miles round trip. While trying to decide where to go, my friends request popped into my head.
I set my sights on Murnau, packed a bag full of water and snacks, and off I went.
The ride towards Murnau follows a path I had done before, but eventually comes to a fork. I had previously followed the fork to the right, but Murnau was to the left. Per usual, as I approached new territory my excitement grew and my energy surged. I had also just seen two naked men standing and chatting in the river enjoying a beer.
New bike path, or naked men responsible for energy surge? One may never know. (Also, I only saw backsides…so this story is definitely PG-13.)
Not the men, but same river.
I wish I could say my desire to do a good deed and buy my friend (honestly she is more of an acquaintance) a magnet was the sole reason I wanted to bike to Murnau, but that would be a lie. It was a good initial reason, but the icing on the cake was when I decided I could also visit my favorite coffee roaster.
I discovered the Murnauer Kaffeerösterei a handful of months ago when I bought a bag of beans from my local grocery.
I’m a big fan of buying local coffee, but the first time I tried a blend from this company I didn’t like it. The coffee was too bright for me, and while the tasting notes were predominantly flavors I enjoy, there was a citrus note in the mix which I should have known I wouldn’t like. I gave the company another shot when I saw a Latin American blend – Nossa Senhora Brasilien.
Tasting notes of nuts and chocolate – absolute perfection.
This coffee has been my favorite coffee in all of Europe thus far. It’s so good I have a hard time not drinking a cup every morning, even on the days when my body tells me she doesn’t want coffee. I knew the roaster was in Murnau, but I didn’t think about actually going to see it until I went for this ride.
The path to Murnau is fairly flat, and passes by rivers, small towns, livestock, and open rolling hills. My favorite.
I arrived in Murnau after an hour and 45 minutes, walked around the city center, bought a magnet, and then headed down to Staffelsee to soak my feet. It was a warm afternoon and I momentarily thought about going for a swim in my birthday suit (inspired by my river friends), but there were too many people around. Although it’s legal to be nude in public here, my modesty always wins.
After I sat by the lake for a while, I headed to the roastery.
I didn’t plan to drink any coffee, it was already 1500 and if I drink coffee after noon I have a hard time sleeping, but I still wanted to see where all the magic happens. The building was a small trailer like building, similar to what might be seen if two shipping containers were made into a coffee shop. It was cute, with just the right amount of outdoor seating.
I went inside to browse the merchandise, and I was surprised by how many people I saw. I thought about buying a mug, and I sat staring at it for 15 minutes (I wish I were joking, pray you’re never with me when I’m considering purchasing something) before deciding against it. I was going to buy a bag of coffee, but they were all whole bean.
I am sure they grind the coffee for you, however I felt oddly intimidated by the language barrier with all the people around. I’m usually fine – but this day I decided I didn’t want to ask.
I plan to return sometime for a morning cup at this adorable roastery, and maybe then I’ll buy some beans. If not, I always have my local grocer. The ride back to Garmisch was beautiful, but when I got about an hour away from home the weather changed for the worse. Torrential downpour, accompanied by thunder and lightening.
I have never biked so fast on flat ground in my life.
I prayed out loud over and over as if I were meditating on a mantra, asking God to keep the lightening away from my bike. I made it out of the storm unscathed, and I was exhausted by the time I got home. I managed 40 miles round trip by the time I made it back, and although I was tired I enjoyed every moment of this ride.
Except for the stretch of ill weather.
In typical Bavarian fashion, the weather flipped a switch at the drop of a hat. I wonder if the cows ever complain about this climate. I usually love it, as long as I’m not miles from home on a bike. This ride was my final long ride before returning to work full time (the hotel I work at opened last Monday), and it was the perfect way to bid adieu to a chill work schedule.
I’m thankful my body felt so great on this bike ride. I never take for granted all that I am able to accomplish these days, and the difficult rides make the smoother rides that much more enjoyable. ❤
Q: Have you ever gotten stuck in a storm with no option but to keep going? I thought about stopping in somewhere if the lightening got too bad.
Blissfulbritt 
17 thoughts on “Murnau Meilen”
Pam
In all my travels anytime I got caught in a storm of any kind I was always close enough to tuck in somewhere…🙏 All my travels were on foot by train or bus…I did hitch a ride twice in a small village in the English countryside , both times with woman near my age, felt safe but in today’s world would most likely continue to wait for my bus to train station 😁😊
Brittany
I am imagining you hitching a ride, I did that once in Scotland! Unplanned, with a Scottish woman who had just returned from Greece. We were waiting in the same bus hut, and she asked if my friend and I wanted to hop in her taxi. She was very kind.
thechrisdotcom
Great read as always. Love your stories.
2003 I drove from Laramie, WY to Denver, CO on Halloween night. Snowed super hard on this pass in CO and it was completely white out. Thankfully I was in a Chevy Suburban and had a friend with me. No problem doing it alone but moral support is always nice. We drove about 20mph for a short bit and got out. No point turning around cuz it would just be just as bad. We made it out alive.
Brittany
Hey thanks! That drive sounds absolutely terrifying. Moral support is ALWAYS nice.
gpavants
Hi Brittney,
I love the outdoors minus the nude men. I hope you get those fun moments over and over again.
Thanks,
Gary
Brittany
Haha, your comment made me laugh. Thank you.
rootchopper
Dang, this close to BucknakedBritt.
Have I ever been caught in a storm? Have I ever been caught in a storm! In Ohio, on the upper peninsula of Michigan, here in DC (dozens of times). Thunder, high winds, torrential rain, lightning (no “e” BTW). Scary! When I can see it coming I look for cover. Usually I just ride through it though. Once you’re wet and miserable, you’re wet and miserable.
Same thing happened once when playing golf in high school. Not a good idea to be carrying a bag of metal sticks during a lightning storm.
Summertime thunderstorms are so entertaining here in DC. When I moved here, I’d sit on my balcony and watch the mayhem.
Brittany
I don’t mind being wet and miserable (in fact I wasn’t miserable because it wasn’t cold, I just worried about being struck! Ha!) I do love watching the storms from the safety of my balcony though!
Amy
I’ve never been stuck in a storm while biking (even with living in Davis for so long!), but I’ve definitely had that happen while running! It feels a little less risky than biking (no metal objects!), but… I still considered waiting underneath trees to see if the random storm would pass. 😉
That coffee shop description sounds SO perfect for you!! I’m glad you got to go! I love the sound of that second coffee, with the nuts and chocolate. Two of my favorite things! Coffee too late in the day though… No joke for me either. I’ve also noticed I crash harder after coffee compared to tea, even when I drink less coffee (so it would be about the same amount of caffeine). My body has its fair share of quirks too! 😜
Amy
Oooh and I nearly forgot — YES!! I noticed the alliterations and LOVE them!!! 🤓🙌🏻
Brittany
I’m so thankful I’ve been able to drink coffee daily the last handful of months. Yes, there are days I have moments of discomfort, but nothing too crazy!
I’d much rather be off a bike in a storm, but I think I’d be more anxious running. The bike made me feel fast, and like I had a chance to escape it haha.
Amy
OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I didn’t realize you’ve been able to drink coffee daily for so long now — that is MONUMENTAL!!! I’m so, SO excited for you!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Oh gosh… 😂😂😂 I love your reasoning — I definitely hadn’t thought about it like that! Maybe I need to reconsider my exercise + storm logic! 😜
Brittany
I totally have days where I shouldn’t drink coffee, and I am bloated daily because of it…but honestly my mental peace is MUCH better with this slight freedom. SO it’s worth it!
Pree
Those cows!!! My heart just exploded, haha!
But YES, I have been stuck in a storm before with no choice but to keep going! Marathon training, February 2016. It was pouring HARD in Playa Del Rey where my running team and I were running 22 miles 🙈
Brittany
I loved running in the rain, but the torrential downpour is brutal!
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
The ride sounds lovely – storm & all! 😉 I’ve had some great biking experiences in Europe, and while traveling in general. It’s such a nice way to see an area while getting in some exercise!
Brittany
I’m a bike believer through and through now!