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possible the sort of experience which is inaccessible to the average traveler.

On getting into Mainz we went first to see the cathedral, a sort of white elephant
of several architectural styles, built in soft pink marble, and yet to me pleasing in
spite of its mixed styles. Unfortunately the inside is closed for restoration, so we had
to miss that part. After stopping briefly to see a monument to Johannes of Gutenburg
(who was born and printed his famous book here in Mainz) we rode on out here to
the hostel, which is situated on a hill above the Rhein, near where the Main
flows in. It is large (300 beds) and modern, but there were only 4 of us here
last night, so it was sort of family style.

Today is again sunny and beautiful, and we're leaving soon to bike on to the
old city of Worms. Then tomorrow on to Heidelberg (and mail again!!) where
we stay all day Wednesday too. From there probably 3 days back to Beutelsbach.
I'm glad we've cut our daily travel down to about 50 km - it makes about
6 hours leisurely biking and time to stop and see things. And at night I'm
still plenty tired to sleep well, and the muscles seem to remember each morning
that they worked the day before! We were really put to shame last night to
learn that one of the fellows staying here came yesterday by bike from
Stuttgart - a distance by his route of 120 miles and part of it pretty hilly country too!
The day before he had gone from Munich to Stuttgart! So by German standards
our efforts are fairly small time, as you can see. Of course we're each carrying
about 30 pounds of baggage to weigh us down.

Well, it's time to get going. Another letter soon, probably from Heidelberg.

Love,
George