Logistics and Preparation...

Is Everything with Everything. 
It is sometimes the difference between Success and Failure. 
This morning had a lot of logistics and preparation. 
The first goal was to be at the Erkrath Train Station for the 10:21 departure of the train that would eventually take me to Amsterdam. 

It began last night by booking my hotel and train. 

It continued early this morning with a good breakfast and packing a lunch. 

Then I removed all of
my personal items from the bike I rented like the bike pump -

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And the headlight and taillight - 

And then repacked everything and returned the bike to Andreas at the Radshop - Arbeiter in Erkrath

The Columbus Safari was the perfect bike for the 400 km I did on the Veloroutte Rhein and for my intown riding. I had no flats, no mechanical problems, never hit the ground once and didn't hit anybody or anything. 
As you can see from the pic, Andreas is a giant like many Germans but was just as nice, friendly and helpful as he could be. Despite his limited English and my non-existent German, we talked about my next bike. 
I told him I wanted a bike setup exactly like the Columbus Safari but with a 14 gear rear hub and belt drive. It is the cutting edge of bike technology and I talked to a guy on my train ride yesterday about his rear hub bike. 
It's what I want. The mechanical and maintenance advantages are incredible. 
Long story Longer, Andreas is gonna research what is available based on what I asked for and email me the info. If I come back to work here, I likely will buy the bike at the Radshop- Arbeiter in Erkrath. 

Back to logistics - after having Andreas remove my Shimano M324 pedals and getting my 100 euro deposit, I walked back to the hotel and had Lucie, the reception manager at the Arcadia Hotel, call me a cab. 
I loaded my 2 cases and took the cab to the Erkrath Train Station Platform 2 where I sit now 10 minutes from departure. 

Now I just need the train to show up!
Keeping the Faith Baby!