The Harz via Okertal and Kleiner Steffentalskopf - circular route from Hahnenklee

Hello rockets, another to-do done: a small gravel lap through the Harz Mountains. We started in Hahnenklee. The tour went with constant ups and downs on forest paths towards Okertal. Of course, it could have been easier to get to the dam wall, but for leisure cyclists, the Romker Straße with a decent 2-digit incline percentage is ideal at midday in the blazing sun. The trip should be worth it. But: after the sweaty ascent, there was a really cool descent to the Oker dam, along which a cycle path then led. But then I only reached the forest with water wings: the route passed a storage place for logs, which were watered by proper water sprinklers beyond the "Gardena" class, to ward off the miserable bark beetle, as far as I know. Well, I guess I had to go through with it, but thanks to Ass-Saver (I'm too lazy to take that thing off) at least the seat pad stayed dry. But the cyclist suddenly cooled down noticeably: a shout-out at this point to the Nds. Forestry. They know what cyclists need when it's over 30 degrees! Anyway, we went through Altenau - no stop, because it was too late - to the Clausthal ponds. There was no jumping into the cool water considering how late the time was...the Maschseefest was still calling, not for swimming, but it was wet and happy nonetheless. In this respect: Ratz fatz I was back in Hahnenklee. Quickly a photo of the stave church and then back home. The tour can be done well because it is quite varied. I would avoid the piece between kilometers 10 and 12 in the future. The small trail is still ok, but then there is a good bit of Hike a Bike, because one section is really full of old branches and is impassable, at least for me, but afterwards you are always smarter. Conclusion: yes, it was nice in the Harz... On that note, keep on rolling, Christian

3 rain showers, 1 flat tire and countless climbs ... but a cool tour #TheGravelFest