Today was a fabulous ride, right out of the gate. Interesting, varied, amazing weather. It had all the key ingredients.
We began, of course, with a great German breakfast. I composed yesterday’s journal over many coffees in the breakfast room and began to feel a bit self conscious about being so focused on my phone. I explained to the proprietor that I needed to catch up on my blog after last night’s fun. That is how we found out she has a blog, and is a peligrino. The trips she and her husband have done are astonishing. We of course exchanged details and I can’t wait to read hers, with a lot of help from Google Translate.
The exit from the hotel was so straightforward. Down the elevator to the underground garage, load up, open the door and away you go. The ride was interesting from the start. Lots of examples of German engineering and then beautiful old stuff immediately adjacent. Always away from traffic, in a variety of ways. Bike lanes, bike paths, dead quiet back roads were all in play.
We loved this seat in a park riverside. There was a wheel in the middle so you could go in circles while gazing into each other’s eyes. It also made for a great bike shot.
There was a detour here, and this is Germany, not France or Italy. They were very clear we would have to divert. The detour seemed more dangerous than the construction to me! It was through the train station and this guy came roaring through. Yikes!
The ride continued to be great, and we continued to dawdle because we knew today was a short ride. The Chief Photographer took many pictures. Bad Sackingen was the next larger community and its historic center and old bridge are stunning.
Kathleen ClassenTo Bob KoreisWe are terrible tourists. I am sure it does but we have never looked. We just dive in for the goodies! Reply to this comment 1 day ago
Crossing the bridge. We can say we were in two countries today, as it is Switzerland on the other side. We were in three countries yesterday, and it will be two tomorrow.
The ride was just such a great one. We are so glad we decided to ride into Zurich. Next up today was Laufenburg. Like Bad Sackingen we have been before and it was a delight to get reacquainted. The view from the bike path when you come around the corner and Laufenburg appears is a magical thing. We had forgotten how much we love riding in Germany.
The final km we rolled through farmland, park, between a canal and the river for awhile, past the nuclear reactor, swans galore and into Waldshut. We have a huge room in the Waldshuter Hof and have been out to explore the stores. I picked up a few things for the first time this trip. I only have to carry them to Kloten now.
The proprietor asked if my purchases were gifts and I said yes. This is how they arrived at the till. Such a thoughtful touch. The wrapping felt like a gift to me.
Kathleen ClassenTo Karen PoretThe gifts are for my beautiful daughters in law. You are right, they will find them hard to open!! Reply to this comment 1 day ago
Our last day of riding tomorrow. The end of a tour is always bittersweet. We are once more so grateful for our health, each other, and that we have the time and means to do this. We are fortunate indeed.
Today's ride: 52 km (32 miles) Total: 1,750 km (1,087 miles)
Patrick O'HaraWe clearly made the wrong decision this summer riding on the Swiss side of the border! It looks like you both had a much more pleasurable and ride! Lesson learned. Germany is one of the best countries to ride a bike in. Reply to this comment 7 hours ago
Keith ClassenTo Patrick O'HaraHi Patrick - This was our 3rd ride on this route along the Rhine - the first was in 2014. Been tempted to check out riding on the Swiss side but never have. Well marked route and we haven’t tired of it. Reply to this comment 58 minutes ago
