It was one of those days that went between horrible and beautiful. The rain and mist let up late but left us in a muddy mess. Part of our way was freshly graded and muddy. I would rather ride uphill and against the wind than pull a trailer in the mud. We found a fountain in the fields above Futzen and cleaned up the built up mud.
The climbs had some outstanding sections in the black forest that made it all worthwhile.
The velo way we rode today was between Basel and Tiengen, along the Rhine. About 42 miles with a mix of surfaces, from perfect blacktop to miles of packed rough rocks. Calling it gravel would be complementary. Many sections deep in the forest and along the Rhine were outstanding. Two of the marked turns were under construction. Another section that used the road was impassable. We had to push through loose gavel, fresh oil, and high curbs to get across the 100 yards. Arrived in Tiengen at the start of a light rain.
Leaving the hotel. Nice cool morning to start the day.
We stayed in a small town outside of Basel. Had to wind around the streets to find the marked euro veloway 2.
The Zurich airport was great. After collecting the bikes and getting the passport stamp, we went to the lower level and cought a train to Basel. The bikes are together now. We are chilling in the warm afternoon sun with 68 degrees. Nice new hotel, but it is too far out and no restaurants are near.
Time for Debbie and me to pack the bikes again. We are always amazed that everything fits. Packing for much cooler (highs of 70 on the hot days) and wetter weather (hello fenders). We start on the Rhine for a day then over to the source of the Danube and follow the river to Passau on the Austrian border. Stay tuned for more.
