Basel to Strasbourg

We started along the bicycle path on the French side of the Rhine with a variable but reasonable surface.  The French side of the Rhine had many deviations for local towns so we had planned to cross the River and continue our trip on the German side of the river despite a warning that there was construction.  Little did we know that the construction continued for many miles and that the lack of signs in and around the construction was only one of the problems.  While most of  the surface was marginal for a road bike there were areas where a mountain bicycle was the only reasonable way to travel.

Up and down around and then steeply down with no warning,  we went over on our side.

The side of the track we were on disappeared into grass and trying to regain the main path the bike slid out from under us.  Down we went.

Luckily there were no permanent injuries to us or our bicycle.  Now  I know why most of the users of this path are riding with much wider tires.

So after a few more miles we found a way off the path for some local R &  R.  A lovely park with a first class cafe gave us the needed rest.

We continued along the river and while the view was lovely with ever changing scenery the path continued to be less than desired. Signs  were infrequent and the surface variable,  usually uneven with large rocks.  We did get to our next stop for a restful overnight in Oberrimsingen,  a small German village. A Gasthaus provided a safe refuge and a neighboring small hotel adapted their menu to give us a delicious dinner.   Proudly offered were vegetables and salad from their large garden.

Early the next morning we crossed the Rhine into France and rode away from the river to see Neuf-Brisach. Built in 1697 across from Brisach on the German side of the river is the most fortified town that we have ever seen. Its massive walls with surrounding moats survives today.

We were delighted to find the local farmers market in the town square and purchased our picnic lunch and enjoyed it right there. Sal enjoyed conversing with the man watering his veggies since he said they would get "sleepy" in the intense mid day heat.

We really loved riding on the long paths next to the Canal du Rhon au Rhine with plenty of old trees providing shade.

We often stop to talk to local people (just for fun, never to ask for directions of course) and they are always fascinated by our trip, usually offering to take a photo of us in their neck of the woods. If you look carefully, you see a sailboat passing behind us with the mast "unstepped".

Here approaching Strasbourg, we thought we could be in the Netherlands because the bicycle path is lower than the canal!

It was fun to take a break and watch some people learning how to row. This bridge looks unimpressive compared to most that we see, but it had a very nice safe bike path to keep us separate from the speeding traffic....

...  and then we were in Strasbourg where the local population were busy enjoying the summer weather.

We roamed around a large and shaded local street fair, aka flea market, enjoying the many "antiques" and curiosities offered

Next our visit to the historical city of Strasbourg, home to the EU Parliament.