Its Monday and its Freiburg

Rolling through the French countryside and crossing into Germany, we are now here in Freiburg. Freiburg is a large city with about anything one would want. Huge Cathedral named Munster, its bells start ringing at 6am. We are not sure why but just when you think there done, it starts up again at 6:45! Dinner was on our own last night that means we dont go out as a group. We found a great Brewery that had great food from the reigon and fresh beer. Perfect. this is the last week of our tour that will be finished on Friday. Lots more to come!

Crossing into Germany. Our 7th international Border crossing in the last 20 years. Some countrys we have done more than once but only count as one.

Saturday.

Yesterday was something! The plan was to make sure i made it to the WW1 museum at the top of a huge climb. We were told to either leive early or take thr shuttle to the half way point and finish the final 10k to the top. I took the Shuttle and got me off to a sure start to get there before they closed. Beautiful solo riding through dark forrest with sunny breaks and sometimes breathtaking views. The Linge Memorial museum is haunting. When you see it, it Looks like the horrorable mess it was. Trench warfair at its worst. I left fealling really sad

After a insane down hill that the only way to keep from going over 45 mph was to hold onto the brake levers, we came to a very touristy town. Kayserberg is like the tourists dream of souvener shops and restaurants. After a quick lunch, on the way out of town we stopped in silence to see in person the Hotel where Anthony Bordain took his life, So Sad to have lost a great story teller and entertaining host. His legacy will live on, but this is where it ended.

I dropped back from Barbara to find a good spot to do my business. Somehow I picked up a wrong arrow from our tour. It was one from earlyer that day, One hour later I was 15 miles away from our finish and lost. Not Good. It took a while to figure it all out, but with the help of Ms Google found a route home. My battery on my ebike ran out with 5 miles to go! Very hilly, narrow vinyard roads, I crested a very large hill with an amazing view of our nights stay town below, The day was not my best. Sad from the battle field and stupid loss of life. Happy to be home with another story to tell.

Obernal to Riquewihr

Day four but day 3 of group riding. Cold start. 41°. Glove weather for sure. We are really now in wine country. Grape vines everywhere.Yesterday was a mix of corn field and Vineyards. today, all Vinyard.

Rest Day

After being on the bike for only two days, we were given a day off. Some folks chose to ride, I decided to do laundry and walk around town to take photographs. Most of the stuff i shot was 360° photos that I can only show the full effect on Facebook or I can share them in person. I don't know of any link or venue that will allow the 360 effect. After a good day of exploring and cleaning, the group went to a winery for a "Tasting" at a Vitner named "Blank". Nice old Cave with smells of years of wine making. We left the group to make it to a restraunt Barb had made Reservations for 7:30, got back to the room, cleaned up and made it on time. Here are some of the photographs from today.

My new Oakleys and profile pic for Facebook

Hand churned butter at the table.

Fresh butter and hot bread!☺️

Day Two. Saver to Obernal

Yeserdays ride was mostly flat and along cannals. The guides were calling it "Beer Country". We came across huge Hop hangers, 30 feet tall with lines hanging from a frame. The Hops climbed rhe lines, towering above our heads. Today we were told that we will be in "Wine Country" We are expecting to see more vinyards. They let us know that we would have time to stop and taiste, if we would like and even buy.

Just a fantastic day of riding! Being in the Alsatian Country side, in the amazing air. we spent most of the day on bike paths snd roads with very little traffic. Our day's finish was with this delicious meal!😊

Our First Day on the Road

Strausbourg to Saverne. Heading out of town, we rode mosly biycle trail and bcycle lanes. Nice to be away from traffic. It as cold to start Glove weather, with no gloves is always hard. It happens at this time of year! We rode towpaths along active cannals for a good part of the day with an occational lock with boats waiting. Nice to see them so active. The cannals we have been along in differnt parts of Europe seemed to be unused, We had a little rain followed by the Sun coming out for only a second. Cloudy and jacket weather all ride long, The more we traveled the more open it became. Large open pastures with corn and root vegitables, The Farms didnt seem huge, but still very active. The group we are riding with are all very nice experienced cyclists. A few have never been on a tour before. They seem to know what they are doing and are fit.Fun to be with and jokes and share stories. I think this is going to go well, Two weeks will tell Here are some of the photos from todays ride:

Starting our third day

After a full day of getting our Covid test and our QR code to get into restaurants, we are now ready to start our trip. Today will be a day of just getting a round and finding new places. The plan is to go stand in line to ho into tha Cathedral. We haven't seen the line yet so more on this later. Its another picture perfect day here ao expect a few of photographs. Our bicycle ride starts on Monday with a meeting of the group tomorrow. We are to report in cycling clothing for a bike fitting somewhere at the new hotel we will be moving to on the morning. It's a 10 minutes walk, but because of our bags, we will moat likely take a cab.

We have arrived! Strausbourg!

Easier than we ever expected! All we needed was the the vacciation card and in we went! Customs was quicker than ever before. It might have been that thae plane was only half full. Waiting for the train to Strausbourg, an agent came up to us ad checke our vax cards and tickets. Seeing all was OK gave us each a bracelet to show that we were good to go.

On the Northast bourder of France, Strausborg switched back and forth from Germany to France since the begenng of time. The last time was right after WW2. We arrived shortly before noon and went right to the hotel for a nap.

Here We Go Again!

All new rules, We will see how well this goes. We are really looking foward to being back in Europe and are willing to play the game. An Extream Sport as Barbara calls it! Follow us for as long as we have Wi-Fi coverage. Im hoping it will be better than the past.