Schaffhausen, Switzerland

The intermittent rain began yesterday in the late afternoon lasting through the night and the ride today, after a dry start, was mostly in rain. Four of us decided to get a room in Schaffhausen so we can dry out and enjoy a little comfort after more 3 weeks of camping. This is my first hotel for the tour so I was very curious and interested in the experience. The staff was very nice as was the room but the rooms are a bit smaller than what you might get in the U.S. Many Swiss and Germans do speak English so communications was been easier for me, however, I still can't read the menu. Below are pictures of the room and hotel as well as downtown centre Schaffhausen. There is also a music festival in progress within the town square.

On The Border

This part of the tour goes along the border between Germany and Switzerland. Last night we were in Germany and tonight we'll be back in Switzerland. So far, the pathways along the Rhine River are not as well developed as in France so we are encountering more hard packed dirt and crushed granite surfaces rather than pavement but they are very rideable. Below are pictures of route along the Rhine and the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen.

Au Revoir France, Guten Tag Germany

Today we entered Switzerland via the city of Basel and ended up in Murg, Germany camping along the Rhine River. Below are pictures entering Switzerland and of Basel, a city bustling with people, bikes, cars and trains.

My Last Plat du Jour

Don't know the proper names for these dishes since it's listed in French; just went with the menu of the day. It can be your best value for a great dining experience in France but you must eat between noon and 2pm. And don't be late because you won't be served.

Last Night in France

We are in Mullhouse, one of the larger cities we've visited and it's our final night in France. Also, today is the start of our fourth week of touring. From here we enter Switzerland for less than a day and finish the trip in Germany. Our destination is Passau, Germany on the border to Austria. I started the trip without any concept of what touring in France would be like, but now I have lived it and enjoyed every mile of it. The Eurovelo 6 route through the Loire Valley and Burgundy region is popular with cyclist of all types and a wonderful way to see and explore France. Though far from mountainous, it is a rolling terrain whenever we leave the canals. The river views have been stunning, the village charming, and the cities exciting. Everything was new to me and I loved it all; the riding, scenery, people and food. The people are friendly and patient with cyclist, and the canal bike paths and roadways have been extraordinarily clean. Below are a few pictures from Mullhouse.

Reaching Besancon in Eastern France.

Today we have a short ride so we'll have time to see the sights in Besancon which sits within an oxbow of the Doubs River and is a major city in Eastern France. Several more days and we'll be entering Switzerland. Pictured is the St. Jean Cathedral and a city view from the Vauban citadel which sits on a hill over looking the city.

Into the Burgundy

My set lunch in St. Julian; pâté salad starter, entree of tripe sausage, and dessert of prunes with sweet wine sauce. Interesting but not one of the top meals. Last picture is the town square in Santanay where we are camping. Tomorrow we will be in the heart of the Burgundy winery region.