Rhine – Following Rivers, Canals

Hello France

Steven — Sat, 19 May 2018 18:02:05 +0000

Well… Today should have been a pleasant, relaxing ride along the Rhine towards France. The weather was good, the campsite last night was the best so far with plenty of hot water and a large area just for two of us bicyclists. But…. I think the impact of the last 900 kms was begining to take it’s toll plus rarely did I see the Rhine for more than a few kilometres. Generally most of the cycling (about 70 kms) was on perfect bike paths but boring!! This picture below could have been anywhere on the ride today. Tiredness and aching muscles have hit.

So tomorrow I shall just rest the legs a bit and only go as far as Strasburg.

It is a bit funny but being in France is almost comforting. It seemed that no one in Germany spoke any English and I spoke even less German so conversation was difficult even with Google Translate. I have had conversations in which I hadn’t the slightest idea of what was said. But now I can again converse and understand signs, people and even stuff in Supermarkets!

A less interesting part of the Rhine

Steven — Fri, 18 May 2018 19:10:41 +0000

Well today was not as interesting as yesterday, gone with the castles and in fact much the time was spent away from the river.

Mainz was for the most part, a forgettable city, in the sense that it was just city, however there was this one billboard that the catch my attention. It was outside the Schott Glass Factory (pun resisted). Courtesy of Google Translate, it talked optical glasses for specials cameras, etc, etc – but not a word about ChristChurch!

About 12 o’clock I came to the most appropriately named town yet it was Ham and Rye (actually Hamm Am Rien) I stopped at a small little place and, lo and behold,it has had other visitors from New Zealand, namely Annabelle White stayed her couple of years ago. Anyway food was excellent, the pizza brilliant and I was reluctant to leave.

Still onward toward France and Switzerland and a nights rest

Heading South

Steven — Thu, 17 May 2018 15:52:39 +0000

Today was Castle Day. There were ruined Castles, well kept Castles, even the Castle in the water. But every short distance there was a castle. Generally high about me, but pretty much always there.

Apart from that there was quite a few cycle tourists. Most were ‘day trippers’ but there was also a fair number of long distance cyclists heading northward.

The tour bus tourists were generally huddled together wrapped up against the cool wind and probably glad to get back on their buses.

The weather was cool, breezy and tended to be somewhat hazy so there’s no attention grabbing iconic photos of Castles, just one that look like they were shot thru a misty lens.

Tonight I’m camping at a unique spot just short of Mainz. For the princely sum of 15 Euros, I get a piece of ground (carefully cleaned of goose droppings). There no shower or cooking facilities but it’s right on the Rhine. There’s also a place within 50 metres that has Beer, Pizza and Chips so all is good.

Cheers

First full day on the Rhine

Steven — Wed, 16 May 2018 18:08:36 +0000

So today was my first full day following the Rhine towards it’s source. The morning was beautiful but the afternoon spent dodging rain clouds. It was a mix of scenic and cynic.

The first thing to greet me was this large headache sign as I started the day. But I didn’t need their products – yet.

For the most part I followed the bike paths and soon hit Cologne. I was determined to see the Cathedral as it had twice been the endpoint of other journeys (via boat) down the Rhine. Not much had changed. Tourists were everywhere, except they now take selfies instead of having a friend take the picture. So it was onwards and out of Koln.

One of the discoveries I made is that the route wasn’t exactly smooth and I often thought about getting a suspension seat – or maybe it is just age setting in.

Anyway, it was enjoyable and my mind is still taking it all in.

I just wish German people would smile occasionally and not look so grim and grumpy.