Following our usual sleep in (at least this time with a good excuse) we gave the bikes a thorough cleaning after the rain and muddy conditions of the last few days.
Getting away at 11.00 (after we found our lost hotel key) we stopped about 10 mins later to acknowledge H cracking his first 1,000 kms on tour, a significant achievement by all measures !
With accolades and speeches over (he thanked his Mum and his on road support team) we cycled in to central Koblenz with H trying his damnedest to get us lost until he realised that the bike signs titled KO Centrum actually meant Koblenz central !
Koblenz a large city is also the point at which the Moselle joins the mighty Rhine - Kev and I stopped to take a few photos of the confluence and looked on in awe at the joining of these giants (nearly as impressive as the joining of the Yarra and the Maribyrong !)
Having reached the Rhine we could finally turn southwards on our journey to Switzerland and experience first hand why this section of the Rhine is considered one of the most beautiful river settings in the world.
Riding right on the river we had grandstand views of castles, old towns and ships plying the river. Different in character to the Moselle which also provided great scenery but mainly of hills and vineyards this section of the Rhine seems steeped in history and importance.
We reached the touristy town of Boppard for yet another bratwurst lunch before searching for a chemist for Kev who is still struggling with his inner ear problem.
Onwards we cycled to the historic town of Bacharach (or Burt as H calls it) at the 69 km mark a beautiful town with 13-15th century buildings courtesy of its wine trade and prominent position on the Rhine.
H at his best beat the hotel owners down 10 Euro on our room and we were soon again into our regular routine of unpacking - in my case simply just dumping everything on the floor. .. Why waste energy !
With the weather showing some signs of improving we continue to head down the Rhine tomorrow as we aim to make Basel by the 25th of May.
Lads, be careful in the Rhine gorge - the Robber Barons still operate. These days they operate all the tourist shops, cafes, bars, hotels, etc!
ReplyDeleteMike, it's not only Kev that has problems with directions, think you might also be confused at times. Towards Basel it's 'up' the Rhine not 'down'.
Keep on having fun and enjoy those lovely wines and beers that is there for you.
The Pedant from Montmorency
Lots of rain guys.. you should have gone in summer time.. oh wait. I'm trying to work out if you blokes are having fun or not?
ReplyDeleteMike, so your bag still keeps exploding, perhaps I should have given you some lessons about tidiness before you left.
ReplyDeleteRegards Bobbert.
PS I am so glad I am not with you both. It is cold enough here but not as cold as the Giro.