Day 9 - Bregenz (Lake Constance) - (A) to Lieschbach - Etang de Hanau (F)
Day 9 - Bregenz (Lake Constance) - (A) to Baden-Baden (D) to Lieschbach - Etang de Hanau (F)
Saturday 22/06/2023
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Black Forest and Vosges Natural Park
After 12 hours of solid and heavy rain, thunder and lightning, it finally stopped raining and we were greeting to morning sunshine. Despite the early night, we all felt tired and getting up was a struggle.
Our tents did a good job in keeping the rain out but some of things were still wet which was to be expected. We paid for the camping and set on out of the area which was rammed with traffic along the Lake Constance road. Eventually we got through the traffic and into Germany where Konrad's great route changes paid dividends. The sun was out, we had empty fast flowing roads and ended-up in a lovely gorge region near Sigmaringen which was quiet but a lovely road passing through idyllic villages, castles, rock faces (which were being climbed) and great little tunnels carved out of the rock. All the while the river Danube flowed to our side. We stopped in a scenic picnic area for lunch (pre-made rolls) and enjoyed the sunshine while it lasted.
We then put our waterproofs on due to the scary black clouds in the distance and carried-on. Lots of forestry in these parts just as in Austria. Essentially we continued to follow the river Danube through Beuron, Oberwolfach, Bad Peterstal, Seebach to the river's source in the Black Forest mountains. Unfortunately it got down to 11C and rained heavily without stopping. Our only break was to look at a small waterfall in the Black Forest and for for fuel. We got very wet, waterproof clothing can only last so long.
Eventually we got to Baden-Baden again where we were relieved to be at a lower altitude, out of the fog and heavy rain. We crossed into France around Lembach and found the nearest McDonald's to grab coffee's and a quick snack. Whilst there the sun came out and the last couple of hours were warm and dry.
We followed a really lovely road, empty, flowing, forests with beautiful villages. What a nice part of France that I had never seen before. Essentially the road followed the Maginot Line in Alsace and there were signs and forts that we rode past.
We hit Philippsbourg and then continued into the woods and a remote campsite 'Camping Hanau Plage' which has forest pitches (it's a free for all) that surround the lake with it's beach. The Vosges national Park and this lake is a lovely place if you can ignore the mosquitos.
We made ravioli, smash and pasta and finished our drinks whilst watching some football on Konrad's phone and listening to some music and discussing how good today's riding was and what a shame that it was raining so badly. Could spend weeks travelling these parts and spending more time in places like this.
Tomorrow we have a very interesting route back up to Belgium, hopefully the weather holds-out as it won't be much fun having another day as wet as this.
Fines: 0 (me and Konrad may have fines in post)
Bribes: 0
Ass pain: 5/10
Mechanical issues: 2 - puncture and my heated grips have broken (long start, flat battery and overheating excluded)
Accidents: 0
Wetness: 7/10 (very heavy and prolonged rain)
Coldness: 6/10 (generally cold as we were damp from the day before)
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