Stage 11 Alone on the Rhein

Today's route: 97 Miles ( after detour) 

Strasbourg . -> Mullhouse 

Ascend: 250m, Descend 150m

First the good news, the bad weather had blown through overnight, which changed the forecast for the day to just "showers", interspersed with sunshine. 

I still required full wet weather gear unfortunately, and sure enough, as I set off, it poured down.  Wind direction was now a northerly, which meant I was going to be facing a 10-15 mph headwind all day as I would be cycling south along the Rhein. 

I was riding solo for the first time as the next co rider will not be joining me until I reach Milan. Domenico (support driver for today and tomorrow), felt sorry for me, so decided to raise my spirits. He parked up and joined me on Clive's Bike for about 5 miles before riding back to the support car, Here he is in action:-

About 7 miles into the days ride, on the east side of the Rhine (the German side of the border), I was riding along the top of the levy making good progress despite the wind.   Then I came across a big problem. 

I had put faith in the German side of the border having better roads down to Mulhouse, but it seemed the Germans were half way through a huge repair to the levy , hence my route became impassable. After a chat with the local workmen in Franglais/German, I realised that I would have to double back about 10 miles and cross the Rhine again further south. This increased the distance for the day from 86 to 97 miles. It's quite soul destroying heading back the same way you came from too. 

The bridge I used to eventually cross the Rhein was effectively motorway, I had to squeeze my bike down the very narrow path available to the side of the barriers - over the whole length of it - not pleasant. 

So who would of thought it eh? I was undone by the German side having poorer roads than the French side, it's a funny world. Which is where I now seemed to be heading. 

The rest of the journey down the Rhine was fairly uneventful, the overriding thought going through my mind was cursing the headwind that was taking a lot out of me.  The mountains of the black forest to my left were a welcome distraction to the monotony of a lengthy flat ride. 

By the end of today's long ride I seemed  to have picked up a few new niggles in my hands and knees. I am hopeful that they are nothing too serious.  

Going to have to sign off for tonight, I badly need to sleep. I'm absolutely shattered after today's long ride, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, with just an hour for lunch. Into that damn wind. I think Im the most tired I've been since the trip started. 

Night. Brett x

Til tomorrow Brett x