Day Three Masevaux

93 miles 1762 ft climbing

Today was all about Lines. Starting with a straight line, moving on to the Maginot Line and finally finishing with a railway line. Here’s how it panned out.

Following our late finish yesterday we decided an even earlier start was in order in the hope we could finish at a reasonable time. So we did leave bang on time at 8 am.

It took less than two miles for us to join the ancient canal du Rhône au Rhine and for the next thirty miles it was more or less a straight line except for the occasional chicane under a road bridge or switch from one side of the road to the other.

Apart from a few sections where the pavement was roughened by some roots pushing up the tarmac the surface was super smooth and really well used by walkers, runners and cyclists. As ever we were surrounded by constant birdsong.

The flat and straightish start meant we got to our lunch stop at the Maginot Line on time by 10.30

Having had coffee we took advantage of our stop to pay a quick visit to the museum which was manned by two enthusiastic volunteers.

It was fascinating to see the ingenuity inside even if sadly all 15 men who manned this particular casemate perished in the early days of the German advance into France.

As a bonus we even got our passports stamped with “they shall not pass” the sadly misplaced motto of the Maginot Line.

Leaving the museum we returned to the canal but shortly had a detour as the canal path was blocked by fallen trees. In fact this cut a corner of our trip and saved a bit of time as we then joined the canal link to Colmar.

We deliberately rode into Colmar a long way round in order to see a copy of the Statue of Liberty strategically placed in the middle of a roundabout on the edge of town as the architect Auguste Bertholdi came from Colmar.

Before an explore we had to find the Tourist office before it closed at 1 o’clock. Whilst the lady was initially reluctant she eventually was happy to stamp up our passports.

The downside of Colmar was the number of tourists making it difficult to cycle.

Leaving Colmar we started to get into the Alsace vineyards and then met up with Nigel and Monica for lunch just before Eguisheim.

Again this beautiful little town was busy with tourists but there was enough space to cycle around. We even managed a quick purchase of some wine which was deposited back at the camper on our way out.

Having had a flat ride till now the terrain was the gently rolling foothills of the Vosges which in the main were covered in vines.

As the last leg was around 40 miles and as it had got warmer we arranged for an extra tea stop halfway for which we were all grateful. As ever Nigel had found a secluded spot just off the road. Well it was secluded until a car and van both tried to get down it, and as the man in the van was going down to feed his animals Nigel moved out of the way. The man happily waited till he could proceed, explaining to me that he couldn’t understand the Englishman’s love of a cuppa.

The third line of the day was this railway line which ran alongside the cycle path. Initially we thought they had stopped for the day but a toot toot was not very quickly followed by this steam train pulling a few carriages.

The line gradually climbed the river valley up towards our campsite and the big climb tomorrow.

The cycle path ended with only three or so miles to go but we then had a bit of a fright as Richard’s bike let out a screech and the back wheel skidded to a halt. Luckily it freed up and we got to the campsite where Nigel was able to remove something from the pads which hopefully has cured the problem.

Spag Bol with Nigel’s local wine Ging-linger proved a tonic for some very tired legs. So much so, that for the first time this trip the cards were brought out.

Fingers crossed all is good for tomorrow when we are due to climb the Ballon d’Alsace and rain is forecast in the afternoon. An early start awaits.