As previously mentioned - you do read everything here, right? - we had a short period at the start of summer in which to wait for some parts for our motorhome, which meant staying within easy reach of 'base' around Frankfurt.
This wasn't really a problem, as even a few hours from here will get you to the Black Forest in Germany and Vosges region in France.
We hadn't been to the Vosges before but there's plenty of great cycling there it would seem (the region is a regular feature in Le Tour) and upon arrival it didn't disappoint (well - aside from getting caught out in a brief rain shower that is).
The Black Forest was one of our favourite spots in German from a previous trip (Black Forest & Lake Constance, Aug/Sep '12) and again provided some fantastic cycling, walks and food.
This short interlude dealt with (and said parts fitted) we headed North for the main event. A quick stop in Copenhagen seemed a must and is included here, but for the rest of the summer it would be on to Norway! Or at least that was the plan!
Sunday 21 June 2015
Lac de Longemer: what a spot! Roads here are awesome, but there's baguette & cheese to be eaten before any riding!
Sunday 21 June 2015
Post ride refreshments. Despite rain & getting slightly lost (more km are good, right?) today no complaints at all
Tuesday 23 June 2015
Rainbow over Lac de Longemer. And the view a few minutes later. Wow! Loving this place!
Wednesday 24 June 2015
Stuck the phone out of skylight above our bed not long after waking up & hit camera shutter. Looks like a nice day!
Wednesday 24 June 2015
Vosges & Haut-Rhin. Stopped few too many times for pictures, but can you blame me? Another stunning cycling paradise!
Thursday 25 June 2015
So... we have this bubbly to drink but no champagne flutes. Problem? No... not really Yes... it's all class!
Friday 26 June 2015
More fantastic Vosges today. Rode all the way to top of 3rd highest peak here & hit up a vaguely well known col
Saturday 27 June 2015
Breakfast part deux. There was baguette, cheese & sausisson first, but wasn't as photogenic. Pastries are pretty
Sunday 28 June 2015
No pics of ride today. A couple of the aftermath then Think I broke distance & climbing records this week. Yay!
Wednesday 1 July 2015
Short hike up to Roche des vieux chevaux (great views down to the site we're staying at) & Lac de Lispach.
Wednesday 1 July 2015
Ducks on the lake. Sometimes they don't like to play nice. Bad ducks!
Wednesday 1 July 2015
Last night in the Vosges: Full moon rising above a nearby ridge & the bar across the lake. Will miss this place.
Thursday 2 July 2015
View from Les Roches du Diable (Devil's Rock). Don't know where the name came from, it's a rather nice place!
Thursday 2 July 2015
Treated to a rather amazing sunset for our first evening in the Black Forest. Sankt Peter to be precise.
Friday 3 July 2015
It's going to be a stinker today so up early to ride. Just like Aus! With an almost-full-moon behind pine trees?
Saturday 4 July 2015
While on our evening walk. This bench has been here a while! Although view from here is worth a little discomfort...
Saturday 4 July 2015
Looking down on Sankt Peter & the hills & fields around. Beautiful views this evening.
Sunday 5 July 2015
Can we just assume most days in July go: Get up, ride, relax & with a beer & enjoy the day's TdF stage? I hope so!
Monday 6 July 2015
Another beautiful day up on the hill above where we're staying...
Monday 6 July 2015
Took the macro lens out today. Limitless fun in a field of wildflowers Warning: kinky insect stuff going on here!
Monday 6 July 2015
Lunch in Sankt Peter. As in 2012: Yum! Pork, onions, potato, cheese & beer: Love it! Sat under red awning, sorry!
Monday 6 July 2015
Penultimate evening in the Black Forest. Just having some snacks & enjoying the view.
Tuesday 7 July 2015
Legs feeling effects of last couple weeks. Ouch! One stop today for natural break & took this. Always scenic here!
Tuesday 7 July 2015
Perfect: great ride this morning. Local beer, pretzel & TdF coverage this afternoon. Small nap between. Life is good!
Wednesday 8 July 2015
Random lunch stop. This part of Germany seems littered with charming little places like this (Haslach im Kinzigtal).
Wednesday 8 July 2015
Asked for pics of our 'home' in exotic places? How's a supermarket carpark? New Jag next to us sticks out more!
Friday 10 July 2015
Bargain 7.50€ a dish for huge portions of great Chinese food. Got shots thrown in free! Lunchtime, but why not?
Friday 10 July 2015
When I say we've been getting the chance to park by vineyards, I mean: right next to them! Nice evening for it too!
Saturday 11 July 2015
Waking up next to vines is very nice too! Think we paid 5EUR for privilege & got a free bottle of wine thrown in!
Monday 13 July 2015
Leftover pancakes for breakie. Nom, nom, nom!!!!
Monday 13 July 2015
Noodle soup & Belgium beer for dinner. Two of my favourite things. Nom, nom, sip, sip, nom!
Tuesday 14 July 2015
Ride into central Copenhagen for a look around. Bike lanes here so organised & so busy! Lives up to reputation then!
Tuesday 14 July 2015
Breakfast in Copenhagen. This is what around 30 Aussie dollars buys. Value comparable to Sydney? It was very nice!
Tuesday 14 July 2015
How paranoid tourists park their bikes in Copenhagen. Even though we were sat outside a cafe maybe 5 metres away!