Trixie Traveler in Alsace-Black Forest: Day 2: Strassbourg to Saverne

We are thankful to see the sun when we get up this morning as rain was predicted. It is a beautiful day as we leave Strasbourg. Getting out of this busy city is easier than expected. We are routed via quiet side streets and there are bike paths for the most part. We are soon out in the countryside. I feel that sense of elation that I always do on these trips riding along in the morning grateful that I am riding my bike enjoying the rhythm of pedaling, appreciating the cool air of morning and the fact that I am here in France. What could be better? A group of us ride along together for quite awhile on a paved bike path along the serene Canal de la Marne au Rhin. We watch boats, mostly barges, go through the many locks on the canal. The bike path makes for stress free riding. Our camera man, Dave, sets up several opportunities to take a photo of the group riding along but it takes several attempts to get the best take.

We eventually are riding on roads but we are in the country or going through small towns which appear to be quite dead - no visible activity whatsoever. There are a few rolling hills but nothing too challenging. The countryside is green farmland with fields of corn and other crops. We pass through the villages of Issenhausen and stop in Bouxwiller for lunch since restaurants will soon be closing for the afternoon and there aren't many choices around here. We have lunch with Philipp. Kathy and John, and Kim and Billy. Our waitress says they are all out of bread for sandwiches so we all order salads and she proceeds to bring out baskets of bread apparently not the right kind for sandwiches however. No mind. The salads are tasty and fill us up.

The sun has disappeared and it is cool as we start out again. The temperature has been perfect for riding and it has been a great first day of riding. Not too many hills and not too strenuous so we can get our cycling legs in shape before the more difficult climbing days. We have ridden 60 km. we arrive in Saverne around 3:30. Perfect for relaxing a bit, taking a nice shower and writing in my blog.

I belatedly realize that it is Labor Day at home and want to recognize this holiday, the traditional end to summer.