We are in the same hotel in Obernai tonight so we can have a rest day if we want to, go shopping, explore Obernai or do the optional ride to Mont Ste Odile which involves climbing a big hill. Some choose to van up to the top and ride down while others ride up and down. I opt to do the ride since we have determined from the elevation profile that it is similar to riding Del Valle at home. The day has turned much cooler and we can see that the top of Mont Ste Odile is obscured by fog. The ride starts with about 8 km of relatively flat terrain, then starts to go up. It is a long gradual, even climb that doesn't really get too steep so I find it doable. When we get to the top, it is cold and foggy and we can't see any of the view at all. There is a monastery on top founded by Ste Odike, patron saint of Alsace, in the mid 8th century. To,this day, the monastery and mountain top are major landmarks and pilgrimage sites for Alsatians. We walk around but it is so cold that we soon seek refuge in the restaurant with a coffee and a tarte before starting down. It is going to be a very cold ride down and unfortunately I have taken all my warm bike stuff out of my pack this morning because I haven't needed it. Dave gives me his arms and legs and Kathy donates a plastic bag for me to put inside the front of my jacket to block the wind. Hairpin curves make it a treacherous ride down but one just has to control one's speed and it is okay. It warms up as we get down out of the fog. I am glad that I have done this ride but wish there had been a more rewarding view at the top.
We get some lunch in Obernai before returning to our rooms for rest and clean up. Dave and I go out to walk around town a bit. There are many high end clothing stores here as well as chocolatiers, and bakeries. Dinner is on our own tonight. Gwendal gives the briefing at 6:00 and then people go their separate ways. Peter and Carole and Don and Jane have reservations at a Michelin starred restaurant in town for which Peter made reservations 9 months ago. Kim and Billy also are going to a Michelin starlred restaurant. A bunch of us go to a local informal Alsatian place and enjoy a good meal together.
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