Trixie Traveler in Alsace-Black Forest: Day 5: Wine Villages of Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, and the Castle of Haut-Koenigsburg

It was still overcast when we left Obernai this morning, but no rain is predicted and the temperature is a little warmer than yesterday. Kathy, Kim and I check out the market in the town square, a continuously operating market since 1301!! Three quarters of the market seems to be clothing and other non food items. It is a huge market and we do eventually find some food but our hearts just aren't in the effort it takes to put together a picnic. We need to get started. We feel bad for Sarah who has decided not to ride today because her knees have been bothering her. A day off the bike may help but she is disappointed.

We are now in the heart of Alsace with its festive villages in the midst of vineyards, Renaissance house facades, and expansive views across the Rhine River Valley. We ride through charming village after charming village. There are sixteen villages of the local consortium with populations ranging in size from 400 to 5,000. The scenery is spectacular with vineyards covering hillsides and little villages seen in the distance. The overcast makes for comfortable riding but not such good picture taking. I fear that our pictures don't do justice to what we are seeing.

We have a 500 meter climb at the 35 km mark. It is similar in elevation gain to the Ste Odile climb but steeper. We stop for something to eat in the town at the bottom of the hill. Several people, including me, decide to get a ride to the top of the hill. When I see the hill, I know I have made the right choice. Kathy, John and Dave ride up. We visit the Haut Koenigsberg Castle at the top of the mountain. It dates from the 12th century, was destroyed in the 17th century and rebuilt in the early 20th century by Kaiser Wilhelm II. It has been preserved and well restored and one can buy a ticket to walk around its extensive rooms. There are beautiful views of the area from the top level of the castle and it has cleared enough to actually see a little of what is below. We ride down the mountain on the other side. Always fun to ride a long downhill.

Our hotel is in the little village of Riquewihr which seems to be in the middle of vast expanses of vineyards. We have to ride up two very steep hills to get to the hotel. I am irritated that I have to walk up most of these two hills and irritated that the others are waiting for me. Don't they have sometching better to do than loiter by the side of the road with their bikes?! I don't like people waiting for me!!

Our hotel is very nice and appears to be new. It is part of the Best Westwrn chain. My good spirits return after a nice hot shower and little snooze. We walk to the little village of Riquewihr for dinner. We have a delicious dinner and call it a good day. The ride today is 62 km though of course some less for those of us who skipped the big climb.