Trixie Traveler in Alsace-Black Forest: Day 9: Exploring Freiburg

Another beautiful day. The loop ride today is a very, very difficult one and just two people choose to do it. The rest of us are content to have a rest day and time to explore this lovely city. Freiburg has a nice ambience with its pretty streets, it's little "Bächles" and interesting buildings. There is great shopping here. Unfortunately, all the museums here are closed on Mondays.

We join with Kathy and John, Kim and Billy and Linda Boss for a walk around town. We stop at the Tourist Information Center hoping to go on a walking tour but English tours are only given on Fridays and Saturdays. We are given a map, however, with a self-guided tour and we start on that route. We go to the extensive market in the square in front of the cathedral. Dave and I find some little gifts for Kai and Makenna.

The cathedral is beautiful and imposing with its salmon colored stone, sculptures and spires. Some of the gargoyles are fun and interesting. Hmmm...Actually some are rather obscene. The inside of the cathedral is dark but the stained glass windows are beautiful with very intricate designs. We enjoy listening to the organist practice on the organ. Our hotel is on the edge of the cathedral square and we can hear the ringing of the bells to tell the hour very clearly. Some find this annoying but I rather enjoy it. It tells me I am in Europe. At 7:00 a.m. there is even a little extra music to go with the time. Guess they want to be sure you don't sleep past 7:00. The hotel staff straighten up your bed, turn down the covers and put earplugs and a little package of gummy bears on your pillow. Isn't that considerate of them?

Speaking of the hotel, this is a very nice one. It's in an old building with lots of wood, but the rooms are completely modern and updated while maintaining the old character with many special touches such as a vase of fresh flowers and a plate of fresh fruit. Breakfast is in the hotel restaurant and offers a nice selection.

We stop for lunch in the MarktHalle which has the feel of a food court with many selections of all different kinds of food. After strolling around the charming streets awhile longer we go back to the room for a rest. Philipp has been talking to me about e-bikes and wonders if I would like to try one. I can rent one at the train station and we can do the short loop ride for the day. We meet at 3:00. Jeannie wants to try one, too, so she comes along as do Kathy and Dave with their regular bikes. We walk to the train station where we rent the bikes. They are of the large, big-tired city type bikes. It is an interesting experience to ride one. Jeannie and I zip along in Eco, Tour, Sport or Turbo mode. You have to be pedaling for the motor to engage. We do the 20 km or so route which is mostly flat, but there are a few little rises where we can get the feel of zipping uphill. The bikes are big and cumbersome to handle when on land and I don't especially like this part. Philipp says the e-bikes Experience Plus has to rent are more like a traditional hybrid design and have more updated technology than these. They are nevertheless 20 lbs heavier than the regular bikes so not lightweight by any stretch of the imagination, anyway, it is something to consider. It may be the way I can keep on riding.

I am so tired and fall into a deep sleep when dinner is finally over.

We have a long, hard day tomorrow so hope I can sleep well.