To Munster, France

Today was a fabulous day of riding. This photo was taken just as I was starting a wonderful 10 mile and 2500’ descent into Munster France.

Our day started with a short climb out of Luxeuil-les-Bains followed by 10 miles of very gradual climbing through a valley. At about mile 13, we hit the climb to Col du Peutet, a 6% grade for a bit over 2 miles. For events like the Tour de France, climbs are categorized with Category 4 being the easiest, Category 1 being the second hardest, and Hors Catégorie (or beyond categorization) being the hardest. This climb is a category 3 climb. On August 10, we will have an HC climb in Romania. I believe that climb is 21.5 miles at 5.3% climbing with over 5500 vertical feet.

Following a nice descent, we spent the next 20 miles cycling through the valley mostly on a lovely bike path. The cycling was on a false flat. This means that the road climbs very gradually so it is not visually clear that you are climbing, but you notice that you are just going somewhat slower.

At one point, I came upon a field where 4 paragliders had landed. Looking around, I saw this man coming in for a landing.

At about the 40 mile mark, the road turned upwards as I began the 9.4 mile, category 2 climb up to Col du la Schlucht.

Our lunch stop was conveniently located about halfway up the climb.

Very shortly after lunch, I passed this lovely lake before the road turned up again.

At the top of the climb, I was treated with a lovely view of the valley I would be descending into to get to Munster.

Tomorrow we enter Germany as we cross the Rhine River before arriving at Freiburg. The ride will be considerably easier than the past 3 days as it is only 40 miles long, starts with a 12 mile gradual downhill, and only has about 1200’ of total climbing. My legs have been doing surprisingly well considering my recent 5 weeks off the bike due to my knee. Nonetheless, an easier day will be nice.