Things Don’t Always Go As Planned

  • Total 1118km
  • Today 82km
  • Neuf Brisach to Kehl
  • Part cloudy, high 28c

This has to be the longest straight line I’ve ever cycled. Well almost straight, there were a couple of small bends and one switch back.

Shortly after leaving Neuf Brisach our route joined the Canal du Rhone au Rhin, and we followed it all the way to Strasbourg. The first 6km was compact dirt, but it was smooth though a little dusty. The rest was paved. It was easy riding, and the trees protected us from any possible head wind, but there was nothing on the canal that required us to stop. So we rode. No coffee or treats, and only brief water breaks. We made good time but it was a bit tiring.

Old machine gun nest along the Canal du Rhone au Rhin.

Finally as we entered Strasbourg there was a food trailer in a parking lot that made hamburgers, and managed to have a late lunch. All was well.

We left Starling Burgers with our bellies full and ready to tackle the short ride to our chosen campsite.

Arriving at Camping de Strasbourg we were told there was no space even for bikes. This has never happened to us before. Most campgrounds will always make space for bicycle tourists, it’s a thing. Not only that, we were told Kehl was full.

Looks like it will have to be a hotel then. Not! If we could find a vacancy the price would be over $300CDN. We were becoming unhappy.

There was no choice but to try to get a site in Campingplatz Kehl, and if that failed we may have to wild camp. This is something neither of us thought we would ever do in Europe. We were becoming even less happy.

Across the Rhine into Germany we ride unsure where this next step would take us. The lineup for reception was long and the suspense was unbearable. “Do you have a spot for a tent and two bicycles?”. “Yes.”

Campingplatz Kehl.

Such a relief. The price was a bit steep at 28€ and we are packed in a corner with other cyclists, but at least they made space for us. Thank you!

I hope nobody snores loudly.



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