Day 11 Off to the Tour de France

The original idea for this trip was to meet up with Big Bro and watch the TdF in Alsace - we do love a cunning plan! Stage 1 of the plan was for me to cycle over the Col de la Schlucht to meet up for lunch at Big Bro’s friend’s house in Walbach... not complicated at all...

It was a stunning ride and I arrived just as lunch was being served - success!

The aim was to watch the tour on the climb of Cinq Chateau which involved a narrow trail hike up a hill - not easy pushing a bike.

It was a fantastic place to spectate, great atmosphere and not too crowded.

It was so exciting watching these cycling machines making the climb look easy.

Once the cavalcade had gone through, you would think that the spectators on bikes would be allowed to pedal off down the hill but Monsieur Le Gendarme said non! 

I thought it would be a great idea to head off road and escape les gendarmes. I may have over estimated my mountain biking skills..

After a lot of swearing, bumping and pushing the bike, I eventually ended up in a vineyard - serendipity 

We met up with Big Bro and Jan for a huge dinner in Eguisheim and slept in a very warm hotel bed.
Mission accomplished - Calais to Colmar (ish). Now for the slow pootle back to reality.