Today we left Switzerland and our hotel in Meiringen (notice the spelling correction from previous posts) to start our journey north.
Our route took us toward and through Interlaken (between lakes) with a ride around lakes Breinzersee and the one pictured here Thunersee. We stopped for a Hot Chocalate and Croissant and to admire the view across the lake. On the way down we saw paragliders circling in the thermals ahead and passed plenty of old style Swiss chalets made entirely of wood with ornate carvings.
The route then took us near Biel and a lot of congestion an unfinished Motorway that played havoc with the GPS. Ended up killing waypoints and following Steve for while until we got around the mess and back on track. Did a bit of filtering through Delemont that we learned later is illegal which is why some guy was heading purposely for Steve and wouldn't let him through.
Later headed into more foresty region near Lucelle very green pastures and valleys too.
Stopped for lunch and fuel stop at some village I didn't get the exact name but might have been Ferrette where we met Ian and Nadia who came in behind us. Steve and I had stopped briefly in a lane on a hill earlier, where we saw them pass by and could hear Ian's twin cam GSA howling for miles in the distance so surprised to see them appear behind us. Apparently his navigator had take him off road somewhere on gravel roads, poor Nadia.
After a spot of lunch we headed for the Vosges in the Alsace region and the magnificent Routes des Cretes via Altkirch. The route takes you up and over the Grand Ballon mountain, La Schlucht and Col du Bonhomme.
At Grand Ballon I met Steve our tour leader riding with Kevin who I joined to ride up to the bikers stop at Bonhomme
We had a drink each and the rest joined us. Later I followed Steve the leader for a cracking ride around the Vosges toward Munster. Really good riding great scenery, different from the Alps, not as high but well worth a visit. I reckon you could spend a good couple of days riding around here and visit local villages. Very German feel as it used to be part of Germany at one time, almost a culture of its own.
Arrived at our hotel just after 5. Nice place Hotel Verte Vallee. Just the ticket with a pool, spa and jacuzzi. Met Ian and Nads in the pool later for a cooling swim.
Storks, always seem to see Storks as we headed into Munster for meal as Steve pointed out.
Great little restaurant where myself and Steve dined on Pork Knuckles and a local red wine. Excellent value for money good atmosphere. Good to get away from Swiss prices too!
Wonderful days riding!!
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