Our cycle today was not without mishap. Kelley accidentally left his Spanish identification with the campsite host. He ended up having to cycle twenty-five kilometers back to the camp office. We parted ways for what ended up being about six hours.
Basel, Switzerland, is amazingly beautiful. It has old-world charm and is one of the cleanest cities I have visited. Upon entering, I wandered on the bicycle. Basel, like all civilized cities, has encouraged bicycle use by providing designated, well-marked lanes. Light rail is continuously running. I appreciate the fact that Seattle is, slowly, making some of these moves.
Happening upon the cathedral, I couldn’t help but enter. Having witnessed many of these European masterpieces, I will say that this structure is being carefully maintained. Pride has been taken in its restoration. I sat in a wooden sanctuary chair and contemplated the effort with chisel and hammer. If humans are capable of working together to create such beauty, what does our future hold?
After exiting, I found my way down to the old bridge in the center of town. The structure spans the mighty Rhine River. People, bicycles and trains were everywhere.
Looking over the edge, I smiled while watching hundreds of Swiss, French and Germans floating downstream. It was an obvious move to join them.
I tested humanity by locking my bike to a railing close to the old bridge and stripping down to my bike shorts. I jumped in a couple times and floated under the bridge. Wanting the full ride, I put on my sandals and walked two bridges upstream. Finding the main entrance point, I jumped in, tucked my sandals into the back end of my shorts and enjoyed the ride.
City residents have this lazy river ride down to a science. Ninety percent of the swimmers have a waterproof backpack. These serve as a buoyancy device as well as a place to keep cloths and sandals dry. Colors are festive. I wonder if it would be worth purchasing one? The Danube may offer similar opportunities.
The campsite outside of town was small and packed with RV and cycle tourists. Facilities were minimal, but adequate.
We just bicycled all the way across France. Looking back, it doesn’t seem like it was that much effort. If I can do it, anyone certainly can.
Onward!
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