August 18: Relaxing on the Rhine

Bikers, bicyclists, barges, trains, tourists, ferries, and motorists – there is a reason the Rhine is called the busiest river in Europe. Everyone was out today either on the waterway or along its edges following its path as it wound its way back and forth among the vineyards and villages.

My trip today south from Kamp-Linfort to Heidelberg followed the Rhine River much of the way. I took main roads to Koblenz then hopped on route 42 to follow the water south along its eastern shore to Rudesheim and beyond, allowing the Adventure Baby and I to be on the river side of the road on one of its most scenic sections.

The thing I loved about this ride is that it was both relaxing and entertaining. As I followed one gentle curve of the river after another, I had plenty of time to see the vineyards lined up in the foothills, castles perched on hilltops, and villages clustered in the valleys. Bicyclists pedaled along on the paths on one side of me and trains whizzed by on the other side. Looking out at the water I could see barges carrying goods, ferries transporting cars, and pleasure boats holding gawking tourists on the upper decks.

Although temperatures rose throughout the day, trees lined much of the road, providing shade and cool river breezes wafted across the water. A haze settled over the valley but was not too thick to block the magnificent views.

The Rhine stretches from the alps in Switzerland through The Netherlands and Germany and into the North Sea but this stretch from Koblenz to Rudesheim is known as the Upper Middle Rhine Valley and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I feel so very blessed that my route south to Heidelberg was able to incorporate this beautiful stretch of water.