I woke up with a mild headache and was a bit dehydrated, probably as a consequence of the combination of the beer in the last photo yesterday and the heat during the ride. Thirty degrees was forecast today, so I made commitment; no beer until the top of the Oberalp. I also woke up to an email from the evening’s accommodation in Strasbourg requesting that I provide a Health Pass on check in, for which further details could be found at: www…….   I thought that all this had finished and requested what they really needed.
I have now got the departure routine down to ‘triathlon transition efficiency’ to ensure that I can get on the road quickly (every 5 mins delay is one less mile….). This included a recce last night to find out where I would be sitting in what was a very large breakfast room with loads of families and school trips.

Leaving at 8am, the aim was get some miles in early before the afternoon sun. I knocked out 50 miles by 1pm, which included my eighth ferry ride and navigational delays getting out of Karlsruhe due to poor signage (similar to other big cities on the trip).

And the tomb of Karl Wilhelm II in Karlsruhe reminded me that I want to go and see the pyramids sometime.

It struck me that I haven commented on the quality of the German driving over the last few days and that’s because it has been excellent. Always holding back before overtaking and even reversing back out of cycle lanes at junctions when I approach. A far cry from having to ‘look in the whites of Londoner’s eyes’ what seems like about three weeks ago.

After the 2nd ferry of the day I started seeing dual language signs and realised that I had entered France. I followed the route in the book, but the signs kept taking me inland through the villages. Despite trying to re-find the river route, given that it was exposed, hot and boring, I gave in and followed the signed route through the scenic villages (probably a local french initiative). It was when visiting Beinheim that I noted the temperature (hoping that French banks are trustworthy….).

Thankfully I had confirmation during the day that a Health Pass wasn’t needed, so checked in @ 5:30pm (92 miles) and headed out for an alcohol-free meal, the picture of which is for any millennials who may be reading this.

So that’s Day 6 completed. In total 541 (646) miles and 140m of elevation. No breakfast included tomorrow so I’m planning an early start and hopefully an earlyish finish