Part of my original plan was to fit in a parkrun and the schedule had included the option of ‘doing’ Basel. However, the hot weather would make an early start more important as the parkrun wouldn’t finish until 9:45am. Luckily the YH breakfast opened at 6:30am and I was away just before 7am.  At least there would be more hydration options on route from now on.

There was very varied scenery coming out of Basel which made the miles fly by compared with yesterday.

However, there were an increasing number of undulating gravel tracks and forest trails which made progress slow and uncomfortable ona road bike. I was really pleased with my gel saddle and the £66 I invested in two Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres. lt’s times like these that you need to ensure that you’re on the right route as it’s hard enough without having to retrace steps.

The route was now entering the traditional German and Swiss villages and towns perched on the banks of the Rhine, some of which are actually split in two with German and Swiss parts. Some are joined by covered bridges. What these places must be like on national sporting occasions ?

As usual the heat started to kick by @11am. After some lunch in Waldshut at 44 miles I felt well equipped to knock of the remaining 40 miles, but hadn’t bargained for the more regular hills including a 1km steep climb from the Rhine up to Berg am Irchel. While the legs responded quite well considering that I had cycled @800 miles, my chain had started to slip in low gears, suggesting that it may be dirt from the gravel tracks (at best) or stretching (at worst). Hopefully it will hold out until Monday.

I made it to the outskirts of Schaffhausen by @ 5pm to see the Rheinfall, continental Europe’s largest waterfall (by volume) – a real tourist hotspot.

The check in at the accommodation was self service and I feared the worst after seeing three German bikers struggle. While it was ok with me, it couldn’t tell me where I could leave my bike safely, so when it was quiet I smuggled it into my room (for others, it would be the equivalent of having their car stolen).

I then headed out to for food. I fancied a Chinese which would make communication easier, as my Cantonese, although not great, is far better than my German. I found a place doing cheap eats in the street. Quick, tasty and filling.

Finally, I needed to do some food shopping as in my experience most shops in continental Europe are closed on Sundays and with no breakfast and 100 miles to do, I couldn’t leave it to chance.