Basel

The boat had a long journey today and so we were all aiming to be up and off early. This was achieved with most Ghoastriders getting underway by 8.15. It was another cool day with the threat, but fortunately not the reality, of rain. The ride was meant to be a straight forward 60km straight along the Rhine to Kybeck where the boat was due to berth at about 5pm…. however once again things did not quite go to plan as there were several fairly poorly sign posted. I headed off at a steady pace along mostly fine gravelled paths (at times a little sticky so a good work out for the legs) but got totally lost at one of the detours and ended up taking the scenic route via a massive asparagus farm. By and large the Continuing along the path I stopped at the 40-odd km mark for an espresso and then continued on (riding on and off with Karen, David and Lionel) until the weir, just after which we found the boat club where we stopped for lunch and more coffee. Continuing on, the 4 of us finally found our way into Basel via a roundabout route. We rode around the town looking at the lovely old houses, churches and shops. We stopped in the square opposite the old town hall (Rathaus) and had more coffee and a bun. It was rather lovely as there was a produce market in progress. Following our break, we rode around some more before finally heading off towards the designated meeting point (sadly no boat yet!) – well over 7okm for the day
Meanwhile Kirstin had stuck with the main group (but with the aid of her trusty e-bike had ridden like the wind – although she insists that she kept the settings on standard so she was actually doing a lot of the work herself and ended the day with 55km up her sleeve until some of the other e-bike riders who were almost on flat batteries! This group road until the sports club where I had had my first coffee and then had a lunch break and rest there for about 45 minutes before then heading on for another 15 or 20km to the boat club for a hot chocolate. Entertainingly David’s bike almost fell into the Rhine but was saved at the last minute which was good as he therefore did not have to walk the last 10 or km’s. Pressing on they made good time to the meeting point, but then had to wait for over an hour for the boat to turn up! Finally it showed – another “double parking” episode behind a more swanky boat…. Waiting, waiting waiting … until Bob did the aged, infirm, geriatric routine and we were allowed to board via their fancy lobby.
Final briefing over and then the “Captain’s Dinner” which was about 5 courses and very filling. And then we had the Ghostriders final briefing – it was while Doug was having a very public and embarrassing “go” at Diane for not wearing a helmet that I realised that I had not seen my wallet for some time… I then proceeded to tear my bags and cabin apart looking for it – I recalled having it after I bought the bun in Basel, but not after that. Searching to no avail I came to the horrid realisation that I had either left it in the square or it had been pick pocketed. The upshot of this was a late-night visit to the police station and even later night calls to the card providers to block the cards – now I have Mastercard but no direct access to cash!! Fantastic!!Read more