Day 6 - Rapperswil to Feldkirch - What Rain? 9/16/2016

Because I did not have much time to walk around Rapperswil last night I got up early this morning and took a walk around this lovely medieval town. I walked up to the St. John's church located high above the town and was surprised it was open at such an early hour. I loved the two spiral staircases climbing up to the choir loft and organ. Sitting in the church for just that short period of time was a serene and charming respite. 

After leaving the church I was treated to a lovely sunrise and early morning panoramic views of the bridge to the modern city of Rapperswil across Lake Zurich. Turning the other direction I overlooked the town square as they were getting ready for a small farmers market. What a contrast!

I also took a few other photos of the town and the early morning farmer's market from my high perch.

The forecast was pretty grim and called for rain in the early part of the day and afternoon so we were all motivated to get going. Our ride today was very pleasant along country roads, still riding gravel paths for about 35-40% of the day, thank goodness it was mostly a pretty flat ride, but the gravel roads are really a challenge. Today they were mostly in decent shape. We still were blessed with some pretty spectacular scenery. We rode around 100 km/60 miles (+/-)

We were greeted, and delayed, along our journey by these lovely ladies. The road was closed as they were moved to a new pasture. 

The rain was still threatening as we continued the day and we could see the impending storm ahead.

We had a few issues along the way as Wendy broke a spoke in her back wheel. Lots of guys were there to help. We also took time to put on some of our rain gear. 

We rode through a few tunnels, beautiful valleys and alongside some lakes. We also encountered a 25% grade that I wish I could say I climbed. I could not get into my low gear and was too far up the hill to stop and restart. However several of my fellow riders did and a few of us walked. All of us got there safely.

We also encountered a detour that took us up a very steep flight of cement stairs and down a very difficult descent. We had to carry our bikes up and over. The good news is that it led us right to a lovely stop for coffee. 

We continued along the lake riding through several tunnels and alongside bridges.

We were lucky to see a few old castles along the way and eventually met up with the Rhine River following it northward until we crossed into Liechtenstein and Austria. 

Farmer Steve was also in his element today as we rode through the many cornfields. He explained all about the growing and cultivating of corn. We loved it! Thank you Steve!

We arrived at our nights lodging just as it started to rain - we were so very lucky! We celebrated our day with a light Italian meal near the hotel. Yummmmmm! We so earned this! Tomorrow is our last day of riding and we have a high increase in the chance of rain - so carb up and get ready.