German Tales from the Black Forest: Part 2

Long endurance rides with some serious climbing is a great way for me to process, think and enjoy the countryside. Since living in Germany, I have been wanting to climb Belchen which is the third highest summit in the Black Forest area. I have ridden out to Neuenweg which is about 3/4 of the way to Belchen several times. I am attaching a map in case anyone is interested to see where I have traveled on my bike! This summer, I was determined that I would finally make it up to Belchen and started preparing for a long day in the saddle.

Two weeks ago, I did it! I began at around 8:25 in the morning and headed to Badenweiler. Cycling through Badenweiler (which is beautiful!), I rode up to the little village just a few kilometers away, Schweighof. There was a tiny store selling fresh veggies where I stopped for a bathroom break. One of the first German phrases I learned is "Haben Sie eine Toilette?" which has served me very well!

After leaving Schweighof, I began climbing the 10 km up to the children's ski lift. The Westweg trail (popular hiking trail in the Black Forest) is also in this area. When I arrive at the top of this climb, the view is breathtaking!

I then soar down 5 km into Neuenweg which is also a cute little village. 

Having enough food and fresh water is important for any sport. Finding water along the way is not a problem. Little towns and villages in Germany have fountains where horses could come and drink. These fountains are still around and a great place to get fresh water. After filling up my water bottles, I continue up a little more, then down through forest to a busy road called 317 that leads into Schonau which is close to Schonenberg on the map. I was looking to turn left on N 142 but was unsure where that was. As I reached Schonau, I asked a lady "Wo ist der Strasse zu Belchen?" showing her my directions and asking in my limited German if I was heading the correct direction. She understood me even though her dialect was probably different than what I was learning! She told me to keep going straight (geradeaus), then "nehme links bei der Post", take a left at the Post Office and I would head towards the town of Aitern. I followed her directions, found the Post, took a left and started climbing 5 km up to a parking area for the Gondola. From there, it is another 4 km up to the summit of Belchen.

When I reached the top, I went into the little restaurant to buy some more water. I love the "Wasser mit gas" and when at home I add in a little apple cider vinegar. Yum! I saw a sign saying we need to tell the cashier our table number when we order. Since I was only ordering water, I did not pick a table. When it was my turn, he asked for my table number. I looked over my shoulder and noticed an empty table and said, "vierzehn!". I was also curious about the soup of the day. I noticed it was a mushroom soup and wanted to know if it had any protein or broth thinking that would be some good energy. While I had great success speaking in German to the lady in Schonau, my brain was fumbling at the top of Belchen! Hearing mited lted German, the cashier switched to his limited English to say it was a vegitarian soup, then ordered it for me. I told him I was not interested. A lady brought my water and I quickly left!

I came back down the 4 km but instead of heading back the way I came, I continued on N 142 to ride to Wiedener Eck. It started to drizzle a bit but stopped when I got to Wiedener Eck which is also a rest stop for the Westweg trail with a restaurant and a hotel. I stopped to take a few pictures and was approached by some hikers. One asked where I had come from and how far I was riding. I shared my planned route with him to which he replied that 100-120 km is a good ride! His buddy I think was anxious to keep going and said in his fragmented English, "We have to go, bye!".

From Wiedener Eck, I rode down through one of the most beautiful areas of the Black Forest! Because I was flying, I did not stop to take any photos, but did attempt to take a photo while riding downhill. Probably not the safest option!

It was 9 beautiful km's down into Munstertal! By the time I got to Munstertal, I was out of water again and was looking for another town fountain. As I was riding through town, I was unable to find one. I did find, however, a tea shop that was open on Saturday afternoon! Most shops close around noon on Saturdays. I went in and asked if they had any water and was offered tap water and ICE! A miracle! Germans do not understand an American's love of ice in their drink, so I was rather surprised! We began having a conversation in German about the tea flowers she was carrying and I decided to purchase a few. I love good tea, especially green or chocolate! She also had some essential oils and diffusers, so I was asking her questions about her essential oils, whether they were food grade, and about their effect on cats. I was really proud of my growing German skills! I am not fluent but am improving.
After leaving Munstertal, I headed toward Sulzburg, down to Laufen, then began climbing a bit up towards Badenweiler. At this point, I was beginning to feel tired. I found a place to stop and have a quick snack by some grape vines.

From Laufen to Badenweiler, I rode about 16 km, then had just 13 left to ride home to Kandern. The last 13 km seemed to stretch on forever! I was so tired! I am attaching the map so you can see where I traveled if you are interested! It was a long ride, hence the long tale! I had a great day and will definitely do this again!
https://www.google.com/maps/@47.7374487,7.8622049,11z?hl=en