Rest day in Marktheidenfeld, then on to Gemunden

Taking a day off turned out to be a great decision.  Neither of us had been on the bikes much recently, and by the end of four days in the saddle we were feeling it.   Giving things a day to settle down (for callouses to build?) made for a much more comfortable ride today.

We enjoyed a leisurely day exploring around Marktheidenfeld on foot.  Walked across the river and found some trails to explore.  Poked in a few shops (a new drawing pen and moisturizer for Ellen).  Tried not to eat and drink too much.  Visited the Franck house, which is among the oldest in town and now a museum (mostly showing exhibits of modern art right now).  Sat by the Main and watched the swans, geese, and ducks.  Enjoyed a short beer at an outdoor Biergarten (in the park, conveniently right next to the kids' playground).   Split one dinner (pork medallions, spatzle, and cheese, plus a salad) which the two of us could barely finish: we are learning about German portions.

In a small sculpture garden

our hotel, right on the river

Looking back at town from the bridge.  Bike path is right along the river bank.

The "Four elements" along the ceiling in the Franck house ballroom:




Sunny skies and warm weather for today's ride.







We stopped for a cool drink and a  little exploring in Lohr, another quaint old town full of outdoor cafes.

world's largest mousetrap (not functional)

castle, from around 1300

Today was supposed to be a short day, only 35 km or so, but the bridge to Gemunden is under construction, and we blasted right by the sign (several km before the bridge) telling us to take a ferry instead.  But we did learn an important new word in German: gesperrt   So, we ended up tacking on about 10 km extra as we rode well past Gemunden,  on the other side of the river, finally figured out what was going on, and then doubled back to the ferry.  The ferry was packed with about 15 bikes, plus three cars.  No photo on the ferry because I was  holding the bike, and Ellen was busy talking with the road biker next to us: the Bike Friday tandem is a real conversation starter.

the sign we missed

The old part of Gemunden (where we are staying) is decorated with old bikes turned into planters.





This one is outside our hotel, Zum Koppen, which dates from around 1500.