Tag: Basel

I took a one day break from riding and went to the center of Basel. It is a 20 minutes ride by tram from the place where I stay.

Basel is a very beautiful city. I liked it a lot. It is the third biggest city in Switzerland but it does not feel crowded or touristy as other big European cities. Also everyone here speaks English, which makes is so much easier for me to communicate.

Having ridden for more than a week I’ve learned what things I use everyday and what I never use. So I went to a local post office and mailed home some stuff that I never use. That would lighten up my load by a few pounds.

I’ve reached the Switzerland today! This is the first time ever I have crossed a European border by bike. It is a second time ever I have crossed a country border by bike (first one was during a ride from Seattle to Vancouver, BC in 2016).

The crossing of the border was not a big deal at all. There were not any border signs or anything that signifies that you are entering a different country. Just cross a bridge and you are in Germany. Cross another bridge and you are in Switzerland.

I’m taking a rest day in Switzerland. Also I’ve parted with Matt and Harry, whom I’ve been riding with for the past 5 days. They plan to take a train to Alps and then continue North on the EuroVelo 15 route along the Rhine river. The guys are super tough – they ride 70+ miles everyday without any rest days!

Today was a longest ride of my tour but it was not so difficult because a large section of the route was downhill and with a tail wind.

I’ve booked an AirBnB place for 2 nights near Basel. I am planning to visit Basel tomorrow as it looks like an interesting place to see.