Nice idea. I hadn't realized how that there was a ferry from Toulon to Mallorca. You could bike west from there toward Marseilles too, but you'd never make it back out of Cassis again, in any direction.

We think so too. It seems like we are repeatedly drawn to the Camargue/Provence. There is so much to see and do.

Looks like a fine plan.

We truly counted Keith as one of our friends and feel glad that we had the chance to meet up with him on several occasions. You should still consider a tour in France. The small roads through charming villages are always lovely and the food never disappoints.

We did consider both routes but checking the elevation change on both seemed to show less climbing on the eastern route. Ah well, time will tell.

Just a suggestion- if you wanted a change from the route Chalons to Macon, there’s a pleasantly bucolic greenway from Givry near Chalons all the way to Macon. It passes through Cluny and a couple of other interesting places. We rode it from Beaune in 2022 on our way to Lyon.

Thanks Franz. We are glad that you are following. By the way, we so much enjoyed our time in Herzo. We will look for a way to return one day!

Just a reminder that 'flat' is a loaded term. You'll remember that I told you that much of western Spain was flat too.

I forgot to thank you for posting about Keith's death on the Forums. And thank you for remembering Keith again in your journal. That guy was like a hero to me, and I regret that I never took him up on his suggestion that I should come to France and tour in the land of my ancestors.

Almost all of his journals were posted in the very early days of Cycleblaze. As most of us early Cycleblazers know, those journals never got hundreds and thousands of “hearts” like the new ones do. I can safely say that if Keith had written his journals now, they'd be some of the most well-loved journals on this site—especially for anybody with any interest at all in touring in France.

We are delighted you will be joining us, in spirit, on the ride.

Have a good trip.

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The north of Germany is of course flat, and one could always ride the Elbe dike. Our route is south of the Elbe and north of the Harz. Should be ok!

Following the Rhine is a great way going south but you sure are trapped by mountains getting out of Leipzig! Why not just one train ride to say Hamm or Dortmund to get into more rideable territory. There are direct trains that take bicycles from Leipzig to both of those cities.

Man....just when we're thinking about taking a break next year from cycle touring, you're still at it. I'll be following along on another Grampies adventure.