Mountain Goat Option - Loop from Colmar up to the ski resort of Le Markstein

Three of the party opted for the hilly ride up to Le Markstein. It was overcast and muggy as we negotiated our way out of Colmar and onto the Route des Vins, Southwards through small towns built around some of the big names in Alsatian wines and between the terraced vine fields.

After a couple of steep climbs and descents the air became a bit fresher and the sun broke through the clouds from time to time. We paused at the first world war cemetery of Romanian prisoners of war at Soultzmatt and a little while later at Lautenbach at the bakery for coffee and pastries.

Lautenbach marked the start of the main 800 m climb up the valley. Though long the gradients were a reasonable 7-8% for the most part, the surfaces again superb and traffic very light. At Linthal just before the start of the final hair-pinned section the dam provided sweeping views Eastwards and up to the ski lifts of Le Markstein. Approaching the resort a light drizzle started and 2 minutes after parking bikes and entering the cafe the drizzle transformed into a torrential downpour.

We enjoyed a good, lengthy lunch ensued and when we emerged the rain had long passed. The route continued upwards and onto the ridge (1200 m alt) offering panoramic views to the West. We then plunged down a never-ending (well 20 km!) descent through the forest taking care on the damp sections not to "over-cook" the bends, and on through small towns and villages into Munster. Somewhere around here the rain started, we donned jackets and time-trialled back to Colmar arriving at 1530.

It was a great route and a marvellous last ride of the holiday.