Waiting to board the ferry in Meersburg that would carry us to the city of Konstanz. Officially part of the route, taking the ferry negates the need to ride through Bavaria all the way around the north end of Lake Constance. Choosing not to take the ferry would likely add about a day of riding. Alternatively, it is possible to ride on the Swiss side of the lake and therefore avoid the need to take the ferry at all. This route, however, would not allow a visit to Meersburg, Friedrichshafen and the many other great towns that dot the Bavarian side of the lake. Meersburg, Germany – May 9, 2014.