Cycling Lake Constance

Lee Negroni took a spill on the loose gravel path going up to Salem. Her sister Christine hit the pavement about an hour later. (Christine Negroni / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Tribune

April 3, 2017 10:05 AM PT

A 168-mile route around Lake Constance is a popular bike trip that takes cyclists through Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Centuries-old Meersburg Castle remains in excellent condition. Its restored rooms are full of artifacts of daily life from long ago. (Christine Negroni / Chicago Tribune)

A giant peacock made of flowers greets visitors on Mainau, the so-called “Flower Island” in Lake Constance, or the Bodensee. (Christine Negroni / Chicago Tribune)

The writer’s sister, Lee Negroni, pedals along the path through a glen on their way to Mainau island. (Christine Negroni / Chicago Tribune)

The writer, Christine Negroni, left, and her sister Lee in front of one of many Disney-like flower sculptures on Mainau. (Christine Negroni / Chicago Tribune)