Happy New Year! and where did the sun go?

First BLVF ride of the year had 10 people registered to come out and admire the BL scenery. On the day itself,  1 was unfortunatly ill so we were a group of 9 who met at the back of Sissach bahnhof. This was the largest group ever so I was delighted. One problem was the weather, it was cold and the sun that had been promised was nowhere to be seen.

I arrived first, on my trusty new "go anywhere" bike with its big tyres. These tyres would make me slow.... that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! Over the next 15 minutes, the others trickled in arriving either by bike from Basel or by train. We had to set off quickly given the ccccold. The forecast had been temperature of low single figures but with sun - the sun never arrived.

We set off east through Gelterkinden, avoiding the main road, then Ormalingen before getting on to the veloweg at the end of the village and stopped to take stock in Rothenfluh. Here, one of us had frozen fingers, others were also cold - so we tried not to stay still for long. Left turn on the main road back down the hill and turn right at the sawmill. We all went up the only real climb of the day at our own pace and planned to regroup at the top. When I got to the top, 2 had gone on ahead and I was a bit concerned as I had changed the route to avoid the forest and what I expected to be icy, but thankfully they hadnt gone far. Yappy dogs were shouting at each other at the farm - the farm dog making itself know to those out for a walk.

On we went, staying on the main road to Wegenstetten where it was not frozen and left agian at the roundabout at the other side of the village. Soon we were on the veloweg again and after navigating some bends, avoiding the barbeque sausages we were speeding on a shallow downhill north towards Zeiningen. It was fun to chat and catchup but sometimes I needed to concentrate on not being too dropped by speedy bike at the front :).  We regouped again and once under the motorway kept on the veloweg to weave our way back. Here we said goodbye to 2 of the group, one with non functioning gears and the other who was really really cold.  I hope you got home OK.

From here we rode next to the motorway avoiding the main road and had the chance to meet the deer.

Next stop, Augusta Raurica for shelter and the toilets! It was easy going and we soon arrived, propping out bikes against the wall. 

It had been difficult to keep eating and drinking for me as I needed to stop to drink the tea and eating with gloves on is impossible so by this time I was starving and feeling like I had left it too late. We recovered, chatted and agreed to all go back to Sissach where we started and not for some to go directly back to Basel. Off we went again back towards the motorway, over it and we were soon back on very familiar roads. It wasnt long till we made our way back through the outskirts of Liestal and got slightly split up at Itingen but as we were 3kms from the start it was OK. One person nearly went the gravely path but was retrieved OK. We arrived back at the start via the newly widened road with a better bike lane from the end of Sissach.

Cold but pleased we had been out for the day. The train took most people back to Basel, I went back to Gelterkinden and one mad soul decided that 50km wasnt enough so did another 50 on the way back.

Thanks to all who joined the ride. Hope to see you on a bike again soon!

Distance: 50km

Climbing: 450m

Avg Speed: 20km/h

Animals spotted: Deer, everything else was inside keeping warm

Wrapped up warm

We had planned for the November ride to be the normal 3rd Sunday of the month but as that day was a washout the ride was pushed back a week. This meant that it coincided with the FAFBasel ride which started from the city and came out to BL. Our ride started in Muttenz and I passed, waved shouted "hello" to the FAFB group as they passed me going in the opposite direction. Its always fun to recognise people and their bikes. 

We started at the water fountain near the centre of Muttenz village and when I got there, I was on my own. It had taken me longer than I expected as it was so cold ( -4DegC starting temperature) so it was a bit surprising to be the first to arrive. It turned out that the others were there too but round the corner at the church in the centre of the old village. I killed time by drinking some tea. We soon met up and wasted no more time before setting off, given the temperature, we needed to get going. A quick toilet stop in about 500m away was soon followed by seeing how much headwind I could protect the others from. As I am the tallest and, dare I say it,  widest, I provide a good draft :). It wasnt long before we reached Liestal and settled in to our first climb. 

The original route was planned to go all the way up towards Arisdorf and further up the hill to the lookout tower. We decided to skip the look out tower section in case it was slippery with the shade and trees on the road before you get there. We can always go back when the weather is more suited. We were three and one went ahead, while I stayed with companion 2. I didnt stay behind for any other reason than that was as fast as I could go. The more we climbed , the higher my HR and by time I gave a last push for the top I was at my max HR... best to calm down. We stopped at the top and had refreshments. The bus stop is great to keep you dry in the rain (see previous adventure blog) or jsut have a sit down to drink tea without spilling it all over a rough surface.

Suitably refreshed, we discussed the next part of the route. Companion 1, although familiar with the area in general hasnt been cycling long so is not familiar with the climbing and her ability to get up them - no need to fear, she is strong. 

Onwards to Giebenach where we crossed the main roa d t head to Magden meaning past the horses and up the hill for the view. Amazingly there was one horse sticking its head out of the stables window watching us go past. I dont normally see any in the winter as the horses seem to have more sense than me in this temperature. We got to the top and admired the view before rushing down to Magden where we had a planned toilet stop.

Now on the return journey we made good speed on the veloweg towards Rheinfelden and turned in towards the Feldschlössen brewery. It was surprisingly busy along the veloweg which is shared with pedestrians. We realised as we passed the brewery buildings that there was a Christmas Market going on.

After navigating past the people and pushchairs we turned along the side road parallel to the motorway and headed home, now with a lovely tail wind. This would last all the way to Muttenz and turn into my headwind for the second time of the day to go home.

It didnt take us very long to weave through Kaiser Augst (toilets available, if needed, at the visitors centre), find a new velo bridge over the road to land us back in Pratteln in good time. We managed to stay warm for the duration and by the time we reached our starting point it was about 1Deg! Scorchio!

One of the group still had all the way back to Basel to go and I needed to gat back out to the lovely countryside.  I turned round and started back into the headwind. I finished my tea in Liestal before the final leg.

A great and cold day out.

Thanks to my companions for the company and see you on a bike soon!

Distance: 40km (85.5km max)

Climbing: 543m (785m)

Avg Speed: 20km.h

Autumn leaves, climbs, friendly dogs and hangers on

Todays ride was based on a few I found in my Strava past rides where I have mentioned the colour of the leaves in the title. It did not disappoint. We met up at Gelterkinden bahnhof on a fairly chilly autumn day. Much thought had gone into the age old "what have I got to wear" conundrum. I settled on layers with room in my saddle bag to put them when I didnt need them anymore. At least I had the bib longs on, not thick winter ones but warmer than shorts/knee warmers. We needed the extra layers at the start as we peddled downhill towards Sissach and on towards Diegten. There were not many people on the path which was unusual and we soon reached the main road. It was at this point that I thought it would be good to avoid the traffic (that wasnt there) by turning right at Tenniken, along the farm roads reaching Bennwil for the first proper climb. This is a well known local kicker with the gradient being well into the teens at the start, a slight relaxing mid way, then off up again near the top. All this is fine! (cough) but today we had the added impulse of a tractor gasping behind us. I didnt realise it was a tractor at first, I thought it was a patient car with a loud engine....

We got to the top, stopped for a well deserved breather and I noticed my Heart Rate was at its limit - oooh training effect. Best be careful.

Rested we set off again towards Waldenburg. There was a bus stop at the end of the village, before the start of the climb, so I took a layer off. We noticed a sign for a tiny train - further up the road - we didnt stop for a ride. As we climbed up the hill we could look down and see the tiny train going round with children on board and saw a model of the Walderburgerbahn itself. I assume its this link - there cant be 2 cant there?

https://www.oberbaselbieterzeitung.ch/aktuell/region-waldenburg/region-waldenburg-detail/die-waldenburgerbahn-in-miniatur

It wasnt long before we reached Langenbruck and the first proper stop. Toilets of course! These are massive, always open and always well looked after. Suitably refreshed, we climbed up to the Oberer Hauensteinpass sign and left towards Breitehöchi. 

Photo stop, chat to old an on an ebike who stated that he could tell I wasnt very local due to my Gelterkingen dialect. I think his hearing was a bit hindered by his helmet. We shared ride plans and he was keen to accompany us to Passwang - so we continued together. My companion chatting away in front with him and me plodding along behind admiring the trees. Its a great road slightly uphill again, stop at the top to admire the view before a brilliant descent through the trees.

He led the way to Rumliswil, him casual, me pushing it.....and we forced a stop before Passwang started. I needed to eat. Flapjacks and other snacks eaten on we went to Passwang. I didnt stop at the restaurant and continued to the top and through the tunnel. He turned back at the restaurant, after that we were on our own again.

So far the trees had been wonderful but soon we would have the fantastic view over towards Nunningerberg. The photos dont do it justice. 

After a short stop at the traffic lights we started the last big climb and were treated to the usual practically empty roads with good tarmac and we were in the middle of the trees.

The top arrived and we stopped for a short breather before yet another great descent in a tree covered road with wonderful colours. https://www.compoundchem.com/2014/09/11/autumnleaves/

Now on our last leg and needing to make sure we would be over 100km by the time we finished, we added an extra loop from Nunningen, Seewen, Hochwald, Gempen, Nuglar Buren before a fantastic swoosh all the way down to Liestal and ended at the back of the new station. After a short discussion about what exactly the red sign said - hint - Velostation  - we crossed the bridge thing and split up to go home. My companion went all the way back to Basel and me to Gelterkinden, with a detour at the end to Tecknau to push the number over 100km for the day.

What a great day out, the weather was perfect, as were the trees. Thanks for my companion for the company.

Distance : 100km and a tiny bit

Climbing: 1903m

Avg speed: 18 km/h

I hope you are inspired by our ride - please send me your feedback on the poll on the Blogpost below and I will try to adjust these rides to what people want. 

Hope to see you on a bike soon!

Feedback requested!! Answer the Poll

 I'd like to understand what you would want to make the rides I organise suit what people would want - perhaps they are already perfect :)

This feedback poll is open for a week till October 28th  -  I am keen to see what you would like to do with the group. The link goes to Poll Maker - just select the answer that best suits or select Other and tell me more in the box

Thanks for your help!

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Sneak peak at last weekends beauty - more in the blog post that I still have to write

Through the tunnel to the sun

The 3rd visit to the mountains was another early start and some nerves on the train. The planned route was to Lac cu Derborence which is at the end of a valley north of Sion. To get there early enough to reduce the exposure to the heat that was forecast, meant we booked the Milan train. This is normally quite busy so it was a gamble. I booked my bike space a few days before the day itself, when the SBB app advised busy (2 out of 3 people on the expected occupancy indicator icon) and I got carriage 16, while my companion booked 2 days before and was given carriage 5. I thought this might mean a long distance conversation on the trip down :). On the morning of the ride I checked the train times and was disappointed to see it was now 3 red people in the indicator. The reason? only half the train was there. Carriage 16 didnt exist and the train was going to be shortened. Would I get on at all???? At Olten we were told that there was space in 5 - so we went to 5 and a group of mountain bikes tried their luck at 6 -phew! We got on, packed the bikes in the space after rearranging some cases and then stood for a while, another bike arrived and it all seemed to fit. Eventually seats became available so we could sit down, another bike arrived.... then left 1 stop later. 

We got through the tunnel, out of the train at Visp, relieved to have managed so far. The change to the Geneva airport train for the short journey to Sion meant we started cycling before 9:30! The weather forecast had predicted mid 30 DegC for Sion later in the day and the first part of the climb is in full sun so I was pleased the trains worked so well, despite the initial concern.

Now onto the good stuff - the climb. I have been up a few of these valleys, most recently Turtmanntal last week. I was looking on Climbfinder.com and the road to Derborence was described as easier than other climbs in the area, except the initial section to just past Aven. I found more information on Quaeldich which had pictures of tunnels which I really like.

https://www.quaeldich.de/paesse/lac-de-derborence/

This first section was before the road turned into the valley itself, winding its way up through vineyards. We reached Erde and then it got steeper and by the time we reached Aven, I needed a breather - and we stopped for a short break.

I am useless at getting back on the bike when its steep so it took me a bit to get back on, my companion had gone ahead so I then had something to aim for in the very steep part. According to her Garmin there were some short 14% sections, I just focussed on my breathing and plodded along, slightly regretting taking the 11-36 cassette off last week and now only had a 34 - but never mind. We both reached the corner a bit puffed out - but were rewarded by an amazing view and the promise of exciting tunnels and a flatter section. The shade also began here, as soon as we were out of the direct sun, it cooled down and I felt much better.

We set off up the valley road, it was wonderful. Fairly flat with incredible views of the sheer drop to the left over the barrier - it never felt scary though. The road is wide enough to feel perfectly fine and there was very little traffic. There is a bus service (of course there is!) and we met that but much later right at the top. We cycled on, cool and refreshed, chatting about how perfect the views were when we saw the sign for the tunnels - they did not disappoint.

I had both front and rear lights, so I rode in front. I switched them to constant beam as the flashing was strange - and we were passed by a single car. The road through the tunnels was flat, so they were easy to ride. Huge openings through the cliff made some sections quite light, while other parts were darker. We needed the lights. What an experience, simply epic. The tunnels are in sections, most are arched but one is totally bus shaped :).

Once out the other end, the climbing restarted. With the shade from the valley and the tunnels gone, we had sunshine again. I heated up as we climbed the last few kms to the top. It was brilliant though. We passed what looked like a totally natural pond but there was a funny noise and then we realised there seemed to a fountain in the middle of it! We negotiated a few more corners, saw mountain bikers, who had passed us going up with the e-bikes, come down again and they swooshed a left turn along another road - we had a look later. 

It was now at the last corner that the bus appeared behind us, I didnt realise how close were were to the top so we huddled to the side of the road pulling our bikes out of the way.  The bus squeezed past and I had to restart on a hill again. Given my skills at this, it took me a bit and when I finally got going my companion was already ahead shouting that we were at the top! The busses (there were 2) were parked in a carpark, other car were there too and a number of people were milling about. We negotiated the gravel path and proceeded to the Refuge for a rest and recover. The scenery for the snack stop was breathtaking as if the tunnels hadn't been enough :). The Refuge has a restaurant and a terrace. The terrace had a sign that said Self Service to I teetered my way up the ramp and discovered that there was no option to have any food - fully booked in 15 minutes - so we had sugary drinks and crisps instead. This small snack was expanded by some salty nuts that had been transported up in my companions back pocket - so they were a salty, warm snack.

After photos to show what we had achieved were taken, we made our way back to the road. This involved walking down the gravel slope, we passed some cyclists who were pushing their bikes up the gravel slope.

Back at the tarmac, we saw we had a new friend on the Garmin    

We started our descent but turned left for a look to see were the mountain bikers had gone - we turned round at the car park - we could have done more, but decided that this was enough.

Now for the return journey, the way back was nearly as fun as the way up going through the tunnels again and we soon reached the turn out of the valley and into the sun. It wasnt long before we were back at Sion station having had an epic ride. What a day out!

After more investigation I now see that there are other small roads at the top the valley to investigate and I intend to go back later this year. Look out for the BLVF Strava club event - expect late September. If we go then, it should be cooler and there are another 3 dead end roads to investigate if you feel up to it.

Distance:  43km

Climbing: 1005m

Avg Speed: 14km/h

Views: priceless

Tunnels: Loads, well lit, single lane but lights for busses and some massive "windows" to see out and let light in

3 go to Emmental

 Today was the 44th edition of the Emmental Rundfahrt starting in Kirchberg. First problem to solve - how to get there. I have been there a few times before and always driven but as there were 3 of us, it was easier to get the train. 2 of us took the train to Olten and met with companion 3 on the platform. Luckily there was an Aare Linth train which didnt need a bike space booking and we bundled our bikes together in the space. The train took us to Burgdorf and we cycle the rest of the way to the start. It was a short distance but still eventful when we stumbled across a few armed soldiers who seemed to be blocking the route. We got through OK, phew! 

Once in Kirchberg, we signed up - paid our 34CHF, received the bidon for my collection and got ourselves organised. Once changed and the rucksack all stored away we stopped briefly for a START photo before setting off. The weather forecast the week before had been for light rain all day and I had brought various layers, knee warmers and my waterproof shorts (they are brilliant!)

The 60km route was new to me, I have done the others and really liked the route. It has flat sections and chunky climbs and the scenery is really great. The first climb over to Sumiswald is pretty much the only climb on the short route, the other routes have much more. The short route only has a single food stop too. I am getting ahead of my self.... that will come later.

The route out of Kirchberg goes along quiet country roads. It was early on a Sunday morning, so nothing much was happening. We stayed together and stopped a few times to make sure all was well. Companion 3 was new to the group and I wanted to make sure she was OK, not too fast or too slow. We stopped a few hundred meters before the start of the climb for food and I pointed out where we were going. You cant get lost, up the hill and there is a tree at the top. We regroup at the tree was the agreement. So off we went. As we cycled along the cockerel on the farm to out left started to crow, there was a reply from across the valley then the first one would start - they called to each other for a while then chicken number 3 joined in.

The climb was not too steep but steep enough and long enough to feel like a challenge. This was especially true for companion 3 with her heavy bike. Her bike is about 14kg! which is the same as my commuting bike, I would never bring that to this hill.

Once we got into our rhythm we all made our way up the hill at our own pace. Companion 2 sped ahead and we took our time. When i got to the top she was nowhere to be seen - I was at the tree as agreed, but on my own. 

After a few minutes - and mid panic whatsapp typing - she appeared from a side road, having gone for a look around. Companion 3 arrived and I explained that this was downhill now. After a snack and a short rest we set off again. The road goes down, ther eis a left hand corner before it climbs a bit again - there was a loud shout from behind me so I stopped - whats the matter? "You said it was downhill!!!!!" came the confused reply. Well, it is just not quite yet :).

Happy all was OK, we continued and were soon swooshing downhill as promised. We turned on to the main road and headed to Sumiswald for the
food stop. In previous edition of this event, I had a card to collect stamps but this year was all modern with a database for the details and a wristband as proof of entry - no more cards to collect the stamps, pity. 

The road to the cheese sandwich was a gentle downhill and with a good cadence I was soon flying down it, followed by companion 2 - it was great fun. Then I realised the number 3 wasnt there. We stopped, where is she? We looked back and saw lots of others approach and pass us, after a few minutes we turned back to find her. About 1km up the raid she appeared coming towards us  - Phew! - we regrouped and turned around making sure we kept together this time. I felt quite bad that we had dropped her, I was forgiven :).

The stop at Sumiswald tennis club was welcome, the weather was still cool and i was hungry again. The expected cheese sandwich was eaten as well as a few other snacks. The bullion was salty - not really needed in this weather - but very welcome nonetheless.

Suitably rested we continued on up a short punchy hill with me dropping my stupid chain, we were soon admiring the scenery and buildings again.

The weather had been decent so far with only a few spots of rain. That would change later, but so far all was good.

The climb completed and we were on our way back to the start. All roads here point to Burgdorf - but we dont want to go to Burgdorf, or at least not yet.

The route till now was the same for all road distances, we separated at Lützelfluh where the others turned left and we kept going. This really did feel like the home stretch. I have no idea how many did each route, but there werent many with us. I dont remember seeing anyone else pass us till the route rejoined near the finish.  The next section was on a fairly main road, so less fun but soon enough we turned on to a side road again, through some dark trees out into the open again and the rain started. I stopped to put on my lovely shorts and caught the others up not much further ahead where they were waiting for me under a tree. 

The rain was quite heavy now, the thunder and lighting a smidge scary but it was OK. We sqeeeeeeeeaaaaked when slowing down  - disk brakes, marvellous. 

Nearly home and some sun to warm us up a bit.

Then before you know it, we were back at the start. Photo to record the occasion taken and in we go to heat up and dry off.

Once rested, warmed and fed again we cycled back to Burgdorf for the train home. On the way back I followed the mornings route but forgot about the soldiers.... they were still there so we about turned and took a slightly different road.  We announced our arrival at the station with a loud sqeeeeeeaaaaaaaal of wet brakes.

It was a fun day out. Thanks to both companions for coming :).

Distance : 76km

Climbing : 500m

Avg Speed : 18km/h

Bidons added to collections: 3