We were on time getting away...... Liestal Bahnhof across from the theatre, I waited for my companion. The church bells began to chime to herald the arrival of the 09:53 from Basel SBB - or perhaps for another reason - and she appeared from round the end of the building.
I had arrived 5 minutes before, as I start from Gelterkinden. After waiting till the noise stopped, we said our hellos, and in a few minutes we were off towards Seewen. Sunday morning on a holiday weekend meant hardly any traffic so we could ride side by side chatting as we went.
Once we had conquered the first climb of the day we swooshed down the hill to the centre of the village for a first quick stop and some food. I had spent the day before making 3 types of bar to eat on the ride so had plenty of food with me. Suitably refreshed, we set off again, waiting to let some cars go past, and headed to Bretzwil then left turn up the hill towards Reigoldswil. Once at the top of the hill, the view was admired and we took some photos. We must have looked like "Damsels in Distress', not "Damsels Admiring the View" when we declined the offer of help and "yes, we are fine, nothing wrong" when questioned by a passing ebike mountain bike rider.........
The road down to Reigoldswil had 2 sets of traffic lights so care was needed on the descent. Arriving in the centre of the village, toilets, tables and water were available. The typical Sunday morning traffic management was in place to cope with the amount of people taking the gondola up the hill for a walk around the top. The centre of the village was still empty though :).
https://veloviewer.com/segments/9726172
Once over the hill to Diegden we went over the hill again to Buckten. On our way we saw a huge group of Red Kytes in a field. There are always loads of these wonderful birds around Känerkinden. Once in Buckten it was time to prepare ourselves for the main event of the day... the climb to Wisen. This climb has beaten me a few times, when I had not eaten enough food. Once, I had to stop half way up, eat a gel, roll back down and try again... I beat it then and I did it again today. Its a great feeling when I reach the top, I always feel like I have achieved something.
We stopped, sat on the bench and had a well deserved rest.
But again, not for long because the coffee machine was heating up at home in Gelterkinden and we continued on. The descent to Kienberg is great fun, steep down, then steep back up again. As you come down into Zeglingen the ridiculous climb to Oltingen is visible ahead.. I have walked it a few times. best avoided.
On the run down from Kienberg to Tecknau we were riding one behind another and going pretty fast when were overtaken by a white car who beeped his horn very loudly - I just about jumped out of my skin. I am too much of a lady to write here what I shouted at him as he sped away.... I want not impressed. We recovered and continued on, slower than before. After navigating the zebra crossing, we arrived in Gelterkinden, a sharp left at the now open Badi, and up steep ramp to my house. Coffee was drunk and books were admired before the last 10km downhill back to Liestal and the end of todays ride. I made my way back to Gelterkinden and even more food.
Great ride today, little traffic and lots of birds.
Distance - 70km (90km for me)
Speed - 20kph
Climbing - 990m (1100 for me)
Number of Red Kytes - 20
Number of herons - 2
Number of drivers who found us "in the way" - 2
Thanks to my companion for the company and education re BL history.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48411/the-whitsun-weddings
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