October ride with views, new roads and idiotic cats

The October ride had been in the calendar for weeks, complete with route. That meant the anyone could see where we planned to go. The route went over 3 significant climbs. The first 2 are pretty well known but the 3rd was new, even to me and I planned it... I had done the climb from the other side of the hill and had to push my bike for some of it.  I remember riding down what we would be climbing up but couldn't remember how steep it was. But I am getting ahead of myself.

I had 3 companions today, some looking for a good ride, others keen to see what the 3rd one was like. We met up in Sissach at the station and headed back to Gelterkinden and on to Tecknau. As we meandered through the main and side streets, the realisation that "ah this is Gelterkinden!" was heard to some surprise :). Through Tecknau towards Kilchberg before finally arriving at Zeglingen for climb number 1. After a stop to remove a layer, we headed towards Oltingen, thankfully turning right just when it starts to get steeeeeeep!

We now plodded us the normally empty road, the stream rushing past on one side. As we went up through the trees the leaves fell like snowflakes. It was quite magical, I obviously didnt manage to be impressed enough to stop and take a picture. We had to stop twice, to let a tractor and a car pass so all concentration was on getting back on the bike and keep going. @ had gone ahead, and two were slower. We would meet again at the top when we admired the view. I think it was the top, Given the view it was hard to tell. 

Once refreshed we rushed down towards Rohr and passed a no traffic entry sign. I wondered why. We descended in what seemed to be a long pile of leaves. The absence of traffic had resulted in the falling leaves to stay where they fell. We reached Rohr and the reason was now clear. The entire road was a building site and there was no tarmac just stones and mud. This slowed us down, so much so that the locals started yelping like mad dogs. This racket turned out to be a "string" of sausage dogs. What is the collective noun for a bundle of yappy wee dugs?

The owner seemed to be there but the dogs were still very annoyed.

It was at this point one of my companions lost balance when trying to restart on the gravel/mud road in the same huge gear that had been needed for the descent.  Over she went, saved by some building fence. There was still a small hole in the leg warmers but the bike is fine.

Now down on flatter and more tarmac roads we rode on towards Olten at a decent speed. There weren't many cars at this time on a Sunday morning.  Over the Aare river, along the side until near the centre of town before over the other side and on thorough the main traffic street. Once out of town it wasn't long before our next planned stop. Past the sculpture of the sleeping faces

https://www.komoot.com/highlight/6163746

We stopped at the fountain just before we turn to climb Teufelschlucht.  We took the opportunity to open the tool kit and straighten the levers of the one who had fallen.  Repacked and fed, off we went again. The climb feels steeper lower down before levelling off to allow me to find a rhythm that worked. It wasnt long before we reached the top, the weather improving to give us a fantastic view.

Our next section was a great run down to Langenbruck and on to Balsthal.  The smiles are wide when when reached Balsthal station for refreshments. What a great downhill section, wonderful views of the valley as you go sweep down.

The kiosk and toilets provided everything we needed and it wasnt long before we set off for the last section and into the unknown. Quickly getting to Mumliswil, right turn and up the hill towards Langenbruck. 

The roadworks are still there and some of us went up the mud/gravel road, others went the very steep part and we regrouped at the sawmill.  The last climb over Hauberg was inspired by this Komoot recommendation.

https://www.komoot.com/highlight/6163852

Like I said at the start, I had been here before and remembered gravel and steep. I was not dissapointed. The road was empty save for a few cows who (I assume) admired us as we slogged past (I speak for myself only you understand).  The ride up and the view from the top were worth every effort. We sat at the top and admired the views.  I discovered a Gipfelbuch and we left a BLVF sticker in it as our contribution. Did I mention the views?

All that was left for us now was to go down the other side and get back to Liestal where half of the group would turn left and the other half right. It was on the swoosh through the veloweg through the various villages that we encountered the cat. It decided that instead of waiting at the side and watching us pass, it needed to cross the road NOW. There was some swerving and the cat sped from one side  of the road through a bike to the other. There was a bump...we hope its OK. 

From Liestal it wasnt long before we were all home and had time to rest in the sunshine that had appeared. 

Great ride, the leaves and views were wonderful and the climbs were hard!! Thanks to all for the company.

Distance: 87km for the original route, most did 100km by the time we got home

Climbing: 1574m

Avg Speed: 18km/h