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

BLVF Mountain adventures, gravel and animals

This was the planned second of, hopefully, 3 times we will go to the mountains as a group this year. I have wanted to do this route for ages so was really pleased others took me up on my suggestion. As ever, it meant an early start from Baselland. We would be a party of 4, 2 of us took the early train to Meiringen where we met companion 3 and we met up with companion 4 at the bottom of Sustenpass.

Lots of talk about the potential weather - rain? no rain? how cold will it be? The Epic Ride prediction had been small chance of rain late afternoon and cooler than 10Deg C at the top of the mountain. It tuned out to be mostly right. It conflicted a bit with Meteo Swiss who predicted more rain, hence the regret of bringing only the wind jacket and no rain gear. A few of us had knee/leg warmers packed but if it had been very wet, we would be very wet.

Once all collected together, rain potential discussed at length we set off up the first part of Sustenpass, excited and ready for adventure.

The first section up the main pass road before we turned left towards, Gental had traffic but not a huge amount. It was still horrible in a tunnel with a lorry making noises like the end of the world but he passed us and we recovered our composure. It didnt take long before we turned left and from then on there was hardly a car in sight. It was here that our Innertkirchen pick up companion needed some help with gears. Dispite the best effort they refused the chain stay in the lowest gear/largest cog. I knew she would need all the gears she had given the gradient so I fiddled with the barrel adjuster and fixed it - success :).

The road weaved its way up the steep hill, through thick trees and a number of hairpin bends. After a few kilometers the trees stopped, the road turned a corner and I could see the Swiss flag indicating the toll barrier and the first real stop.

Another of the earlier conversations had been the lack of insect repellent and the expected number of horse flies. The cafe gave us some of theirs and 3 of us sprayed it on. I didnt, preferring to chance the flies. 

Now refreshed and with some spots of rain (quick! get the non waterproof jackets on1!) we headed off to the valley proper. The road is fairly straight for a few kms a gentle incline made for easy rolling and lots of chatting. We were on the look out for wildlife and were rewarded with a close encounter with a marmot. It was sitting at the mouth of its burrow looking around when we spotted it. It was brilliant, we were all surprised at how calm it was, when a bunch of chatty humans not very far away kept taking its picture. I have seem them once before, at the top of this valley and heard many in other places but this was the closest ive ever been and it just stood there - being photogenic.

Once back on the road it wasnt long before we saw more, a bit further away this time but many more. Some looked small, were standing on the hind legs or running through the grass. Wonderful. Next was a car! and another... and another! wow peak traffic. It was in this furry of vehicles that a kind Belgian car stopped opposite a passing place  leaving it for us to use to pass. They was nearly overtaken by a larger van - who seemingly assumed the Belgians had stopped to admire the view and not for a real reason as it charged past, saw us, stopped then had to reverse out of the way again. We waved thanks to the car, not to the van.

By this point we were about half way up the valley and now it started to get serious again. It was so tempting just to stop and look around - is that a goat? where? there on the sheer cliff just past the green trees past the waterfall.

With this steeper climbing we split up and the stronger climbers went ahead and all went at our own pace. The road climbs and climbs, with occasional hairpin bends when you turn back on yourself and get yet another spectacular view down the valley we had just climbed up. Finally, finally we reached the top. This was signalled by the existence of a hotel, a cafe, bus-stop and the lake!

To get to the lake for different views we pushed our bikes over the heavy gravel and then grass. A few people were already there, fire pits on the go and fishing being done. We sat at the side of the water, taking in the scenery - and lots and lots of photos. The temperature had been really pleasant on the way up, no rain after all just cooler and I felt great. The last time I was here I didnt have the strength to see the water, and headed straight for a cafe for some sugar refill.  Once we had had our fill of views and were cooling down we decided to go for some food. The one I had visited before was being renovated so this time we went to the hotel. 

It was really quiet - great fun - so we took over 3 tables, with helmets, blankets etc and had a lovely lunch of soup and chips - so carbs and salt - perfect. More photos were taken and shared between us. It was agreed that the route was wonderful.

Now for the adventure... see that path over the hill? thats where we are going. Its not far and only a lot steep. The last section has a metal cable attached to the side of the mountain to hold on to and avoid slipping off.

We cycle for a few hundred meters than had to get off and push / carry up the narrow path. We navigated the goats and the many butterflies - to reach the top safely.

Once at the top and past the herd of interested cows who watched our every move, we reached tarmac again and could ride the bike!!

We had reached Melchsee-Frutt, civilisation and tourism central. The short ride from to the road downhill was flat and quite fast till we had to stop to let the small train/bus past. Children were hanging out the side with their arms outstreched so we gave the high 5s like we were pros at a race. Madness. 

So now we needed to get to the exit - the road down the mountain is open for cars but only one way each alternate hour and I had no idea if were half an hour early or late. We arrived at the start and the lights were green. I made us stop for a few more minutes to scoff a now soggy banana before we all started the descent. Even though there would be no oncoming traffic it wasnt without its challenges. First was a car that wanted to pass, then some sloooow cows in the middle of the road and finally some army type people with gigantic rucksacks standing around in the middle of the road. All hazards avoided, all that was left was the steep and bendy road down to Stöckalp. Its quite a road. Once of us realised that the sledging route they had done over the winter was actually a road.

We were now on the home stretch, the rain started to be heavier and we were all very glad that the road down had been dry. We pushed on northwards, saying goodbye to one when she turned left to go to Sarnen and catch the train back to Meiringen, we kept going. A short gravel (Komoot!) section before the fast stuff to Stans. Last food stop at Stans, booking a bike space in a train gave us an hour to do the last 15kms.

We arrived in Luzern station, damp but very happy. Food purchased, train boarded, we sat down after an excellent trip. Days like this are why I cycle all winter, this is what its all for. The scenery is simply magical and the wildlife! I love the mountains, in Scotland they are smaller, wetter and, while impressive, nothing like this. 

Thanks to all who came along and were up for the gravel walk, it was a wonderful day out.

Distance - 77km

Climbing - 1734m

Avg Speed - too slow to mention

Marmots - many 

Goats  - more

Curious cows - even more

Horse flies - too many, some now dead