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

Schwarzwaldrundfahrt 2025 -150km or there abouts

After the baking weather over the previous week I was a bit concerned that I might bake to a crisp on this ride as it was going to be a long day, luckily the weather relented and the day before the prediction was cooler. I use the Epic Ride App to predict the weather. I like it. It connects the routes i created in Strava or Komoot, I define the start time and can adjust the average speed. It then presents visuals of the forecast with wind, temperature and precipitation. It predicted a cool calm morning with the wind picking up later in the day and no/tiny rain. It was spot on.

https://www.vckaisten.ch/informationen-schwarzwald-rundfahrt

We gathered - 3 early birds - at about 6:30 at the Mehrzweckhalle in Kaisten to a quite empty parking area and were guided to slot in next to the others. Not that it mattered for me because I was being dropped off and my driver was away again after about 5 minutes. This event is normally well managed especially the parking. We met up, signed in, prepared via the toilets :) and off we set in the cool morning. Going east we kept up a steady pace soon reaching Koblenz, crossed over to Germany all going fine until my rear tyre started to feel a bit spongy. Sure enough it was soft, and I had a slow puncture. Close observers of my adventures on Strava will be aware that I had a puncture recently too but failed to get the wheel off and got the bus home... I was better prepared this time. I had visions of my day being cut very short.

It took 30 minutes to :

tyre off, tube changed, pump up, deflate as I forgot to check the tyre, tyre off, tube out, tyre check, glass removed, tube back in, pump up, check, pump up, check, pump up, check, swear, pump up, check, give up and ride on

A few others stopped to see if they could help but either had no pump and needed the CO2 for their own emergency or no suitable pump. My new pump is in the post. I am buying an iPump Twist - lets see if its any better than the Silca Tattico which just didnt stay on the valve properly.

https://www.ipump.jp/product/ipump-twist/

I kept the softish back wheel till the first check point where a friendly man with a track pump put all the air pack in. I was terrified I would get a pinch flat - as happened the last week.

The climb up to the first checkpoint was not the same as last year and it was back on the road I did the first time I took part.  There was more traffic but its a much easier climb. But I still had this stupid soft back wheel and the ever present threat of a pinch flat if I did something stupid. I really hoped they would have a pump at the stop.

The first check point was fairly quiet - we were early as only the 150km people would be out this early in the day. They had a pump!! Fed, watered and pumped up again we set off. Shortly afterwards I had one of a very few photo stops at the brewery and not, as was feared another puncture.

The next section was downhill and on smoooooooth tarmac so was excellent fun despite being swooshed!!!! by fast and screechy motorbikes - more would be seen over the course of the day. As we were about to start climbing again the road was closed and we were diverted on to a shortcut through the trees. Very pretty but steep. We rejoined the planned route at the edge of Bonndorf and headed west. This part of the route is a drag which never ends. You see little as there are trees everywhere and the road goes up and down and up and down seemingly for ever. Once that was over we turned south towards Schuchsee and then found the scenic route. It really is pretty when you get away from the bikes and the noise.

After another climb - does it ever stop? - we arrived at checkpoint 2. We were refuelled, refreshed and found a baby bat crawling on the floor. I nearly stood my petite 43.5s on it. It was removed to a safe place and hopefully found friends later in the day when the sun went down.

It was here we met a woman who thought she was on the 100km route so was surprised when we said we have about 50 still to go. No!!! im on the 100 route! Then there was the realisation that she had the car keys and her partner was far ahead and may have to sit outside for a while... oh dear. We decided, we better just leave.. so we did.

Immediately after this second stop was the steepest climb - we plodded along and were rewarded with a smooth and sweeping descent. A few spots of rain an the wind was indeed picking up. Onwards to St Blaisen and right turn for the last significant climbing of the day. The route was going down now all the way back to the start and with one last checkpoint for WC and bullion, we were soon back where we had started about 8 hours earlier. It took longer than I had expected, mainly the time for the puncture fix but all in all a good day out. Weather was perfect, cooler than recently and the wind was OK, no rain to speak of. Back at the start we collected our souvenirs. 

My medal is now added to my small collection and the socks to my large collection.

Thanks to my companions for the company and to VC Kaisten for the organisation. If you have never done this, I highly recommend it. 

Distance: 143km

Climbing: 1921m

Avg Speed: 20.5km/h

Bats: 1 baby

Red Kites: lots

Other random birds of prey: lots

Motorbikes: millions