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
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