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
