Despite the weeks of high temperatures, which are only predicted to change next week, we had a large number of riders out for our ride today. We gathered behind Sissach station where some had come by train, others by bike and we welcomed 2 new joiners. The Strava group has 106 members, as of today August 16 2026, which is brilliant. We said our hellos and clarified the planned route before setting off towards Gelterkinden. Over the main road, just after the railway bridge, to avoid the main road at Thürnen completely and made good progress on the veloweg. It wasnt long before we had our first challenge, right turn and climb to Wittinsburg. This is a good way to avoid the very steep climb to Känerkinden from Buckten and is normally quiet, it was quiet today too.
Once at the top and regrouped we continued to Känerkinden, turned right to go past the play ground and again avoided the steep section and the main road. We were waved at and were shouted encouragement by a local in his front garden who seemed surprised at our group passing. Not long to top and the view of the brown fields all over the place. The countryside has taken a real beating this summer. No real stop at the top before we had fun on the descent and managed to be passed by a large car and horse box making strange squealing sounds as it braked going down the other side. We turned on to the side road before the bottom and left him and his squealing brakes to it.
In Diepflingen it isnt far to the motorway turnoff and, once under, it we again left the main road to weave our way through the farms roads. In the spirit of - "you never know who you will meet when out on your bike" - one of our group shouted hellos to a woman walking her dog who took a few seconds to realise that yes! - she did know her and there were smiles all round. We were soon in Bennwil and stopped to prepare for the climb out of the village. Its not long and is steeper from the other side but its long and steep enough to be a good test for an early morning - oeff! The road starts steep, slackens off for a few meters before it ramps up again. You are rewarded by a really good run down to Oberdorf which is always worth it - wheech!
Next challenge was crossing the road at Oberdorf - we had trams as well as cars. The water fountain was closed but as we weren't too far from Reigoldswil and the TOILETS!! I expected us to be fine, which we were. We got to Reigoldswill having waved and shouted hello to loads of cyclists coming the other way, and the occasional speedy bloke who passed us. Here we had a fairly long stop, lots of chatting was done as well as refiling water using the worlds slowest water fountain. It was pretty though.
Here we had lots of opportunities to take photos for the Strava group Centenary competition of "My bike leaning on a thing" - send your entry to basellandvelofrauen@gmail.com. More details in a previous blog post.
Now refreshed, it was time for more climbing. It was nearly the last major climb of the day as we were at or second last valley.
Over we went, declined a generous offer of a man to join the group on his electric scooter, took our group photo and continued on to Nunningen.
As we climbed out of Bretzwil the road peaks and you have a fun fast descent to Nunningen before you need to use the speed you gained to climb out of the village again. It was here that we realised that one of us didnt have any more gears! Di2 battery was flat - so she was spinning like a hamster. Going uphill was sort of OK, going downhill - yikes. She nursed it along to Grellingen where she stopped the ride. Oh dear - She will never forget that again, I expect.
The downhill to Grellingen was an opportunity for another to admire the Hofladen and buy some food.
We said cheerio to our first departing rider at Grellingen station - she would be picked up and we continued. I was delighted to see the roadworks have finished and the new road layout avoids the need to cross the tracks twice! We were soon in Aesch then onwards to Dornach for a water fountain stop. we refilled again and apparently my mud guards were admired by a passing cyclist. I love them, they are an absolute hassle to fit, but once they are on the bike you dont know they are there. I had hoped for some rain which is why I took this bike. We got some but nothing much, fingers crossed for tomorrow!!
Now back in civilisation it didnt take much to get us to Muttenz where we said goodbye to another of the group, the rest continued towards Liestal. After the final stop, we weaved through the village centre to Lausen for another drop off - lots of cheerio shouts! thanks for coming! and see you next time! We continued to Sissach, somewhat depleted.
Soon back at the start, more goodbyes. One went on to ride back to Olten and 2 others came with me to Bückten before turning back to Basel. Got to get those 100km rides in somehow :-).
A great day out on the bike, not much wildlife seen, lots of brown fields and the occasional interesting car passed us.
Thanks to all for joining. I had a great time and am now in need of a rest. Hope to see you all on a bike soon!
Distance: 73km
Climbing: 1100m
Avg Speed: 20km/h thanks to the push from Grellingen home
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