Swiss Cycling Tour

 Interlaken to Ulrich Today consisted of two climbs only: Gross Scheidigg and Grimselpass. These two passes go over the alps. The first pass wasn’t open to cars and it was a paved (but rough) road that went up close to the Eiger. It was very steep and steady and only 10k but maybe the toughest climb I’ve done because of how steep it was. It was twice as long and half again as steep as climbing Cadillac. Plus the road surface was not great and some parts were covered in cow poop.  Eiger Clouds parting Steep Aitor my buddy Me at the top The second was much less steep but very long (25 km climb). It climbed past a couple dams. This was a pretty busy road but I enjoyed watching Ferrari’s and porsches fly past up the canyon.  To the dam Steep rock walls Climbing along the mountainside Small wooden siding shakes One of two tunnels I was pretty toast on this climb. One rider couldn’t finish.... I finished last. Skinny guys are fast. I climbed with Aitor he stayed with me which I...

 Thun to Interlaken Today was one of the more difficult days in terms of combined length and elevation. We rode 134km and climbed 3,200 vertical meters. The first climb was long and very steep in spots Every night we have a team meeting and they preview the next day. They tell us how to climb the different mountains (ie start off slow because it gets steeper as it goes or push over the first part because it evens out). What the weather is in various towns and how to dress for the day. For example tomorrow we will be up near the glaciers so it will be in the 60s in the valley but we pack a bag for the van and they meet us at the top of the climb and give us our extra clothes. In addition I bring sandals for lunchtime to give my feet a rest. I’ve tried not to fall asleep during lunch and have succeeded so far. They also pass by during the climb and ask if we need gels or water. It really is so nice to have them take care of everything. When we get back we can put a tag on our bikes i...

Villars to Thun Today was one of the most fun days I’ve ever had cycling. The views were spectacular. It was everything I expected Switzerland to be. The buildings and landscape were wonderful. Tunnel on Mittelberg People playing traditional Swiss music  Hot chocolate at Gstaad Col de La Croix Cows with Swiss bells Col de La Croix Scotty my new friend.  Tour bus at the hotel Lunch bottom of Juanpass Outside night one hotel Guy on the left was 5 time world cyclocross champion Me, Markito, Aitor (two of our pros)

  Villars  Aitor and Scotty picked us up from the airport. Aitor is young and kind, from Spain. Scotty is quiet and from Australia.  We drove together in a van to Villars which is a ski resort Day 1 route: we got the bikes set up and went for a 20 mile ride to get acquainted with the rentals and make sure everything was set up comfortably. I’m the youngest rider here, there are 6 others. They are all very skinny and short except one guy is very tall and skinny. We descended to the valley- windy and fast and then rode along the valley floor and climbed up from the other side. I tried to pace myself. I may be the second or third slowest of the group. The little villages are so cute and everything is very green.  Switzerland is expensive! A small bottle of water is 4.5 Swiss francs (near $5).  I’m tired... still catching up from the plane flight where I was kept up by the crying baby behind me.  Scotty - ride leader previewing the day. Telling us what to wear ...