Mon 7 Jul 2014 Cumulative distance 3008km
Following some heavy overnight rain, the last day of our tour started grey and cool, with thunderstorms predicted for the afternoon. After a heartfelt farewell from James we set off towards Zug, on a well sign-posted bike route that cut across a lovely golf course and then curved around the edge of the 'Zugersee' (Lake of Zug). The mist and low cloud on the surrounding mountains made for impressive views.
From Zug we climbed to Sihlbrugg and then followed the winding road that goes over the Hirzel Pass. Fortunately we could use a separate pedestrian/bike strip as there was a lot of traffic and the opportunities for them to overtake us on the narrow road would have been few - a column of frustrated car and truck drivers several kilometres long would doubtless have been the result (or us bumped over the edge!).
The Hirzel area is well known for the single trees that top many of its hills or ridges and these do create a special effect.
From Hirzel we followed a bike path that tracked along the ridge overlooking the 'Zürisee' (Lake of Zürich) before making a steep descent down to cross the causeway to Rapperswil for lunch. The afternoon was very hot and humid, typical conditions before a thunderstorm, as we made the climb from Rapperwil to Wetzikon where we stopped at Velo Plus, a superb bike accessory shop, to collect new tyres and tubes that we had ordered. The final steep ascent to Oberbalm was energy-draining but the warmth of the welcome made it well worthwhile. In the late afternoon sun we enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea with the family, all full of enthusiasm and primed for their long summer holidays which start next week.
Root to Hirzel
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Hirzel
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Zürichsee/Rapperswil
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Marianne & David : Root
Sat 5 & Sun 6 Jul 2014 Cumulative distance 2938km (no change)
The overcast and grey conditions in the morning created a dramatic backdrop for the Saturday market in central Luzern. With James, we wandered through the stalls lining the banks of the River Reuss, admiring the great variety of produce for sale, and occasionally stopping to buy. Later in the day, when the sun came through we enjoyed a leisurely lunch by the lake.
On Sunday we spent most of the day with old friends, as part of their 140 year celebration (the sum of their ages plus duration of their marriage). In the glorious sunny weather - downright hot by Swiss standards - we had a very enjoyable time with a lively group of their friends and neighbours. Tomorrow we head off on the last day of our tour, back to Oberbalm.
Luzern Market
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Beth & Denis : Oberbalm
Fri 4 Jul 2014 Cumulative distance 2912km (no change)
A day to clean and pack the bikes. They are now back in their boxes ready for the trip home at the end of the month, and we are ready for the next phase of our adventures in Paris.
Marianne & David : Root
Fri 4 Jul 2014 Cumulative distance 2938km
After an early breakfast we set off again to Aarau with Britta & George to watch the procession of school children that is an annual tradition there. The girls in their white dresses, and boys in white shirts and black pants, all decorated with flowers, looked delightful. Between the groups of children were various marching bands or groups of dignitaries. At the conclusion the children all participated in group games and dances - all very festive.
We returned to Seon for lunch (expertly prepared by George) before loading our bikes and setting off for Root, about 40km to the south. The ride, mostly on bike paths beside the Hallwiler and Baldegger lakes with the backdrop of the Alps, was superb. We pushed the pace as a heavy thunderstorm was predicted for the late afternoon and we were fulsomely greeted by James when we arrived in Root around 1600. After settling in, James prepared raclette (one of our favorites) and we enjoyed a very pleasant evening together.
Aarau Procession
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Seon to Root
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Beth & Denis : Oberbalm
Thu 3 Jul 2014 Cumulative distance 2912km
A foggy start but we were confident that it would eventually clear, which it did. We ambled along the bike path enjoying the forest, sunshine and the rippling waters of the Töss. Had lunch in Pfäffikon, went to the car wash in Wetzikon and gave the bikes a comprehensive blast of soapy water, then rode back to Oberbalm via the bike path at the end of the lake and through Auslikon, the route we thought had the shortest of all the steep approaches to Maja's house. Had dinner with the family outside in the evening sun - a great finish to our last day on tour.
Marianne & David : Seon
Thu 3 Jul 2014 Cumulative distance 2896km
Despite the promises of the weather bureau, the morning was grey and misty as we set off from Balsthal. After a few kilometres we stopped to put on more clothes as the chill was creeping into our limbs. We followed bike paths most of the way to near Seon, and around midday the sun finally forced its way through.
Lenzburg castle, perched high on a ridge overlooking the valley, lured us to visit the attractive old town at its base, with its lovely buildings and cobblestoned streets. After a leisurely coffee and icecream we then made our way overland, along forest paths, to Seon where we were warmly greeted by George and Britta.
Today marks the end of school year in this area and this entails a large celebration in the main town Aarau. Students give recitals but the celebrations extend well beyond the students and every year people from the entire region flood into the old town centre to listen to street music, eat and (of course) drink from food stalls or in restaurants and cafes and generally have a good, loud, time. As George has been an English teacher at the Aarau high school for nigh-on 30 years, we all went to the festivities and, after fighting our way through the jammed streets, went to a recital by a cello quintet - all students at the school. They commenced with Renaissance music and then moved to Scottish tunes that they had themselves adapted for the cello - absolutely brilliant!
Balsthal to Seon via Lenzburg
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Beth & Denis : Winterthur
Wed 2 Jul 2014 Cumulative distance 2862km
A very wet day but we believe we're in for better weather tomorrow, according to a passer-by who talked to us at lunchtime as we sat outside a cafe looking rather bedraggled. He apologised for the weather on behalf of his town!
Marianne & David : Balsthal
Wed 2 Jul 2014 Cumulative distance 2835km
Wet, wet, wet - not ideal conditions as we climbed the steep road (sections 13%) to reach the Passwang at Elevation 946m. Although the views were limited by mist and clouds, and the going was tough in places (we pushed our bikes for some sections) we reached the top in good spirits and enjoyed the run down to Balsthal. The wet conditions reduced the efficiency of the brakes and we were glad to have the hydraulic assistance on the winding 13% sections!
In Balsthal we checked into a nice hotel, dripping water all through their reception area! Remarkable what a hot shower and a short rest can do to re-vitalise a chilled body. The weather cleared in the late afternoon and we walked around the town and admired the old castle that we had seen on our way in but, then had had absolutely no desire to stop for a look.
Basel to Balsthal
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Balsthal (after it fined-up)
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Beth & Denis : Eglisau
Tue 1 Jul 2014 Cumulative distance 2829km
After yesterday's torrential downpour, today's glorious sunshine seemed even more of a treat than usual. We left Germany via the covered bridge at Bad Säckingen and sped along the well signposted (thank you, Switzerland) Rhine route, enjoying great views of this massive river. Crossed back to Germany to find a hotel in Eglisau and ended up in a nice B&B above the tourist info office, right on the river.
Marianne & David : Basel
Tue 1 Jul 2014 Cumulative distance 2785km
A warm sunny day, ideal for a loop through the city centre and north to Lörrach in Germany. Tomorrow we say farewell to Basel and head southwards.
Basel
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Beth & Denis : Bad Säckingen
Mon 30 Jun 2014 Cumulative distance 2771km
Heavy rain at times which we tried to avoid by lingering in cafés. Have had fun and games with (lack of) bike path signage going through towns, but out in the countryside it has been great. Reached Bad Säckingen in Germany, a lovely old town with a huge covered wooden bridge across the Rhine.
Marianne & David : Basel
Mon 30 Jun 2014 Cumulative distance 2739km (no change)
A lazy day spent with friends at their home in an outlying suburb of Basel.
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