Composed by Van Velo
It was going to be hard to top yesterday but we thought web would try with a ride up the Swiss Alps from Altdorf to Klausenpass.
We started with another nice breakfast and stocked up on energy for our ride by making it a big one. Sorting and packing our gear to a short time and soon we were of to Altdorf with Bob piloting the pre tour tool van. We arrived in Altdorf and went shopping in Aldi. I kept the Garmin in my pocket and got some interesting looks when the lady in our lives again started issuing advice frequently telling us we were not heading in the right direction or that satellite reception had been lost. The Garmin is now officially known as "The Missus". Some food and sunblock in the kitty and we went to find a map as a had neglected to get the name of our destination. Again the young local ladies excelled themselves and happily gave us excellent advice, showing us on the maps they sell and didn't expect us to pay for it as it was 24 Franks. About 24 Aussie dollars.wow.
Some time was spent putting our bikes together and sorting Andy's rear derailaur.
We headed off not really knowing how far or how steep the road would be. We soon found out that it would be around 7-8% for the full 25kms with one short down hill in the middle. It was overcast when we left with the tops of the mountains obscured. It was a pleasant 20 degrees which turned to a much lower number the higher we went. Be the time we got to the top we were among the snow in the rain.
Now I need to try to describe this ride from a scenery perspective. Fucking amazing keeps come to mind. The mountains are amazingly high and so so steep with many waterfalls streaming down the rocky slip areas. Huge monoliths of rock tower vertically into the clouds (damn the clouds). I kept riding along totally absorbed by the changing views that seen small villages miles down the valley with 5 water falls heading straight for it only to merging at the bottom to form ever widen streams. Simply sensational. There were many many small farms on the way up that ilk a living from the very steep slopes. I struggle to comprehend that they farm on the amazingly steep slopes. The smell of cow manure is strong lower down as the farmers use little tractors and spray all the manure from the dairies out on the paddocks. People along the roads were cutting their grass using long scythes. Nice and quiet. Many sawmills are along the side of the road with a couple among the houses.
Back to the ride. This was a long ride and Andy and Bob soon scootered away from me. A few picture stops to gather evidence to back up my claims were had. The overcast but warm day soon disappeared as we entered the clouds and soon it was raining. It became very cold with no more farm land to be seen. The end seemed like it would never be reached with my legs hurting a lot. Many walkers were up toward the top, hiking along trails and motor bike numbers were very high also.
The landscape became less steep, but not the road, and low and behold, farm land appeared again. I don't understand how they make a go of it up there. I assume it is by having the stock in sheds and bring the grass to them. At last the end was reached and we were very happy with our efforts and believe this to be one of the most amazing ride we have done to date. Ahead was the decent which left me in two minds. Almost 25kms of beautiful down hills was going to be sensational but the cold would be not so nice. As expected it was extremely cold for the first part but there was a distinct line on the road that had rain on one side and sunshine on the other. A dry run down to Altdorf. Heaven. Andy set his helmet cam up and away we went. A coup,e more photo stops and it was bikes in the car and off for lunch. What a beautiful town and again we were not disappointed with the quality of the meal. They do amazingly good salads in Europe.
A reasonably uneventful drive home was good and allowed me time to do this. For all our photos, videos and other interesting bits, head to the Tools on Tour web site and look for the links.
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