The cycling today was much easier than yesterday with plenty of downhills (didn't seem to be any yesterday!) and lots of bowling through green fields in a deep valley surrounded by tall, rocky mountains (according to my guidebook photos!). I finished my actual route by 2pm but then had to deviate TEN MILES to the nearest campsite. It wouldn't have mattered if the majority of that 10 miles wasn't up 18-20% gradients or if it hadn't been hammering down the entire way. The view of Klontaler See at the top was worth the effort. But then to add further insult, Swiss Trails merrily sent me to the campsite at the far end of the lake and I needed to cycle 4 miles BACK to the campsite I'd already passed earlier. By this time, I was icy cold & thoroughly soaked. I made it just before 5pm. I then had the joy of putting up a thoroughly sodden tent.
All's well that ends well however. An incredible hot shower, a mug of tea & a delicious biryani cooked on my trangia more than saved the day. This is what I love about cycle camping - the most basic things such as hot food & drink become the most important things in the world. And I'm so glad I brought my fluffy bed socks to keep my tootsies warm!!
Keep those messages coming! No tea with yetis yet to report, love Charlie's "yes we canister"!! Mum, Helen & Laetita, huge well dones on the blog responses, you techies! Mary, I know you'll be a lifesaver for my next supply of gas canisters! And thank you for your never ending support Sis.
Take care everyone. Enjoy the sunshine that's finally made it to the UK & please send some out here! And to Jane who's enduring Winter in NZ!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone on O2
Bloody rain. So feeling your pain with that sis. Hope the tent is keeping you warm once up. Not sure I would know how to cycle up a 20% gradient. Sending my sun dance your way so you get to enjoy your views. Keep those legs a peddling jxx
ReplyDeleteWell done Daughter!!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds to have been an indurance test at the end! Nothing like a cuppa to put things in order.
We went out for lunch yesterday to the Thatched Cottage which was wonderful, so good to get out again. we then went to cheddar Gorge lots of Cyclists around we just did the drive around my walking is still a bit difficult.
Nice sunshine today sending you lots your way, fingers crossed you have left the rain behind.
You have a wonderful way with words, painting a lovely picture of your day. i look forward to your next blog!!
Being a techi i can now read them!!
Lots of Love Mum xx
Oh Andi! Hope the tent does dry out soon - general Swiss weather is forecast to be lovely over the next 5 days so please try and find some of that sunshine, good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteMary
Bradley Wiggins wins the Tour with the support of a whole professional team, Andi is Queen of the Mountains by herself - who is the better cyclist?
ReplyDeleteHey Andi how you doing? I am so in awe of you that you can stay upright on a bike unlike me. We have had a nice sunny day in Surrey which is a miracle but I feel your pain with the rain. Keep going chick you are doing well Jeannette xx
ReplyDeletePoor sweetie - hope the rain does stop soon. You've earnt it to stop!!! And keep up with those cups of tea - I'm having one as I write this! It was too wet for me to ride this morning so I've gone out in sympathy with you!
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