Getting Organized and Finally Rolling

Country #2, Switzerland

Getting Organized and Finally Rolling

September 1 to September 4, 2015


Switzerland cycling distance: 88km's
Total cycling distance: 88km's


As we flew from Iceland we were able to look down upon the UK. It was a bit odd seeing the lorries (trucks) driving on the "wrong side" of the motorways. As we overflew Germany and approached Switzerland the clouds parted a bit and we were soon flying below the cloud cover as we headed for our landing in Zurich. Lush green hills ...yes hills, greeted our eyes.

Ready to roll at the Zurich airport

It's raining cats and dogs outside. Time to suit up

We caused quite a mess at the airport as we attempted to reassemble the bikes but we did clean up after ourselves. Finally we headed out of the terminal to be greeted by the steady rain and the stench of smokers everywhere. Welcome to Europe, where smoking is still considered cool.

We got some stern language, in Italian, from one of the airport security people as we rolled away. I think we were riding in the restricted taxi lanes, or something like that. Five minutes later I had to stop at a gas station lest I crash the bike. Something was seriously wrong and I had a hard time controlling the bike. The front end was as stiff as my bones when I try to get out of bed in the morning. We unloaded the bike and I took it apart and got it running a bit better.

Trying to navigate through an unknown city with no map, in the pouring rain is a challenge to say the least. We finally made it to the campsite in Wollishofen just south of Zurich right around the time it was starting to get dark.

Bicycle Parking at the Oerlikon Train Station

We finally got our camp set up, including a beautifully positioned tarp over a public bench. European camping is simply hard to envision for Canadians used to Provincial and National parks where your camping fee gets you your own private spot, your personal table and most likely a fire pit. In Europe you generally get to set your tent up on the grass, alongside all the other tents and then if you're lucky there will be a table or two to be shared between all the tenters. But on the other hand, their toilet and shower facilities tend to be better overall than the Provincial and National parks in Canada. So, in Zurich we got our strip of grass, an amazing view over the lake towards Zurich and the lush hills, no table, free showers and a bus route right outside the gates. All that for only about CDN$70/night :-)

The view from our tent

Because of the late arrival and it being our first night camping we had no food and made do with the two last remaining sandwiches at the campground store. The next morning we feasted on fresh pastries from the store.

Camping, European Style

I once more took apart the bike's front end and came to the conclusion that I had installed the cups upside down on the top part of the stem and they were now damaged.

The next day we took the very efficient transit system into Zurich and bummed around trying to replace our two lost towels, stocking up on camp fuel and so on. We came upon the Transa discount outlet and went on a wild spending spree. They gladly directed us to a bike shop where I found the replacement part which I had damaged.

Zurich

View from the campsite

Navigating out of Zurich the next morning was much easier than trying to enter the city after our flight. We just had to find our way towards the airport and then connect with the well marked bicycle trail system, complete with distance markers. Basically a marked highway system for bicycles. It also helped tremendously not to have the rain pounding down on us.

Still in Zurich

Finally out of Zurich and on the bicycle network

The Swiss countryside transports you into a picture postcard setting. Cowbells are jangling, there are lush fields and hills everywhere and I couldn't resist the urge to start yodeling. I'm just glad the Swiss themselves didn't hear me as they would probably be annoyed by this rather "passe" type of music.

Bicycle signposts and distance makers everywhere

A quick stop for some fresh soft apple cider, a good energy drink

 We have now joined the Eurovelo 6 Route, which doubles as the Swiss Rhine Route as well. This is our first view of the Rhine but I know that we will have to climb over a small mountain range into the next valley north to join the Danube. So we'll be leaving the Eurovelo 6, joining the Danube Bike Path ...which feeds back into the Eurovelo 6 a bit further down the Danube.

My own Lorelei dipping her feet in the Rhine

 

This little rest area along the Rhine comes with its' own guard dog for bikes

We stayed in a Campground in Schaffhausen, Switzerland and got rid of our last Swiss Francs since we'd be heading into Germany the next day.

As we entered Schaffhausen. The inscription read something like built in 15hundred something

Starting the climb out of Schaffhausen

The next day a nice gentle climb on a beautiful road took us into the hills towards the German border. Very pastoral and peaceful. Right from the town of Schaffhausen bicycle signs pointed us towards Donaueschingen, Germany. The road dips into Germany and then back into Switzerland but no border control officers were in sight.

Germany #1

Shortly before the German border we were greeted by some extremely tough climbs and a lot of walking and pushing ensued.

Yup, that's an 18% grade

Both Switzerland and Germany are signatories to the Schengen Area agreement. So no documents are required to enter Germany from Switzerland. Once again we'll have to do with no stamp in our passports and just be happy with the one we got in Iceland since Switzerland wouldn't stamp our passports either. Only a sign and an old raised boom gate greeted us. The sign advised that we should simply proceed if we had nothing to declare. For others, such as smugglers and terrorists a sign displayed a number to call for both Germany and Switzerland.

We have now entered Germany and a new blog entry covering Germany will follow.