2024 Fall 4 Country Adventure

 4 Country Tour

(Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy)

The route was laid out with the Stelvio Pass in mind, a bucket list ride for most cyclists.

In general, riding in September has been with favourable weather conditions in years past and was hoping this year would be no exception.

Leaving home in cloudy conditions with the rain gear at arms length.

Safenwil

A half hour into the ride, there was a quick downpour, but not long lasting luckily.

Saalhoehe Pass 779m

By the time the Saalhoehe Pass was reached, the roads had dried out and it was a speedy downhill to Wittnau. 

It was a visit with my "Old" Aussie Mates, which have been organizing a Down Under party since 1984, almost every year.

The Host's Mansion

The event procedure is always the same to keep it simple!

Meet at the Pub...

Followed by a game of Cricket...

Almost Professional!!

Followed by a Barbie with all sorts of beverages...

A Signpost in case somebody gets lost...

Fire pits to keep warm...

Original entertainment of course...

A Theme for special occasions...

Finally a place to sleep...

After 2 days of attendance, the ride continued with heavy legs towards the German border.

Cabbage Fields

Several times the road crossed borders between Switzerland and Germany and the only indication to tell, was a different number plate on cars.

An unmanned border crossing over the Rhine River

A coffee break to warm up and dry out.

Finally in Germany I met up with Fredy, a cycle enthusiast friend and last year's trip companion.

Taking a shortcut over a section of the lake.

Together we followed the Bodensee bike trail on the German side towards Austria, passing vineyards...

Lovely towns like Lindau...

Old town of Lindau

Finally getting closer to the Alps...

In Schruns, we checked into Hotel Montjola Nova, where friendly staff made us feel welcomed.

Enjoying a beverage on the Terrace overlooking the town, a daily ritual to relax from a days ride 😄

View of Schruns

In the morning it was goodbye, as Fredy headed home again to attend other commitments, while my journey pointed in the direction of the Timmelsjoch.

First it went along the "Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse" to Lake Kops.

Getting passed by E-bikes...

Incredible valley views

Lake Kops

Alpengasthaus Zeinisjoch

After a period of downhill to Landeck, the road started the incline toward Soelden and the Timmelsjoch Pass, with rather steep sections at times.

From Oetz to the Timmelsjoch, it was a prolonged uphill of more than 60km 😰

But rewarding views all over.

The temperature considerably declined, with all the elevation gained.

The road appeared to be never ending...

Taking a couple of pics for the memory and crossing the border into Italy.

Then it was a speedy downhill toward Meran and the warmer temperatures were welcomed with the lower elevations.

With an elevation of 325m, Meran was the lowest point on this trip.

A peaceful Bicycle path follows the Adige River for 50km through vineyards and apple orchids from Meran to Prad.

Unsuccessful cyclists??? 😝

A Skeleton exhibition is conventionally placed at the bottom of the Stelvio Pass...

                                                                                         

Climbing toward Stelvio Pass, this was the ultimate goal on this trip.

The first of 48 Hairpin Turns.

Climbing higher and from turn 22 the Restaurant on top could be spotted.

Getting closer now 😃

Made it, after more than 3 hours of pedaling!

Every year in August, the Stelvio Pass closes to motorized vehicles for 1 day and is open to Bicycles only. 

  

One last view down the 48 Hairpin turns, before speeding downhill toward the Umbrail Pass and crossing the border back into Switzerland.

Unlike the previous Mountain Passes I crossed, the Ofen Pass carried an uncomfortable amount of traffic.

With delight, I exchanged the road with a Beergarden in Zernez to enjoy a cold beverage, celebrating another successful bicycle adventure. 

😄

As the weather turned cold and wet, the Swiss Rail system completed the journey back home.

More... further down the road...