Closing the loop on day 35 - to Zürich airport - Over the Alps and back again

August 27, 2024

Closing the loop on day 35 - to Zürich airport

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I had a feeling when we arrived in Zürich a couple of days ago that our tour wasn't officially complete. That's because we started from the airport, not the city, all those days ago.

We've since had some city time, some down time and some time with friends. Now, it's time to close the loop.

Farewelling our super-helpful apartment manager

As the photos show, it has been cool and grey-skied during our stay in Zürich, thankfully. Our wee attic apartment would have been unbearable in the heat. Instead, we enjoyed a couple of easy days sorting laundry and bike boxes, along with a little sightseeing, ice creams and walks along the lake shore.

Now, though, we're counting down to take-off tomorrow.

It's a short ride to the airport but, given the city's reliance on trams as public transport, not without excitement. We're in no hurry though, so stop near the opera house for a coffee and to observe people and canines going about their morning business.

From the Opernhaus, the city rises steadily from the lake. We soon leave the Limmat River behind as we veer off towards the airport. Bruce is keeping an eye out for a bike-washing opportunity. New Zealand takes bio-security seriously and we've often had our bikes thoroughly inspected at the border. There's a timely bike shop along the way so we ask about cleaning. For a small fortune (we're in Switzerland; did I mention the small fortune we've paid for bike boxes?), we can use their power washer and cleaning fluid. The job takes us around 15 minutes and we all look quite respectable afterwards.

It's not far to our destination now. We bike around the airport perimeter until we reach the airport hotel enclave. This time, pressing END on our bike computers does feel like the end of the tour.

The Holiday Inn Express is efficient and very comfortable - a step up from our usual. We check in early and can take (for free) the airport shuttle to fetch our pricey flat-packed boxes from - where else? - the airport. Packing the bikes is straighforward but there's always that feeling of 'will they make it to the other side of the world intact?' We'll see. Now it's time for a celebratory dinner.

Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Cheers and happy anniversary to us! Where did those 47 years go?

Today's ride: 14 km (9 miles)
Total: 1,568 km (974 miles)

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Jill BrinsleyPerfect!! An awesome achievement ( both the adventure and the anniversary! ) safe ( and hopefully comfy) travels. Looking forward to catching up soon❤️❤️
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3 months ago

Robyn RichardsTo Jill BrinsleySee you end of September!
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3 months ago

Tricia GrahamI have really enjoyed follows you along snd and sorry your journey is over. It is always good to read of a trip you yourself have travelled it brings it all back How did you miss one Saturday of Park runs ?
Have a safe and not too terrible flight home. The last straw must be when you get to Auckland having to get on yet another plane
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3 months ago

Robyn RichardsTo Tricia GrahamThanks, Tricia. Yes, I was disappointed about the missing parkrun but we were crossing the Alps and were too far away from any events. We now always fly Chch to/from Singapore. So much better than AKL and can leave our vehicle with our son in Darfield.
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3 months ago

Karen PoretThanks for the “lap around the fence” at the end of the video..you’ve come “full circle” in a manner of speaking. Congratulations, kiwis!
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3 months ago

Robyn RichardsThanks for your lovely comments Karen. Will look forward to reading about your trip next month!
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3 months ago

Dawn HunterWell done! Looking forward to a chat about your awesome experience! Safe trip home! 👏🏼😎😍
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3 months ago

Carolyn van HoeveWill miss reading your entries Robyn! It’s been great following you along. Congratulations on all that climbing and another tour under your belt to reminisce about. Hope the trip back isn’t too tedious and your bikes arrive intact. It’s warming up a little in NZ!
We delayed our departure and leave on Tuesday so excitement is kicking in.
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3 months ago

Robyn RichardsTo Carolyn van HoeveAll the best , Carolyn. We've loved this trip and I've loved doing the journal. Thanks for your comments and have a great time!!
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3 months ago

Barbara TameTo Robyn RichardsI finished,thanks so much I loved your entrys..u prob home now.
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2 months ago

Robyn RichardsYes, been back in Picton since the weekend. A bit cold here! Thanks for reading, Barb.
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2 months ago