August 28, 2018
Disentis - Up and Ober
Andermatt to Disentis
My goodness we are not getting anywhere fast! We are having the best slow travel experience imaginable. We have been so lucky with the weather in the mountains and today was spectacular in every way. At one point we were riding along with a waterfall cascading to our right, Swiss cows and their bells to the left and a helicopter way overhead making run after run dropping off construction materials for a new ski lift. It struck me that you wouldn’t hear or see any of this from a car. we feel so lucky to travel this way.
We did a short circle around Andermatt this morning to warm up for the main event, the Oberalp Pass.
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After a brief stop at the local grocer to supplement our meagre lunch supplies we started up. The first few km were fairly challenging but we were fresh and the views were immediately spectacular. We weren’t in a hurry because today’s goal wasn’t distance, it was to enjoy the ride. And enjoy we did. Traffic was moderate and about 60% motorcycles. They were great but a bit noisy, so we stuck in the ear plugs. We saw some amazing cars, including a Maserati and a Ferrari so that was fun. The ride immediately out of Andermatt was a series of switchbacks and so great.
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We took our time and just spun our way up in granny gear, stopping frequently for ohhing and ahhing and picture taking. We loved it. As we approached the top we came to the tunnel we had been a wee bit concerned about. Well, it wasn’t really a tunnel, it was more of a snow shed, and as luck would have it there were flag persons controlling the traffic due to construction and they knew we were on the road so we didn’t have anything pass us as we went through. A wink to my friend Helen because I think she had a hand in that!
Once at the top we stopped for what we felt was a well deserved coffee and ice cream. Then we took the obligatory summit photos. While doing that we had the good fortune to Gerhardt, who has a contract with SwitzerlandMobility, an app which is specifically geared to cycle touring and is amazing. https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/switzerlandmobility-app-e.html. We had a good chat with him. He was on an e-bike, and we think he has a dream job. He is riding all the nine bike routes highlighted in the app, making notes and taking pictures. We have been using the app extensively to plan this part of the trip so it was great to be able to tell him what a fantastic resource it is.
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6 years ago
6 years ago
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Then came the swoop down and much, much more, but I have to finish this in the morning. I just fell asleep. More to follow.
Apologies for last night’s sleepiness 😴. Especially since the day just kept getting better and we were about to swoop down the pass. I am not sure how to describe how much fun it was. We have gone downhill like this before, but the road surface was fantastic and the vistas at every turn were unbelievable.
It was over all too soon, but then we rolled into Disentis and saw this.
Then we went for a good walk and a visit to the Disentis Monastery. We found our way back to the patio of the hotel and relaxed over beer while studying the map for today’s adventure. We had an amazing dinner in the hotel and their speciality is Capuns, which we had never heard of but were delicious. Look them up! Leaves wrapped around some deliciousness. The restaurant is world champion at making them. Then of course, I fell asleep. What a superb day.
Today's ride: 37 km (23 miles)
Total: 176 km (109 miles)
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6 years ago
Thanks for the journal. We love it when you are on the road, you fill us with ideas and inspiration.
We are doing things a little differently this year and have already been to and returned from Europe without our bikes this time. Nevertheless we made it to Garmisch and the Zugspitze summit and we loved it.
Have a good trip,
David and Maun
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
6 years ago
In the meantime, I’m enjoying your journal and seeing how you have now joined the community of col collectors. That feeling of accomplishment at the top is addictive, as is the reward of the swoop down.
6 years ago