We start our two mountain pass trip in beautiful weather. On the way we have breakfast at the beginning of Lake Lungern, which is gloriously situated landscape-wise. At first we ride along the train tracks to Interlaken, on the way to Brünig Pass. We encounter a lot of loose gravel, which makes it difficult considering our baggage and a 16% upward slope, because the rear wheel tends to spin freely due to no solid ground to get a grip. But soon we make it. Next is a steep downhill bike path down to Meiningen. On the way down the gravel is almost even more difficult. Now we start the ascent to Grimsel Pass. It begins to rain, more and more, so that we become soaking wet. In addition, the temperature goes all the way down to 6°C (43°F). We are getting colder and colder. The road seems to be dragging, and it is always going uphill. Over a distance of 30km we have to climb more than 1400m. It is very demanding. After a seemingly endless time we get to the pass. We are so cold that we first order hot drinks in a hotel restaurant. We are also able to change our clothes here. Because we are so cold, they even light the fireplace for us. Then we have a downhill stretch of 15km, in pouring rain. But finally we reach the campground. We visit a nearby restaurant. Hopefully the sleeping bag is still dry. |