The heavy rain stopped at 9. We had a nice 65 degrees with complete cloud coverage: perfect! After a quick discussion with the kids about safe riding on wet terrain we headed south.
Within a couple kilometers we crossed the border from Germany to Switzerland. We stopped a bit back and gathered our passports. As we crossed I asked the Swiss border guard, in my best Swiss, if he needed to see our IDs. We must not look very threatening - 2 adults, outnumbered by luggage, bikes and kids. He sort of sighed and said 'where have you been and where are you going?'
'Ah, we started in Munich and are headed to Zurich. Do you have a bike -friendly suggestion from here?'
'Go up that, he pointed. Once you're up it's pretty much flat or down.'
I am thinking, we have 70k to go and it's mostly down or flat after the climb?? I don't remember Zurich being in a pit. Wonder what sort of climb we have ahead of us...
I was pleasantly surprised with the 2k climb - we are all getting stronger. It felt like the world tipped a bit in our favor and for 2 hours we had long stretches of flats.
Then came the rain. I am going to have to ask my parents about some deep, hidden positive rain experience I had as a child. We put on our rain gear (great pic of Saya) and kept pace. I was simply joyful in it. It pelted and soaked everything which just made me happier. Maybe I just liked knowing my bike was getting a bath. The next two hours were in nature's shower. I could feel my feet pickling.
We stopped in Wintertur for lunch, and, of course, came upon a festival: ARMINFEST. Ok. Key was, lots of food. I ate a fruit kabob dipped in chocolate and nuts. Yes, I would like extra chocolate and nuts. As the pic shows, there was one ride and as we stood in line for tickets to the 'throw you up in the air ride' a couple asked if we wanted a couple of free tickets -ah, yes!
The boys loved being tossed and thrown; Charlie and I were cool
watching.
Sho got a flat at the base of a long climb. We patched it, but 15 minutes later it flatted again so we changed the tube.
With less than two miles to go, that tire gave way again and we stopped under an overpass out of the downpour. Saya was getting cold, so while CR played mechanic, I added another layer and played 'how many jumping jacks can we do.' Soon she was saying how hot she was. The bike was unresponsive, so Charlie went ahead with Lucas and Saya (goal - get Saya in warm bath) while Sho and I waited for a break in rain.
We walked the bikes the two miles to the hotel playing 'you choose'. Sho chooses eating slugs over beetles, by-the-way.
We were treated to an amazing dinner at the Buehlers! Our three bonded quickly with Karolina who is just over two and a delight. She and Saya played 'run around the table' ; her laugh was infectious! Our time with them was too short - but we had promised the boys they could watch the Eurocup and it was past Saya's bedtime.
Tomorrow we head to Einsiedeln and Trachslau, where I spent my 2nd grade year and where I have returned many times . It is a second home to me. I cannot wait for the familiar smells and the sound of the cloister bells.
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