Moira is a semi-retired doctor from New Zealand. At 60-years old, Moira cycled across Switzerland on her own on our very challenging “Alpine Tour” and then turned around and did our Guided Challenge Tour. Here’s her account.
In June 2017 I did two Bike Switzerland tours. I started with the Independent Alpine Tour. Nothing like jumping in at the deep end! I started the day after flying from NZ.
In retrospect, I probably should have had one day to recover.
The bike was very suitable and the GPS great once the jet lag wore off and I worked out how to use it.
The riding was amazing. There were some challenging passes, but nothing too steep. The scenery is just stunning. I have done a lot of travel in New Zealand and Canada, but still found myself sending photos to my husband telling him that this was the most beautiful place on earth.
I took quite a few extra days to explore the mountains and had some great hiking among the cows and right up the mountain tops with the aid of gondolas. The lifts in the alps make hiking so accessible and they let you get right up into “Heidi country”.
I loved Gruyere with its medieval town on the hill. It was a beautiful stop after the incredible ride down the valley through old villages dedicated to dairy and cheese making. I sat at a lovely restaurant in the middle of town that evening which was very special when all the tourists went home in the evening. The hotel was right up at the village with a sunny deck and a view to die for.
Thun was another very special stop where I took a day off for some hiking also took some time to explore Interlaken.
The Klausen Pass was my most challenging climb, but I had a great sense of achievement at the top.
The hotel at Weesen was one of the best, being an old style , quiet hotel on yet another beautiful lake.
I then joined a lovely group and 2 awesome guides for Bike Switzerland’s Guided Challenge Tour. More relaxing as I just had to bike and not worry about the GPS.
It was great to have the social side which was most enjoyable. Also great riding, beautiful places to stay and a fantastic day in the mountains.
We also enjoyed some extra riding challenges that the guides set up for us.
I could go on forever. I couldn’t recommend Bike Switzerland more for the great organisation, in-depth knowledge of the routes and wonderful places to stay.
Maybe Switzerland makes that easy!
Moira, New Zealand
Indy Alpine Tour 2017
Guided Challenge Tour 2017
