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Perhaps the best ride of the year. Certainly the most beautiful. Doreen and I spent the weekend in central Switzerland in Grindelwald – right in front of the famous Eiger north face.
Saturday’s ride, started in Grindelwald and climbed to Grosse Scheidegg. It’s a steep, stunning route – and car free for the last 8 or so kilometres. While Doreen did the climb at her own pace, I rode ahead and at the top continued higher along non-paved farm roads.
The profile above is just for the climb to Grosse Scheidegg. The road is suitable for road bikes. But beyond requires a mountain bike.
The path I followed led to First. The top of a ski lift. It’s a wonderful route. Sometimes very steep, sometimes downhill, always with the Eiger and other peaks in my face.
Descending from First, I took the direct route back to Grindelwald. Parts of this descent (above Bort) are extremely steep. My GPS once flashed 31%. No idea if correct, but I did have to push twice as too steep to safely descend – admittedly, in part due to a dire need for new brake pads. 😉
10 Comments
Gorgeous photos! Although I had a nice day riding in Gatineau Park today, this looks a lot better…
Awesome ride !! Seems it was perfect weather too.
Will, I love your cycling jerseys (especially this one). I really wonder how many do you have. I think you should make an article just about this… 🙂
Simon – ha – yes I own a few too many jerseys these days. The cow jersey is my favourite – and a gift from my wife 😉
And, do you have some gifts from the tourist office of Grindelwald ?? 🙂
Perfect !
really, a precious and impressive photos, great route very great friend will
peace, well and many laughter
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Hi Will, how far can I ride with a road bike on the way to First? I saw some pictures from you showing nice tarmac there but how far does it reach and is it possible to get a good view from the Eiger before the road turns to gravel? Cheers
It changes I think from gravel to paved and back a couple of times I think. But it starts off gravel. Decent enough surface though.