This was possibly the best day yet? It was certainly the most satisfying. We successfully climbed up and over the Jaunpass at 1509 m, between huge limestone peaks in great weather, descending into the Simmental valley in the Bernese Oberland, re-crossing the north/south watershed of Europe and switching from French to German in the process.
We were up early and were away around 7.15. There was a climb of about 250 m just to get up to the valley leading to the pass – and breakfast in a welcome cafe. Then a flattish lead in to the village of Jaun and the business end of things – 5.7 km to climb 530 m (that’s about 9% average – and that’s steep!).
In fact the first 4 km or so were at 10%, with the gradient easing after a tunnel higher up. And this time both of us peddled every inch – no pushing involved!
The top was quite enclosed and didn’t have the best views – but here is the crucial photo!
The descent was brilliant – 600m down to the valley floor and then another 300 m down the Simmental to Thun. Here we are camping at a lovely site on the shore of the Thunsee. I have just been swimming in the lake whilst admiring the north face of the Eiger. Fantastic!
Helen’s track of the day: The Kooks, She Moves In Her Own Way, something jolly and simple to hum in today’s exertions.
This is bringing back memories of our Swiss trip and the double-decker train walk! Hope you put the German phrase book to good use. Enjoy the reading that is on its way.
But has the bike moved on in the header? Now I know it’s moving the virtual ride has become of more interest than the real one.
And do you wait for each other if your chain comes off? At least I have a real reason to dislike Contador now!
Catherine – we could see the ridge that you and I (and Tim and Ann) walked. And we cycled to Bern in parallel with the train line.
Tim – just moving the bike now! And I haven’t seen the Contador incident yet.