Today we have ridden from Liechtenstein to Andeer in Switzerland. I think we crossed the border twice. The places we have stayed have not had internet so I have not been able to update you.
Day 1 from Munich to Garmisch Partenkirken was a great ride through rollign German country side. We got off the B road and found a lane through the farms to the lake and followed a bike path around the lake for lunch. Saw some very nice holiday homes on the lake. Garmisch was a nice town and we had dinner outside. 4 h 7 m distance 102 km ave 24.7
Day 2. The sun comes up at 5 am so no sleeping in 9 (also goes down near 10 pm). PW made a early run for the Austrian border and scored the first spring points. Next stop saw a punnet of fresh strawberries consumed quickly (only 2 euro). We climbed our first pass Fernpass whcih wasnt too bad. The downhill was good and we rode through our first hairpin.Ollie got the points at Fernpass followed by Martin, Ferdi (good climbing genes) Adam, Rod, Michael and pw. We had a very nice valley edge campsite at Pettneu. Unfortunately the day finished with a very steep climb and Rod `blew up` makign him a passenger in the van.
Day 3 saw a big climb out of Pettneu ( the ski Village St Anton) which was 10 km and climbed from 1228 m to 1800 m, it was raining but not too cold. Martin and Ollie got up at 5 qand did the climb while everyone esle was in bed. They lost points for that. The real climb saw Michael fall victim to low gearing and a steep hill. Olly won the climb again followed by Martin, Ferdi, Adam and PW in points. We had goulash or minestrone at the top at the ARlberg Pass cafe ( well worth the climb). Then the downhill, PW stared down on the wrong side of the road and wondered why the approaching BMW was on the wrong side!!!! Tradegy averted through quick lane change. Then it was downhill for 40 km, with some reaching 80 kph!!! The 3 km tunnel all donwhill at high speed was one to be experienced (heart in mouth). We then road through a nice sunny day to Vaduz. T 4.03 D 91.24 Ave 22.4. Martin wore the yellow jeresey today but Adam`s sprint points to tzhre border at Liechtenstein got him into yellow for today (pity the jersey was int he wash).
Day 4 (today) was a short ride into Switzerland with a climb at the end. We roade a nice big cycle path along the river and then on to Chur for lunch at 1030 am. Marin slipped on the tram tracks and torn a littel bit of bark off. Ferdi then took off in front but didnt look at his route card as he turned onto the Motorway which caused him to climb for 5 km before he coudl turn around. This caused the peleton much cause for concern with the bus driver (olly) workign overtime to try and find him. PW used this as an opportunity to go for King of the MOuntain points and proceeeded to climb out to Andeer in first place (only beacuse the others weree still muckign around witht e vehicle and trying to find Ferdi). Michale had a slow motion fall off in another tunnell. This one was a real shocker as it went for about 650 m downhill and had no lights . My sunnies fogged up and it was dark, all I could do was let the bike go (scary).$
Anyway Ferdi turned up none the worse and we are now exploring Andeer. Points total as of today is:
Adam 37, Martin 28, Ferdi 25, PW 25, Rod 23 (big effort today winnign the sprint into Switrzerland), Ollie 21 and Michael 17. Pleaase note the points earned generally have littrel to do with cycling ability and more to do with being in the right spot at the right time. I think Adam will have tough job defnding yellow tomorrow.
So in summary, all is well, we are having a great time, weather is perfect mid 20s. the tent is big enough. If you want to ring me my mobile is +447990518747. Also seems cannot load phots at these internet cafes, but hope to soon.
cheers pw
Off for a walk further up the street now and maybe another ince cream.
