Lots of mixed terrain and damp weather

May 26, 2025

Today’s ride began with rain for the first 10 miles that was light to moderate, with temps in the 40-60s. Not fun riding weather… Today we rode 33.56 miles and had an elevation gain of 1794 feet. Most of the day was downhill but we had a BIG climb out of Gstaad first thing to get out of town and into the countryside. We also had a few other short steep climbs throughout the day. Today was mixed terrain some double track, some single track and of course paved roads. A lot more single track and double track gravel riding today. The gravel surfaces were generally small chips that were, compacted and well maintained. Mostly we followed bike route 9. We had everything, busy city and town roads, lots of rural country single lane roads, single and double track gravel trails along the river and railways and some winding single lane roads through industrial areas in larger cities to avoid busy city streets.

The scenery was again gorgeous but the mountains were cloaked in clouds although toward the end of our ride the sun peeked through and the green pastures shone. Lots of cows and farms along the way. Often times we felt like we were riding right through the farmers yard as we were riding in between the house and the barns.

Our hotel for the night is over looking lake Thun. We walked down to the waterfront for dinner and enjoyed walking along the docks to the ferry dock. Then back to the hotel where we sampled both the indoor and outdoor pools. The outdoor pool was heated with lots of bubbling jets. That felt good on tired muscles.

Enjoyed this artwork in our hotel. We have seen so many cows on this trip

The view out our hotel window this morning. We weren’t real excited to get out in it on our bikes….

Because the first part of the trip was so rainy we don’t have as many pictures today, but the countryside was beautiful just wet, misty and cloud covered…..

We rode through lots of covered bridges today as we crossed and recrossed the river. The river started out quite narrow when we first encountered it but it grew to be a wide rushing river by the time we left it.

Along the way…. So many wonderful traditional Swiss chalets

Crossing the river yet again. The water is that milky glacial color so common in this region.

This is a great rest stop along the way complete with porta potty, picnic tables, running water and a grill

The water trough here had a more natural flare

The view from our hotel room out over lake Thun with Spiez castle to the left

The other direction from our hotel window

Today's ride: 33 miles (53 km)
Total: 223 miles (359 km)

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