I rode into Basle from Huningue. As it turned out I had to wait until nearly 4.00 p.m. before I could board the first of 3 trains that were to take me to Andermatt.
Expensive meal
It was quite late when I finally arrived in Andermatt. I knew that there was a campsite just out of town. It only operates in summer and you use that facilities in ski lift terminal and that is over the road.
I headed into town and order a meal. This was my first experience of Swiss prices being converted into the relatively weak Australian dollar. I makes camping wherever possible a necessity rather than an option.
Very Tough Cyclist
Back at the camp site I got into a conversation with bloke from Belgium who told me that he had been cycling in Australia last year. He had ridden from Melbourne to Darwin, via wester NSW and Queensland.
I was impressed. I was doubly impressed when he rolled his left trouser leg up to reveal a prosthetic limb below his knee. He casually took of the limb and hopped towards his tent.
Getting Advice
In the morning I stopped to have a coffee in small café that also sold maps. The owner turned out to be cyclist. He was interested in my trip.
He told me that I would find that climb over the Furka Pass “difficult with all that luggage”. He also told me to watch out for the motorbikes, however “it won’t be a busy as it gets over the weekend”. He also gave me some advice regarding cycling in Italy. In short he suggested taking the train through the “shitty bits – it a bit 3rd world in parts”.
Over the Furka Pass
At the bottom of the Furka Pass there is a sign that tells you that over the next 13 kilometres, you will be climbing over 800 metres. I have done bigger climbs in Australia from Corryong to Thredbo, but with not as much stuff on the bike.
James Bond Spot
The climb is a classic zig zag alpine road. At one point I came across a sign and a plague pointing out that the this road was used in a scene in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger. Check out the Flickr link and the link to YouTube.
After the zig zag bit, the road goes in a relatively straight line to the summit of the pass. This was the toughest part of the climb. It is really annoying when you can see where you have to get to, but it takes forever to get there.
Ice Cream and Beer Stops
I stopped for a coffee and ice cream at one point. I had a beer at the rather dilapidated restaurant at the top of pass.
Fast Ride Down
It was an extremely fast ride down the other side of the pass. The Flickr videos say it all.
Campsite by the river
I was basically knackered when I got on to the Rhone Valley floor on the other side of the pass.
As I was riding along the cycle path, I came across a nice little campsite. I decided that would do me just fine and checked in.
It was a great spot, but there was problem having a shower. It required a ½ Franc Coin for a couple of minutes. The shop at the site didn’t have any of those coins. I was rescued by a Dutch couple, who have several. They made the comment that it was “absurd to charge for showers when you are paying so much for the site”.
Detour to Rome Bridge
As I headed to Brig, the route took a turn away from the main Rhone valley into a forest. The track became a dirt path down to a stone bridge. Some walkers told me that it was an ancient Roman Bridge. The climb up from the bridge was so steep I had to walk the bike.
Getting lost after Brig
I became a bit lost after Brig. As stopped to look at my map and fellow cyclist stop. He turned out to be yet another Dutchman – the place has to be empty. He told me that I was on the right path.
It wasn’t too long before I seemed to have lost the path again. As it turn out the same bloke came passed me again. I asked him if he knew if there were are camp sites nearby. He said he was staying at one and he led me to it. It turned out to excellent.
Australia out for 60
I checked the cricket score on the internet. Unbelievable.
Heading towards Lake Geneva
I was bit slow getting started the next morning.
At one point I was passed by women on an electric bicycle. She slowed down for chat. She told that she was heading to Lausanne. She told that she lived in Zurich and was having a weekend ride.
We ended up riding together for the remainer of the day. I was extremely hot. Just short of a town called Fully, my fellow cyclist spotted a sign to a hotel and campsite. We checked in out.
The place turned out to fantastic. It has good pool, restaurant and shop.
I decide to stay two nights.
Flickr Link
Garmin Links
Over the Furka Pass
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/856927267
South of Brig
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/856927331
To Near Fully
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/857977586
Link to You Tube Goldfinger Clip
billrider2013 