Perhaps I'm avoiding cycling because I'll be saturated in two weeks. On Sunday I joined a friend for a 14km hike up the Hoher Kasten (1782m) in Appenzellerland. We started in Brulisau (823m) and completed the circuit in five hours. It was overcast and we were completely in the clouds when we reached the summit. The sky cleared as we hiked down and opened to a gorgeous panoramic view over Appenzell. It was perfect and my sore legs are reminding me of it.
In two weeks I'll be at an Austrian-Hungarian wedding somewhere in the outskirts of Budapest. This is really cool and I couldn't be happier to be going. It's the wedding of good friends who I know from my university days in Edmonton, Canada. We don't see each other often, but when we do it's always a good time. The dance should be interesting since I haven't really danced since university. I'm sure there will be many waltzes and opportunities to step on people's feet. If only dancing were like riding a bike!
The wedding weekend is also the beginning of my six week leave of absence. Shortly after I return from Hungary I will get on the bike and carry out my dream of a multi-week bike tour. To some people's surprise, I'm heading along the German part of the Rhein for the first 700km before diverging to Stockholm. At least that's the plan. I like the Rhein because it's a beacon that will make it hard to get lost. It's also lovely, flat, and full of campsites. In the end it doesn't really matter where I go: This is my first solo trip and has more to do with the physical and mental challenge of cycling 2000km. If it's something I enjoy then I will make future trips to more exotic places such as Iceland.
I have the means to blog from the road, so come back to the site to read about my progress.
Over the weekend a friend and I went on a two-day cycling and camping tour. Our original plan was to ride the strenuous Alpenpanorama Route #4, but decided against since we were tired, had concerns of snow at those altitudes, and had lots of camping gear to bring with us. Instead, we rode the Seen Route #9, which is the same route we'll be taking on the upcoming summer Tour de Schwiiz.
It was my first tour with the fully loaded Yak. The trailer definitely compromised my balance, but I felt good with it after half a day. I also had my first accident with the Yak while preparing for the trip: I was attaching a bungie cord when it slipped, snapped back, and the metal part hit me in the left temple. It left me dazed but also thankful that it wasn't my eye. Lesson learned.
On Saturday night we stayed at a gorgeous campsite on the Walensee just outside of Walenstadt. We cooked a spaghetti dinner, slept 12hrs, and woke to the most beautiful morning (panorama photo below). The Sunday ride was perfect with a strenuous 500m climb from Pfaffikon SZ to Einsiedeln. Near Einsiedeln we got soaked in a cold hail storm and I ripped my waterproof shoes. It was a bit of a downer at the end, but otherwise a perfect weekend. (photos)
I got a Bob Yak! A family in Gossau was selling one for CHF 200.- less than retail, so I went over, had a look, and bought it. I rode home with it and didn't even notice it was there. The only difference were the odd looks from people. I think it'll be perfect for my upcoming tour. Yay!
The weekend was fantastic. My mom and aunt arrived on Thursday night and stayed until Monday morning. The poor weather on Friday and Saturday didn't stop us from enjoying St. Gallen and each other's company. We shopped, cooked, toured St. Gallen, and played lots of Carcasonne. On Sunday we attended the Appenzell Landsgemeinde and watched the locals vote on issues by a show of hands. I always find that interesting. It was sad to see them go and I look forward to visiting my aunt during my upcoming June bike tour.
