Climbing the Fluelapass through a wall of snow.
For once a warm and sunny morning and a good forecast for the next few days which is just as well as we are climbing over the Alps. We got away just before 11 am and could see fresh snow on the hills behind Trubach which is at 1650m and our climb over the Fluelapass is at 2383m should be interesting.
The ride started on a perfect cycle path on the flood defense wall of the Rhein with great views of the Alps behind. Even on a Wednesday morning there were loads of roller bladers, nordic walkers and cyclists out. We meandered through a couple of villages before leaving the Rhein for the last time and heading towards the Fluelapass. We followed the cycle trail along the valley floor. This was mainly the old road and the going was good until the trail forced us to climb up the side of the valley through the village of Fideris, this was a mistake as it added an unnecessary and hard 150m climb. From then we followed the main road to Klosters where we stopped for lunch.(couldn't see Prince Charles though!). After lunch we climbed to Davos. The road was busy and steep between 9 and 11 percent. The swiss car drivers are the most impatient I have met, they cut you up and always try to overtake when there is little room.
After a short desent to Davos which is at about 1500m the road became much quieter and a bit less steep and we gradually climbed through an ever increasing snowy backdrop to the top of the pass. Reaching it in time for the second half of the football. But at the hotel (there is nearly always a hotel or restaurant at the top of major passess) we were told :
"We are too high to have a TV you must cycle one more hour to find a TV"
"WHAT!!!!"
So instead had to settle for a couple of great beers called Schutengarten overlooking a still frozen lake, while texting my brother for footie updates. Apparently there was 6 inches of snow here the previous day. After that it was a great desent to Zernez arriving about 7pm.
It was a pretty tough day, but an excellant one, it was also Richard's first alpine pass and as a result we are splitting the next days proposed ride to Bormio into 2 shorter days but this will result in the loss of the rest day.
Stats
Distance: 94.26k
Climb: 2238 (by far the most!)
Riding Time : 5:31:54
Average Speed 17.0kph
Total time : 9.22
Paula adds : Check out this link for the Stelvio Pass Italy
http://www.fogonazos.es/2007/08/stelvio-pass-road-48-hairpin-turns-to.html
ADDITION TO POST :- "Found a great hotel in Zernez and the great news for Richard was that he did not have to share a bed with me for once!"
Sounds like you had a great day. When I saw your schedule I thought you had to many rest days anyway !! Tim.
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