Ok, for those interested a couple of us will be heading out of Zurich on the 12th August for a cycle. Exact route and time to follow, but most likely around 50+ km or so, and it promises to be scenic!

The ultimate aim is to put in a team for the http://www.zueri-metzgete.ch/site/ which is not that far away ...

Hi, Mark

So,do you intend to go for speed (metzgete) or for fun (scenic) - or are both linked for you? What do you envision as average speed?

Idgie

This one would be on the faster side of things I imagine. The last time I went out for a rennrad ride with Litespeed, these were the statistics, and I kinda slow him down

Büchenegg/Albis/Bonstetten Loop
Distance 48.38km
Ave Speed 21.07kmh
Ride Time 2.18hour.min
Max Speed 69.40kmh
Altitude Climb 800m

But I'm open to all kinds of cycling, as its sort of become my major hobby in the last few years.

Well, I would slow you down much more, then. I am more the long distance scenic cyclist - but slow. I am doing the national biking routes, which are truly great. I go somewhere, cycle about 90-100 km, stop here and there and go home in the afternoon.

For anyone who hasn't heard of the national biking routes: There is 9 of them, in all parts of the country, and I think they are great for biking dummies like me. Signs everywhere, and you can buy their booklets that contain maps, profiles, hotel tips, sights and all other information you need. For more info: http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/navp...onalRoute.html

Have fun
Idgie

The 12th of August ride is being planned as a scenic racing bike tour (contradiction in terms?) with appropriately solid average speed. At this stage I only have a racing bike, I think Mark is the same, so we are not left with much choice but to travel light and go for speed. Also, the window of opportunity for race bike riding is much narrower due to the seasons and the need to travel light.

We figured this ride will be a good measure of if we can make up at least a 4-man team for the Metzgete. It really is a great race and about as close as you can get to a "Peleton" feel without going pro .

But the possibility is also their to organise mountain bike and tour riding with a longer distance and more relaxed pace. I just have to remember where I left my mountain bike

Route to follow soon.....stay toooned.

Um ... yes only a race bike for me at the moment and with the weather already turning; keen to get in a few rides before the Metzgete. So I am looking forward to seeing the route that is being planned (although I think I have the Zurich maps!).

I'm also interested in some cycling, but i'm probably another slow-ish rider. The bike's pretty quick (a cross), but the legs aren't!

I'm in for a bike ride! ...at average speed fast downhill and slow going up

Ha, just realised some techno-street-parade will be on in Zurich next weekend so we may be dodging a few party-goers on the way out of the city!! Litespeed what are the details anyway ... time to meet, location, path to take ... - thanks!

Here is hoping it is better weather than this weekend

Damn! I knew I was double-booked! Oh well, its too late now to get an appointment for a full body wax, so I will have to go with the bike ride.

I am still consulting with Yokine on this one, as he has done more of Switzerland on two wheels than I have. We are thinking Nessau SG - Stein SG-Altschen - Weesen - Ziegelbrücke (and maybe onto Kaltbrunn if we still have the energy).

There is one quite challenging section - involving 600m climb on a stretch of about 10km. WARNING: Unless you have a road-racing type bicycle (triple crank recommended) you probably won't make it. We are not trying to exclude anyone, but as we mentioned in the beginning this is meant to be a trial ride for the Metzgete, which is pretty much for racing-type bikes.

Oh, and no urine testing will be conducted at the end. Doping is allowed and, even recommended.

Where and when to meet to be posted shortly....

I thought the full body wax was mandatory before slipping into the lycra cycling gear

With this weather I've playing muddy, baggy short, hairy legged mountain biker quite happily.

Well it looks like it is going to be a day for those who are keen to cycle ...

Saturday

Sunrise 06:16 (CEST)
Sunset 20:45 (CEST)

Outlook :
Day Temparature: 15°C
Night Temperature: 10°C

Hopefully there aren't too many bends in this course that is being planned ... ha! should be fun

As far a weather goes, we will make a final call around 22:00 on Friday evening. If there is more than 50% chance of rain we will postpone it.

Otherwise, its 1100 hours at Ziegelbrücke Bahnhof (I am sure it has an obvious meeting place, otherwise near ticket office). The route is Ziegelbrücke - Kaltbrunn - Wattwil - Nesslau - Stein - Amden - Ziegelbrücke. ca.65km.

Hmmm; although my time here in Switzerland has been brief - I think there is a good chance that on most days here there is a 50% chance of rain

So I just thought I would say that I don't mind some rain on the cycle (as long as it is not bucketing down for hours). Indeed I am going to purchase the wet weather gear today - somehow I think I will need it as Switzerland heads into Autumn, Winter.

Of course by buying and carrying the wet weather gear you will guarantee sunshine on Saturday. Thanks for that

The cycling Gods are listening ...

Saturday

Sunrise 06:16 (CEST)
Sunset 20:45 (CEST)
Outlook

Day Temparature: 19°C
Night Temperature: 12°C

Hi guys,

I might try to follow you on my mountainbike on Saturday if the weather somehow permitts it.

For those interested in a real challenge, an alternative on Aug. 12th is the Alpenbrevet. The "Challenge" route has 266km & 6619m in altitude. http://www.alpenbrevet.ch/

THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO!

But I think the weather gods have pulled rank. I think it should be dry by 1100, but its not going to be a warm and fuzzy ride. Bring warm gear.

Well 92 kilometres later - I just thought I would say - great ride. Beautiful scenery, no rain, varied route, and good company

Can't wait to see the profile; especially of the mountain goat trail that we inadvertantly tried to ride up!