I am looking to go on a two to three hour easy ride not to far from Zurich (within 1.5 hours) with the Mrs. tomorrow (off road is preferable). I know where all the hilly and mountainous courses are but don't have much clue about flat easy courses. Most grateful for any recommendations.

I would recommend Greifensee. Not sure how long it would take to go all the way round, but you can always just cycle one way for 30-40 mins then head back (I am making hte assumtion that the return journey could be slower).

You may go to the Greifensee. There is a path around it (around 15 km), and it's super flat. Most of it (90%) is fairly compact gravel, the rest is tarmac. A part is currently under water (around 30 cm deep), but it can be by passed.
If you go by car, the best thing to do is go to Maur, and to park at the church, since the parking lot close to the lake is quite full.

Hope this helps

vei

just bike along the limmat river to baden-brugg..its all flat and is a nice trip.

This Sunday, there is a "SlowUp"" event along the Rhine around Buchs, SG, and Vaduz, Liechtenstien, see here. It's not off-road, but it will be car free as the designated roads will be closed to motor vehicles throughout the day, and the route looks almost completely flat (see pdf).

Are there any other flatish cycle routes from Zurich other than Greifensee or along the Limmat to Baden? We don't mind getting a train for a short distance to the starting/end point.

How about the tour of the zürisee ?

I do Züri-Richti-Züri for my fitness and is quite flat. 45 Kmts

The full tour is 70 km that you could do in around 2 hours

We are looking for this same information... Like dakman said, we only know about the hills and mountains, but have some family coming to visit and would love to show them the feeling of cycling in a beautiful place here without too much strain so they can enjoy the views Would definitely prefer somewhere with a bike path separate from the road (so Zurisee would not work).
Thanks for any suggestions along these lines!

Around Aegerisee (partially unpaved, but not a bad surface) about 18km and very flat.

Rapperswil to Schmerikon. (Again partially unpaved) but possible to stay off the main road nearly all the way. Great views of the mountains on the way out and next to the lake for most of it.

Regensburg to Schafhausen (just did this today) about 310m climbing over 44km. Crossing the border into Germany twice and taking in the Rhinefalls just before the end. (Credit to Nick for that route).

Schmerikon to Weesen. Nice flat countryside, view of the mountains on a clear day, and you get to finish up right by Wallensee.

If I think of any more I'll let you know.

I have quite enjoyed a ride from Zurich to Zug along Sihl the other day. About 40km, not much elevation, but there was one small climb near Sihlbrugg where a granny ring may be necessary. Gravel roads in forests mostly, so not much of scenery, but I heard those who live in England do not see forests much.

If you want some flat and relaxing, I would recommend the ride from Romanshorn in Switzerland to Konstanz. Beautiful scenery along lake Konstanz mostly on a separate bike path. There is a great little stand that sells fresh apple juice and other good stuff somewhere, along there I would recommend for a break. And Konstanz is an enjoyable place to stop for lunch. I think it is only 25 km, but you can always cycle back.

Probably not your traditional mountain scenery, but a nice day out nonetheless. May be able to extend if further around the Lake. Lindau and Meersburg (need to take a boat there are well worth the visit also)

Actually that is a very nice route.

I do that on my cross bike during the Autumn and it is very enjoyable, peaceful and mostly through the forest and along the river.

I did it last week though and I liked it less, the gravel trails are quite harsh without the bed of fallen leaves and humidity that is there during the Autumn.

Maybe one or two days after a rainfall would be good, so you have moisture on the trails without being too muddy.

Just back from that very route - only did about 45 minutes along the way before turning round and coming back, but quite a nice ride - I guess the front suspension forks, and suspension seat post took the harshness out of the gravelly parts for me, but I do see what you mean salsa_lover. Tried the route because I saw it recommended on this thread - so thanks for that ppp

**Resurrecting Old Thread**

I know most of you die-hards have probably done this many times, but yesterday I rode Dietikon - Landesmuseum along the Limmat. It took me about 45-55 minutes each way, and it was just a nice ride..nice scenary, nice trail, and mostly nice people not blocking the trail..mostly.

I am still getting used to riding here (I rode all through college in a bike-friendly town) but this 15.5 miles was low-stress for a Sunday. And my mountain bike didn't go to waste on these crowded streets.