Final thoughts.
Back home to jet lag. It is easier to cope with it afterwards rather than during a trip, since there is little to do in a hotel room at 3:00am. Sort of.
Sue and I went on a short ride today and found ourselves stronger than before the 300 mile trek across Switzerland. We enjoyed 2 weeks of guiltless dining. That's over but I'll miss the chocolate, cheese and the breads.
We never did get into the Alps. We followed the Jura mountains along the Aare River across northern Switzerland all the way from France to the German/Austrian border. We climbed enough hills to break a sweat despite unseasonably cool, but welcome, weather. All in all we enjoyed the Swiss countryside, cuisine and hospitality.
Much of the ride is on dedicated bike paths. Switzerland is crisscrossed by many streams filled with snowmelt from the Alps and being well drained we crossed over many old stone or covered one lane bridges. They are very quaint. Many bridges are also very new and modern. Europeans seem comfortable blending the new with the old.
Unlike the Alpine route I took last year, our route was interspaced with a lot of hard pack gravel. It could be treacherous and certainly made for a muddy ride when wet.
Cows and horses use the bike paths too. The aroma of farming and ranching can get in the way of enjoying the scenery. With a short growing season, I guess the build up of "processed grass" in the barns and fields help push crops through to quick harvest to feed the 8 million Swiss and their guests.
Switzerland is incredibly green and a beautiful backdrop to the many small villages dotting the landscape. Most of these towns were once walled for protection against invaders dating back to at least Roman invasion. Characteristic of each is a fresh water drinking fountain. These fountains can be quite elaborate and decorative. Each village also has a clock tower usually doubling as a church steeple. Undoubtedly it also served as a high perch to espy oncoming marauders.
Outside of the enjoyment of the ride, we really enjoyed the friendship of our fellow riders. This is the third time Sue and I have traveled with a group. Each time we have joined up with good people,
I wouldn't mind doing it again.