Stage 17 - Zurich to Gersau - 95 km

Todaz.s mission accomplished+ (I.m back on a Euro kezboard...). Today I wanted to get about 100k back in the legs and test my rear wheel. I did both! Becky rode with me to Zug and got to experience a little of on road, on path, back on road, back on path, type of touring I have been doing. It started off with gravel on the path, so we got on the road. We happened to cross the path later on and got back on it. This goes on and on almost each day for me on this trip, but that.s why I say I.m never lost, I don.t really know where I.m going! So I headed south to Luzern and saw the old wooden bridge that makes it famous, or at least to me. I can also remember this bridge from '01. Then I had an awesome ride along the north part of the See (since they are a landlocked country, I think they call lakes the 'See', just to make them feel like they have SOME water). The road hugs the shore most of the way and it is a spectacular view of it closer to where I am staying now in Gersau! I would come back here for sure! The hostel is right on the water, but I came to the adjoining hotel (VERY nice) to have lunch and use the puter. I.m going back to take a swim and hang out by the water! Should be nice! Tomorrow will be a climbing day to Biastica (spelling?) as I head further south towards Lake Como. Until my next internet stop, ciao!

I got my days messed up when uploading, this is Gersau to Biasca, will fix later...

Somewhere in between Gersau and Schwyz

The first section of switchback climbs between Wassen and Andermatt, with lots of traffic.

The second section of climbs beyone Andermatt, Gotthardpass is out of the picture, but somewhere THAT way!

The last 3k of the climb to Gotthard, side road.

The rubber side down!

The many switchbacks on the 12k cobblestone decent after the top of the pass.

MOOOO!!!!!

More rain....

What else can I say? More rain, and it sucks! We got a few things done around here, they are still unpacking from their move, but the rain didn't let Becky and I go cycle touring. The weather forecast calls for SUN for the next week, so I am heading out tomorrow. I am really looking forward to it too, not because I want to leave my great company, but because I'm ready for some more adventures! So stay tuned, it could be a wild ride! I do have one thing to find out..... What do girls at strip clubs do for tips? I now know why the USA has one dollar bills, so they stay in the garter. But over here, they have 1, 2 and 5 CHF (Swiss Francs) in COINS. I know they won't fit in a garter, so your trusty reporter is dead set to find out what they do with them thar (!) coins! Stay tuned!

Rain, rain, rain - Zurich

Becky and I were going to take off for Gersau today, but rain has socked us in. The forecast was for 90% chance, and it has lived up to that 100%! So I woke up late, had brunch, then went back for a ciesta. Now we are going to the Post to drop off my backpack and postcards, then meet Martina (Jeff's running partner in the Inferno race) for dinner. Hopefully we won't melt between now and then......

Yesterday we went to the bike shop and had them true my wheel. He didn't even ask when I wanted it back, he did it right then. I was very pleased with that! So then we rode into Zurich along the bike path and even went by Jeff's office at ING by chance. We had a nice sight seeing tour around the new city and old. I think the old has a lot of character, especially when you have a Starbucks on one corner and a Sex Shop on the other! Are we still in Amsterdam?? Then we rode back in a light rain shower and just chilled out here at the apartment, listening to some good Country music!

So my plan is to make it to Gersau tomorrow where we will stay at the youth hostel, then I will ride further south heading toward Italy. Becky will either ride back here or take the train, but this will probably be the last time I see them on this trip. Although I do think they should move to Berlin, or some place like that where I am heading! I will probably just dip into Italy at Lake Como then stay in St. Moritz on my way to Austria. So like I said from the beginning of this trip, the last few weeks are foot loose and fancy free. Thanks for riding along with me, it's great to have you all along.

Truin' and screwin'

Off and away from Schwyz.

I'm not sure what was so funny, but Jeff spent a lot of time doing a damn good job truing my NEW wheel.

I don't think that a spoke should look like spaghetti, and most of the non-drive side looked like these....

And here is the video of how bad it was. With Kenny Rogers version of "You Picked A Fine Time To Leave Me LOOSE Wheel" playing in the background, sort of....

Off and away again, I hope my wheel lasts to the next train station....
On the way to Pragelpass.
Pragelpass off in the distant cradle.

This is what Becky and Jeff look like at the end of the day, climbing to their home. NO THANKS, get a car!

But the reward is well worth it! I'm up for adoption if you guys are taking!
Not a bad view at all!!

This is the way you go to dinner in Europe!

Jeff can true, I can screw, furniture that is! I hope it's a fair trade off, I was able to finish the ride yesterday and he gets a table, two chairs and a dresser put together while he's working to pay for them!!!