A Ride Towards Fort L’Ecluse

It's very easy to fall into a routine. Our routines can revolve around cycling, hiking, work, scuba diving and more. It can also revolve around local walks and more.

This weekend I saw the chance to go for an overnight bivouac and I am not tempted. I saw the chance to cycle through vineyards and drink wine, and I am not tempted. I saw the opportunity to hike around Interlarken and I am not tempted.

I also saw the chance to have a relaxed ride to Hermance, have a sandwich at the café, and then swim, or ride back. I used to go to Hermance very often as a diver, so the lure of this bike ride is not strong.

The bike ride to Vuache, however, is tempting. It tempts me for three reasons.

A familiar Site

The ride will take me within visual distance of the Via Ferrata de Fort l'écluse, that I have climbed many times. I have driven here by car and by scooter. I considered the bike, but for that I want to have a safe route that avoids busy roads if possible. It's also an opportunity to see the Fort, from the other side of the river.

A Good Distance

The ride should be about 75 km or so. I have the opportunity to ride another century this week, but with a group with a slower pace, so it should be more comfortable.

A Relaxed Ride

More than once I have said that I like to ride with groups that ride at a comfortable pace because it gives me the chance to ride further, without reaching a state of exhaustion. It is also the opportunity to see more of the landscape.

No Train and No Car

In theory, I have the option of not using trains, or cars, by going for bike rides on Saturday. This means that I save on commuting time and cost. I wake up, get ready, get on the bike and start the ride. If I do the same as last Saturday I will arrive with time to spare.

Home By Mid-Afternoon

There are plenty of activities where I get up early, for a hike, but don't start until nine or ten o'clock. With cycling I start by seven thirty, to be at the starting point by eight thirty.

With the bike ride I might ride for three or four hours, but if I lived in Geneva, or took the train home, then I'd be home for a normal lunch, almost. This gives me time to do some clothes washing and other weekend activities.

And Finally

Although last week was ambitious, with the 130 kilometre ride I did not suffer too much. I could feel that my left knee needed a rest the next day. More than anything else, I wish I had had an electrolyte tab with me. I was cycling for over seven and a half hours and by the end I was getting dehydrated. I plan to have a tab or two with me on Saturday, for the return leg of the bike ride.

It should be interesting.