Today was supposed to rain but thanks to the wonderful people that put their rain gear on it did not. The ride today was led by Benny and the sweeper was Davey also known as Fast and Funny! Unfortunately right out the gate a bike broke down and they had to wait most of the day to have it up and ready to go. They got to the hotel just after we finished supper.
Other than a break down there was no major incidents today. Lots of beautiful mountain passes right up to the snow on the peaks of the mountains. The roads in the morning followed lush forests of pine trees and lovely rivers. The colour of the water was like none other I have seen. Almost like the Caribbean Sea but a cooler colour of blue.
It is amazing that the big trucks, buses, campers and numerous bikes and cars all travel the same roads. It is pretty terrifying as you head into a corner and realize there is a truck starring down at you (not quite but man it felt like it at times). Today we did not experience so many bikes that tried to get in between and pass but there was a car that pulled right beside me and behind our leader. Scared the crap out of me as I did not hear it coming. He had to tuck in beside me as there was a truck coming around the corner. Thankfully I did see him at the very last minute and was able to back off to let him in. But it didn’t stop him from getting right up close and personal to Benny.
Thankfully Geert spoke to the border authorities about all the groups coming through into Switzerland because when we pulled up to the border Benny was able to speak with them and then they simply let the whole group pass through. Otherwise it might have been a long stop to get the bikes stopped and passports, drivers licenses and bike documents out of the bike for inspection.
One of the last passes over the mountains I was directly behind Benny and my smile could not have been wider. His speed was perfect, my cornering was just to my liking but my gears certainly got a work out from 1st to 3rd gears. The switchbacks were numerous and I had fun doing them. I hardly touched my brakes at all!!
Arrived at the hotel around 5:00 which gave me enough time to download the GoPro pictures from yesterday and today. While I waited I took a little nap. Then off to the shower and dinner for 8:00. The World Cup for Football was also on with Belgium playing France. France won 1 to 0. Almost every table had an iPad or tablet set up so they could watch the game while eating supper.
Tomorrow I am not sure what I will do with my leisure day but I hope to ride a little and maybe do some tourist things.
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