GravelXswiss - day 4

Day 4 (gravelxswiss.ch)

I say goodbye to the hikers with whom I had been competing for space around the stove to dry our shoes. Well, I won in the end because they didn’t dare leave their shoes there overnight. I, however, had spotted a warm air outlet pipe behind the stove. With the shoes carefully positioned, there was no risk at all. And miracle of miracles, I was able to set off with warm, dry feet.

The miracle didn’t last long, though. After just ten minutes of riding, the heavens opened and it poured for an hour straight. As a result, my feet spent the rest of the day marinating in their own juices. (Let’s hope you’re not reading this while eating.)

The route is incredibly fast and flowing, and I reach Lucerne in just four hours, including a breakfast stop and without too much effort. To be fair, the route is mostly downhill, which certainly helps.

The track is really enjoyable, and the section along Lake Lucerne is absolutely fantastic.

I take the opportunity to grab some food, though a little way away from the lake because the prices in Lucerne are absolutely insane.

Determined not to repeat yesterday’s mistake, I book my accommodation fairly early in the day—especially since I need to wash absolutely everything tonight. The phone conversation is both amusing and slightly surreal.

“It would be best if you arrived before 5:30 p.m., because after that we’re closed.”

“Uh… yes, but I’m on a bicycle.”

“Kein Problem, but you need to be quick. Where are you right now?”

“Well, somewhere between Lucerne and Schwyz, but definitely closer to Lucerne.” (The campground-hotel is another 20 km beyond Schwyz.)

“Ahhh, okay.”

As if what I had just said was remotely precise.

“But hurry up anyway, otherwise we’ll be closed…”

So I put a bit more pressure on the pedals.

The sun finally makes an appearance, which feels wonderful. The scenery is breathtaking. Every new bend in the road looks like something straight out of Heidi’s homeland, and the route frequently takes me through wonderfully remote places.

After a brief stop in Schwyz for an ice cream (well, it is hot), I begin the first part of the climb toward the Pragel Pass. It’s magnificent, and the route is exactly as I remembered it—fantastic. What’s more, this time I can actually admire the scenery, since my previous reconnaissance ride had been done entirely in the fog.

I finally arrive at the Husky Lodge, almost directly on the route, at 5:05 p.m.

“Herr Éric, ahhh das ist viel Glück.”

Well, not that much luck, to be honest.

I had to push pretty hard on those pedals to get there on time. 🚴‍♂️😄