I will be in Switzerland most of July. I would like to rent a bike and ride from Murren to Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen, then take the cable car up to Grutschalp and finish the ride from there back to Murren. Does anyone know roughly how far it is and how long it would take? I am 70 years old, ride on a paved trail once or twice a week and in reasonable shape for my age but can't do what I once did. So.......what's it like? Should I try to reserve a bike ahead? Russ
Orting, Wa
Posted by
OP
Orting, Wa
3 posts
Lola, Thanx. I really appreciate the insight. I went to the link you suggested. Even more food for thought! While I really like to ride, I've never done mountain biking so I've got a lot of thinking to do. Especially since I'd really like to do this. Thanks again.
Russ
Posted by
Texan in CA
4415 posts
Russ, I've saved a magazine article in anticipation for a Swiss bike ride...someday. This is just a jumping-off point, though - I'm sure there have been changes and even additional companies in the business of renting electric bikes since this article was written. I'll leave that research to you...If available where you want to travel, this would open up a lot more places to bike, since you wouldn't need to be a world-class bicyclist to tackle those hills :-) http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/08/28/travel/the-swiss-alps-on-an-electric-bicycle.html?smid=pl-share
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17401 posts
Russ, here is a link to a previous discussion on this topic: http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=94628 I have walked all of that route EXCEPT for the long part between Gimmelwald and Stechelberg. What people have to say about that would give me pause. While the trail from Mürren to Gimmelwald is paved (and steep), apparently the part below Gimmelwald is gravel or dirt, with rocks and roots. I am a fairly experienced mountain biker (I used to compete in Masters' races) but I never liked steep downhills on gravel/rocks/roots. If you are not used to handling a bike in those conditions, it could be a recipe for a nasty fall. OTOH, the ride from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen in the valley would be lovely. And from Grutschalp to Mürren, while mostly unpaved, would be easy on a fat-tire bake. So if I were doing this, I would ride down to Gimmelwald and take the gondola down from Stechelberg from there. Even there, you'll be braking the whole way down from Mürren to Gimmelwald.
Posted by
Woodinville, WA
97 posts
Hi Russ, I'm so envious! We just got back from a trip to Switzerland, and the weather wouldn't cooperate for a bike tour of any kind. Too cold/wet. We stayed in Wilderswil, and the apartment owner works for a company in Interlaken that rents bikes, including electric bikes. Here's the link: http://www.flyingwheels.ch/?lang=en. If that link doesn't work, the company's name is Flying Wheels. I e-mailed them on our trip, and they were very quick to respond (in English :). They do tours as well as rent bikes. They are not the only company in town, but I thought it might be a good place to start. Like I said, we didn't use them, but they could be a good source of information. Enjoy your trip. Switzerland, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Good luck!
Becky