Home » Italy Switzerland » Cycle to the Summit Part 3 - Crossing the Alps

The thrill of crossing the Alps in mid December by bicycle has been overshadowed by having two bicycles stolen in Milan. This is a big setback, financially, and emotionally, and does not come at a good time given that the Earth Summit 2002 has been also brought forward a week. Fingers crossed, in the next update we will be back on the road with more exciting adventures to recount.

Cycle to the Summit Part 3 - Crossing the Alps

Toby Hammond
2006-06-25 18:39:06

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source: http://www.cycletothesummit.org.uk

Monday 10th December 2001- Les Rousses to Lausanne 80km

The start of our third week on the road saw us leave behind the frosty Jura Mountains for the windy shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. We had our fill of pain au chocolat in Les Rousses (10 for 24 francs) before getting back on the bikes bound for Switzerland. It was only a few kilometres to the border and just when we thought we had seen and heard the last of French dogs barking at our heels, one made a dart from a driveway in the little village of La Cure and drew blood from Toby's leg.

The border was a bit of a disappointment, as we had hoped to take pictures next to a 'Welcome to Switzerland' sign (in French of course) but instead had to make do with a meagre customs 'outpost' that didn't ask for our passports.The rapid descent from the col at 1228m to 500m called for all possible clothing to be taken from our panniers. The only skin left exposed was enough to allow a slot for our eyes so we could see where we
were going. A Swiss café in Begnins near the foot of the descent took our 'by now' usual order of three café grandes and a chocolat chaud and we took the opportunity to thaw and examine the new currency that we now had. From there, we continued along the shore of Lake Geneva towards Lausanne. We decided to rendezvous for lunch in a small town named Rolle on Lake Geneva. However, a missed turning meant that the lunch date was not kept. After much cycling around, both pairs made their way separately to Lausanne. Coincidently both enjoyed the Route du Rhone cycle-path that weaved its way along the shore of the lake, through pretty villages beautifully decorated with tasteful Christmas trees and lights - the sort that would be swiped within minutes back home. We entered Lausanne, taking in the sights of the university and buildings dating ...