Oberjoch Christmas Skiing

Traditionally one of the first things we do on Christmas Day is skiing. Mum has to mostly attend church and Daniel and Rhiannon were sleeping, so it was me and dad this time.

As we have had warm weather which has melted away a lot of snow (cry), we went to Oberjoch for an hour and a half to ski on nearly empty slopes which were iced up. The tourists were probably afraid to go down as most of them where huddled near the tops of the slopes.

After a hot chocolate and another fast trip downhill it was back home to unpack presents and for Christmas lunch. 

Dads blog here.

Jungholz Skiing

Lots of skiing today!

First of all it was with the ski teachers to Jungholz for some practical training and to tell us what we are not doing correct on our skies. Up and down a few times with Werner and Jon telling us to ski backwards and do the snow plough. After the training we had a cup of hot chocolate and coffee at the bottom and then home for lunch.

In the afternoon we (the Hogarth boys + Rhiannon) went back to Jungholz with the French boys. Lots of fast skiing this time and some of piste powder skiing. As the final me and dad had quite a crash (hitting each other) and he now has a big bruise on his leg. Still all had fun and ready for more this winter. Dads blog here.

SoftAir December Training Nr. 1

Planed for a few weeks now to go out photographing a local Soft Air troop and they had their first December training this month so I tagged along. Had snowed a lot recently so it proofed interesting for me taking photos and them playing as it was all made more silent by the snow.

Had fun “kicking” trees too, which resulted in fine snow crashing down on us and sometimes hiding complete people, got the nickname of “smoke grenades”.

Skiteacher Training Nr. 1

Out with the ski teachers today, doing our first practical training this year. The older ones repeating kids practice that we can then do with our groups whilst the newbie ski teachers learnt it all for the first time. Daniel was there with me, whilst Rhiannon was of with some of her friends in Nürnburg and mum had a cello concert in the church.

Nauders Day 4

Accidentally hit dad in bed today, waking him and me up. Wasn’t long until the alarm rang so we got up and packed everything ready to leave the hotel. Dumped everything in Sepp and Moni's Ferienwohnung downstairs and then went and had a nice breakfast.

Once again on the bikes after that, for the last time in Nauders. Some misunderstanding between Group 1 and Group 2, but we set of in the same general direction. Uphill through Nauders and then along behind the town. Group 1 seemed a bit out of energy,as Moni, Jon and me could keep up with them this time. Taking pictures here and there we reached a crossroad and as this was a spontaneous tour without track got into a discussion what way to go. In the end most were convinced we had set of the wrong way and headed all the way back down to Nauders to go uphill again. Met a couple from Munich and had a chat biking uphill when we reached and Alm and had some Cappuccinos there with the whole group. Had a super view down the Inntal from there and got a good picture of the whole group on a tree. Wanted to head back downhill after that but was stopped by cows heading to the next next field. Were being herded there by shepherds and dogs. Once 160 cows had passed we set of downhill along an interesting trail. Some went down, others pushed. Then of to the hotel.

Arrived there and some got changed while we waited for Group 2. After their arrival we loaded up the bikes, which was a challenge sometimes. Once all that had been managed, we had some lunch in an Italian restaurant with no pizzas and a lot of wasps and wind.

Back home in the cars after that with a small queue here and there. On arrival unloading the bikes and of to home and the next challenge: packing for college.

Track at GPSies and pictures at Picasa. Report and everybodys pictures here.

Time in saddle: 1 hour 10 min.

Distance: 11 km

Average speed: 10,7 km/h

Nauders Day 3

Alarm started ringing at 7.15 again today. Found out we were having breakfast at 8 o'clock and went back to sleep again. Jon woke us up about half an hour later and we went and had a hearty breakfast.
At 9 o'clock it was back on the bikes and of to helibike. Said goodbye to Group 1 at the bottom of a lift and took a short cut uphill. Crammed together in one cabin Group 1.5 took the lift up (Jon, Moni and me). At the top a photo stop with cows and Moni biking through a river four times. Travelled across a marsh between Austria and Italy with some anti-tank defences. Nice trails with small bridges over streams and to the end a spectacular view over the lake with snowcapped mountains behind. Only really seen that scenery in computer games before.
After the marsh, downhill through forests and across rock slides. Had a flat tire at one point, sounded like a plastic bag had caught in my back wheel somewhere, but was only the air coming out. Pushed it down to where Moni and Jon where waiting and put on a new tire. Then along the lake, after waiting to cross a road for minutes. Went rather fast and I adjusted my back gears as they had some problems. On to the next lift after that and uphill a loot. Had a coffee stop at the top and then continued along a trail for lumberjacks after I had had a slide down some ring-slide. First uphill stretch after that and it went up to a hotel called "nice and flat". Don’t really believe that. Whizzed downhill and had a lunch brake on a field with a short nap afterwards. Watched a e-mtb steam uphill and set of up the last stretch to an Alm. Lost Moni in a calc hole at one point but got her out again. Downhill along some root forest trails and some un-bikable downhill stretches to the green lake. Had a rest and biked on to the black lake with even worse roots. Jon went down most of the way, but only because he couldn't stop. Jon contemplated about going into the lake but decided against it and we carried on to Nauders. Nearly crashed into Jon taking pictures of old tractors and carried on to Nauders for a bath to wait for Group 1 and Group 2. Had an ice when they arrived and then a nice dinner with a very entertaining game of UNO later.

Track at GPSies and pictures at Picasa. Report and everybodys pictures here.


Time in saddle: 3 hours 20 min.
Distance: 41,6 km
Average speed: 12,3 km/h

Nauders Day 2

Woke up because of dads alarm ringing at 6.05. Lay in bed until 7.15 and then got up to have some breakfast, scrambled eggs etc.
At 9.00 o'clock it was of on our bikes and nearly strait away up a trail. Just joking about Inge being at fault if our bikes got dirty as she wanted to do the trail the most, and went strait into some muddy puddles. Carried on, my camera batteries empty at one point, with great views over to where we biked yesterday. Moni was a bit ill but listened to Jon (stupidly) and took of a lot of clothes of, but put them on again later. Downhill along forest trails evading a lorry and a car. Near the bottom we went through a tunnel chiselled out of the mountainside, which Group 2 had biked through the day before, not seeing a thing. Along the Inn after that, me trying to send Jon over a pipeline which looked like a suspension bridge. Didn't work and lost Inge in a town, but she caught up again after about 5 min. Continued on along an artistic stretch of forest where people had created objects out of wood and stone. Me and Jon being the only ones stopping and taking pictures.
After that it was uphill through the brilliant Val d'Uina valley. A wild river flowing down the middle I nearly fell over a small edge but got of fast enough. The girls did a small pee stop and then we meet up with Group 2 and had a small chat. Group 1 continued on for another half an hour after which we had our lunch stop. Group 2 passed again shortly after. Starting again it was further uphill with a car overtaking us, surprisingly. At the last hut before the cut out trail two hunters where loading up three stags onto a truck which had been shot and then lifted out by helicopter to the Alm. Once again overtook Group 2 having a drink at the Alm and then some pushing uphill to the cut out trail. Jon lagged behind a bit and I waited and we got some good pictures of the valley. About a mile strait down, at which Jon was so shocked of his own picture he took a step back. Continued on and caught up to the group at the top, dodging another group of bikers on their way heading down. Reaching the top of the valley we were greeted with high mountain landscape and blue sky. At first we wanted to press on to the Sesvennahütte but ended up stopping on the way for a short rest and energy resupply. As Sepp said "streng Katholisch" as the women were on the left side and the men on the right of a small stream eating something. After that it was Karin and Inge which cycled nearly all the way, getting of every 10m to walk for a few and get on. Heidi tried sometimes, falling over at one point, but the rest pushed mainly. Arrived at the hut a bit later, looking over to the Ortler, the highest mountain in the area with nearly 4000m and a snow topped cap. Had a drink with a donkey and goats standing nearby and the headed of downhill. Jon, Inge and me biked nearly everything and passed a beautiful waterfall on the way down. Shot past a lot of walkers and dog owners (some complained) to bike right past our track. Took a short cut through a field and ended up back on it. Lost Hopsing a while later as we turned left on to a half hidden path but he caught up again in the end. Along an overgrown forest trail with views over the valley it was downhill to Burgeis. Jon, Moni and me took it back to Nauders while the rest if Group 1 carried on. In Nauders we unloaded it rather fast and then picked up Group 2 in a town near Burgeis. Drove them back home and met Group 1 again and had dome delicious dinner.

Track at GPSies and pictures at Picasa. Report and everybodys pictures here.



Time in saddle: 5 hours
Distance: 48.2 km
Average speed: 9.8 km/h

Nauders Day 1

Biking in Nauders for four days now.
Started by driving there in three cars and having a stop with bacon and eggs for breakfast. Arrived in Nauders at 9.15 with cloudy mountains and grey mood. Weren't sure if we were going to bike or not, so we got settled in our bedrooms after unloading the cars. At 11 o'clock the weather looked better so we set of on our first tour. Group 1 had already planned a bigger trip whilst Group 2 settled for something flatter. Going uphill at first, a few seconds after Jon had said we were going downhill at first, we saw first remnants of snow high above us. Then downhill were everybody went down the first trail except me, who took a short cut down the main road. Capturing them on their way out we headed on further downhill, where I also went down the next trail. Over a river and down a stony path, we overtook Group 2. Nearly everybody without mudguards complained as their backs and bums were wet and dirty. At the bottom it was across the boarder into Switzerland and then strait uphill. I thought I could keep up with the front at first, but my energy ran out pretty soon. The weather had been getting better and better and the sun was out with a few clouds. Going uphill a Group 1,5 was evolving again, consisting of Jon, Moni and me. With a few stops we were getting nearly above tree level again and the views were getting better and better. First view of the hut shortly afterwards and a high mountain scenery until there. At the hut first thing to do was refill the water with fresh, cool mountain water. Then lunch with pasta and apple cake and two friendly sheep, which chewed Heidi's rucksack. After admiring the view down to Nauders it was a race downhill with a fence and Jon doing a jump behind Hopsing. Past a waterfall by a big rock and after that through a Swiss town. After a bit more downhill along the Inn back to going uphill what we had gone downhill in the morning. After a lot of curves with Hopsing chasing other bikers we had a drink at the Norbertshöhe and after that back to Nauders. Fixed my bike then, as it needed a new tire, and had a shower before dinner.

Tracks at GPSies and pictures at Picasa. Report and everybodys pictures here.

Time in saddle: 3 hours 40 min.
Distance: 37,5 km
Average speed: 10,2 km/h

Thursday Fence Trail

Was a bit de-motivated setting of for biking today. I had been at work instead of college and was spent. But as the weather didn’t look to bad, the typical Thursday storm clouds still appearing thought, I got my biking gear out and set of with dad for the last Thursday trip before my England Tour (which you will be able to follow here).

Arriving at the gym, Group 2 immediately seamed to know where they were going and started instantly. Group 1 took a bit longer to decide but we set of towards Gschwend and then the Grüntensee. After the Grüntensee it was up the Elleg with something akin to storm clouds hovering in the distant, but we didn't mind. After a load of fences we reached the top which gave us a very sunny view of the Rottachspeicher. Then downhill (where my breaks failed a bit) and down a super trail which Inge took us through. All with red and golden sunlight streaming through the trees. Then of to the Kreuzweg, before which Hopsing had a flat tire, and back home for a drink and talk via the Oyer Moorgang.
A super track with brilliant scenery.
Track at GPSies and pictures at Picasa. Group 2 info here and a report by Sepp here.

Time in saddle: 2 hours 30 min.
Distance: 37.8 km
Average speed: 14.9 km/h

Thursday Kappler Alm - Stubenthalalm

Woke up to beautiful sunshine weather and clear blue sky this morning. Good weather for hiking up to the Saloberalm near the Alatsee with my college class today.
Driving back home the clouds were getting numerous once again. After eating lunch the day had turned dark again. A typical Thursday, as usual. It pissed down sometime in the afternoon so when we set of at the gym it was a bit wet and still very cloudy (the gods hate us).
As once again everyone had voted for a "safe" route we cycled up the Alpspitze through Kappel and then up to the Kappler Alm. Bloody steep.
Jon hooked himself up to Karin for a short while to gain some ground.
Reaching the crossing back down to Nesselwang, Jon decided to leave us as his heart pulse wasn't to good. Continuing on without our Boss we biked up the Alpspitz were I fell on an electric fence quiet painfully. Luckily Inge was there strait away with her medicine. I fell twice more as my day just didn't seem to be good.
Racing downhill and then up again to the Stubenthal Alm we speed down past the Haslacheralm and then of to the Bistro, racing against Sepp and Hopsing.
Track at GPSies (got a new Garmin Oregon 400t for my old 300; great job Garmin) from me and Jon and pictures from Jon and me at Picasa. Group 2 info here. Sepp's report here.

Time in saddle: 2 hours 20 min.
Distance: 27.3 km
Average: 11.7 km/h

Thursday Alpspitz Tour

Picked up Gabi today on my own as Dad wasn't going because of some firm meting and Heidi was doing something else. Gabis thermometer showed the temperature to be at about 13 °C. Also very cloudy sky so it looked like rain.
Meet at the gym as usual and set of on the safe route up the Alpspitze. Safe as in, whenever it starts to rain you are back in Nesselwang quite fast.
After cycling up all the of the Alpspitz we could, and having a chilling wind blow against us, it was of to the Fichtelhütte and then down a step, rocky track. Some managed to cycle down and Jom even managed to fall over whilst walking. A feat nobody has managed to date, I think. And then it was whizzing down the mountain at top speed (always fun) with a few fences in the way. At one point we had to wait for Inge a while to get all her gear on and then we were confronted with a near impossible problem. Try getting past a herd of cows in the road. Sepp managed to do it with lots of jelling and then it was of to the hay hut and after that downhill. We have worked out that Jon beats everyone downhill on tarmac (something about motorbike experience...) but I am perhaps a tiny bit better on stony trails.
Back to Nesselwang along the mountain through a forest were two things happened. One: Jon and me chased a badger for about 100m and two: I nearly shredded Jon's glasses in a marsh with the result of Sepp nearly biking into me.
After that of to Jimmy's for a drink and a talk.
Track at GPSies from Jon, and pictures at Picasa from Jon and me. Report by Sepp here.

Time in saddle: 2 hours 10 min.

Distance: 22.9 km

Average: 10.8 km/h

Sunday Lake Tour

Lots of fresh air this weekend. Went to lake Constant yesterday and had some fun learning how to drive a boat with the water rescue. Had a journey on their big (14,50m) and modern equipped rescue boot and also in three smaller ones.

Today it was of on to the bikes for a Sunday tour. Left the house at 8min to nine and picked up every “Brandler” on the way. Left the gym at 9.02 and set of to the Vils in Pfronten, cycling through Wank and Kappel on the way. Reaching the Vils Hans took the lead as he is a gebürtiger Pfrontner.

Him and Dad suggested we take a short cut through the Vils down a ramp designed for the diggers, but the rest reclined (of course). Biking along the Vils to Austria the storm clouds were getting numerous again and the wind picked up. Luckily it was a back wind which was driving us forwards.

At one point a small dust devil appeared which fully hit Gabi and shoved me around a bit and got sand in my eyes. Gabi was surprised but nothing else happened. With storm clouds behind us we carried on past paddocks of horses and a pond with some water lilies in it. Uphill for a bit after that but then down a long tarmac road past the Alpsee were I apparently biked over a snake (we still don’t know if it was a grass snake or a viper). Then down an off-road track to the Schwansee for a brilliant view over the castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein.

Then for some delicious lunch and after that to the Alatsee were most of us had a swim. The weather had brightened up a lot over lunch so we were once again cycling in sunny conditions. Back on our bikes along a mountain range above the Weißensee and then back through Pfronten home by brilliant sunshine to have an ice. And we had all thought at 10 o'clock today morning that it was going to rain.

Track at GPSies from Dad this time, as my GPS is still in repairs and pictures at Picasa from Dad and me.

Time in saddle: 3 hours 30min

Distance: 54 km

Average: 14.9 km/h

Thursday Cycling Weather (again)

After not going last week, I had not been cycling for two weeks. Coming home from school there were already the typical thunderclouds appearing over the Alps (the German word for Thursday seems to really fit; Donnerstag (Thunderday)) as it had been sweltering hot all day.

But at 18.25 I left the house to pick up Heidi and then carried on to the gym. Waiting for the rest the first discussions of where we were going to cycle sprung up. Some said here, some there, as nobody wanted to get wet.

At 18.45 we set of towards Wertach via the Grüntensee. Already storm clouds were coming up from the west. Stopping at a bridge we decided to correct our course and biked towards the Elleg, meeting Group 2 on the way who where heading strait for the dark clouds. Waiting at the main road it was then decided we would cycle up some mountains we had just come from, as the weather looked better there. Cycling through Wertach to our destination arguments of where to cycle sprung up again but in the end we went up a hill (to get some Höhenmeter) and then back as fast as possible to Nesselwang with thunder and lighting chasing us. For some reason we continued on through Geschwend and headed for Nesselwang hoping we would get there dry as it just started spitting. Well, hope shattered. Bearing down on Nesselwang coming from Pfronten was another storm front we then got caught in. Arrived at the Bistro a bit wet but just in time as not to get caught in the real downpour.

Track at GPSies from Jon as my Garmin is in for repairs. Pictures at Picasa from Jon and me and a report from Sepp here. Group 2 info here.

Time in saddle: 1 hour 20 min.
Distance: 26.4 km

Average: 19.6 km/h

Thursday Breitenberg

Set of today at 18.30 from the gym with plans for cycling up the Breitenberg. It was the longest Day of the year an all in all 17 people in group one peddled towards the Breitenberg. 5 minutes after start we were joined by two who had missed us at the gym. It was of through Kappel (were Jon and I stll got lost) and then uphill through the Achtal. At the bottom of the way up the mountain we had a short break and then shortly after starting s minor crash from one of our guests.
All the way up the Breitenberg with a few rests (Hopsing nearly did it 3x apparently). We lost Matthias on the way as it was his first time cycling this year, but weren’t worried as he had warned us this could happen. At the top long things on and then downhill. First flat tyre from Sebastian just when it started spitting which took about 10 min. to fix. After that I had a flat tyre which took another 10 min. The rest had gone on already so I peddled down with Jon and Hopsing who had helped me fix my tyre.
Along a rocky way which Jon and I bounced through in semi darkness we meet the others at the end. Had lost our two guest but were sure they had continued strait on and set of towards Nesselwang in slight drizzle.
Arrived at the Bistro for a drink and there was a lot of food.
Track at GPSies and pictures at Picasa and from Jon. Report here.

No Track detail as my speedometer broke at some point. According to it I had cycled up the whole mountain in 15min.

Thursday "Heuschuppen" + Sorgalm

Set of as usual towards the gym, picking Heidi up on the way. Nice day, a few clouds and a good weather forecast. On the way Karin C. overtook us with no rucksack. We started wondering if she was actually cycling with Group 1 today as she always has a rucksack on her back. Instantaneously after thinking this she turned round and peddled back home to pick it up.

At the gym Group 1 set of towards Pfronten this time, testing a new way past a Heuschuppen which Inge led us to. Last time Heidi and Moni had tried to find it, but were unable to. After that it was a lot of uphill, as we cycled up the back side of the Alpspitze and nearly reached the Herzler Hütte. Along the Alpspitze to Stubenthal and then for a drink at the Sorgalm with Hans, who had just recently had his 25^th wedding anniversary. Later, after a few Schnapps, it was back to Nesselwang via Wertach at top speed all in one line.

A nice trip with a lot of Höhenmeter (for me) and some really good views.

Track at GPSies and pictures from Jon and me at Picasa. Group 2 info here. Bericht here.

Time in saddle: 2 hours 10 min.

Distance: 34.6 km

Average: 15.8 km/h

Group 1 Attendants: 1

Arrived at the gym today and was the ONLY Group 1 guy. Never happened to me in my four years there. So I decided to cycle with Group 2 today and it wasn’t bad.

Set of towards Bachtel and on the way Christa lost her light which was found by Hans on the ground. After Bachtel towards Schwarzenberg with nice lighting scenes of an upcoming storm from the west. Before Schwarzenberg I took a tunnel which was full of cow muck and the Group 2 just passed by it over a road. Then from Schwarzenberg towards the Schwarzenberger Weiher, finding some fox cubs on the way. Me being a nature photographer stayed for quiet some time and had to catch up with the rest. Above the lake the boys then went down a trail and the girls took some other route, but we all met up in the end. After that up to Mittelberg along a stream which we first had to look for and then along the Panoramaweg. Could already see the storm coming in from the west but we continued along the top and I somehow directed them wrong. Ended up in taking us further towards the storm. On the way back we had to miss out the Mühlbachweg as the sky was growing darker and we could see the rain front bearing down on us. A stop in Feistenoy to get some weather proofs on the rucksacks and then we somehow lost Hans on the way back. Stopped under a bridge wondering were he was and got some raincoats and trousers on. As usual for Group 2 the Sekt came out and whilst having a drink the world vanished in rain. After it had calmed down back through Gschwend home to Nesselwang. Arrived at the Bistro dry and sat all alone at the Group 1 table. Vera ordered a Humpen as she had had her birthday yesterday and it turned out just as I was leaving that Neill had a flat tyre. Still fun.

Track at GPSies and pictures at Picasa. Neills report here.

Time in saddle: 2 hours

Distance: 29.8 km

Average: 13.9 km/h

Thursday Bärenmoos

As it is holidays here right now, the group wasn’t to big but also not to small (7 people). The weather forecast had foretold bad weather for the evening but at 18.00 it didn't look to bad. After some convincing words from Dad (Schönwetterradler,...) we set of to the gym and picked Heidi up on the way. At the gym we had to stand aside a bit as there was some speech being held inside and a tent blocked our meeting point. At 18.45 Group 1 set of towards Bärenmoos, whilst Group 2 biked to the Alatsee. Through Wank and then on to Pfronten, after that a short trip through the Vilstal and then up the Bärenmoos. Jon set a good speed uphill as it did get steep towards the end. Hopsing raced past everybody on he way up and came down after a while with Martin Osterried who he had met at some point. Reaching a crosspoint we still had some time and biked to the top instead of going downhill then. Bloody steep to the end, my chin was nearly touching the front handle bars. Don’t know who managed it, but we all reached the top somehow.

Had a short break at the Alm and then continued downhill with Jon in the lead. Startled some deer on the way down and after reaching the bottom continued down the Achtal and then through Pfronten back home with dark clouds looming ahead. Just reaching Wank it started spitting and we had a short rain down in Nesselwang but arrived at the Bistro dry and happy. Group 2 arrived later and also hadn’t been caught in any rain.

Track at GPSies and pictures at Picasa. Group 2 info here.

Time in saddle: 2 hours

Distance: 32.2 km

Average: 15.6 km/h

Dry Storm Cycling

Couldn't decide today if I should or should not go as it had reined frequently today. At the last minute I then packed my things and after picking up the rest of Brand met at the gym. Group 1 was small today as a lot were preparing for their holidays next week or this weekend.

Set of towards Wertach at 18:45 along the Grüntensee by beautiful sunshine. Through Wertach and then along the main road towards Jungholz. All the others biked on the tarmac, but we do have mountain bikes, so I stuck to the trail on the right side.

After that up past an Alm and then along the side of the mountain. We could see storm clouds brewing, so Sepp sugested we take the direct route home. Everybody agreed so we were of to the Stubenthal Alm. Along the way we met Group 2 coming down (with Dad yelling at the front) telling us we were going right towards a storm. Reached the Stubenthal Alm just in time before the storm started. Had a drink (the Alm had specially opened for us) and waited for the storm to pas. After that long clothes on and then whizzing down past the Haslacher Alm and on towards Nesselwang for a drink in the Bistro.

Lucky today as we weren't caught in any mayor weather conditions.

Track at GPSies and pictures at Picasa. Group 2 info here.

Time in saddle: 2 hours

Distance: 28.3 km

Average: 14.8 km/h

Wednesday Sportheim Böck

Finished a day of school and had done no physical training today. As I came home on the bus it looked like it was going to storm. Which it did. But after that some fresh weather, so instead of sitting at home I went on a cycle ride up the Alpspitze (in case bad weather came again).

Up the Maria Trost way were I met Hanse (my ski teacher boss) also on his bike, and two other bikers that overtook me. Some nice lighting effects of the sun in the forest and then a good view over Nesselwang from the top half. Arrived at Sportheim Böck, had a short rest and then long clothes on to come down again. Met more bikers on their way up and could see a storm coming from the west. Reached the bottom in no time and set of home, being a bit dirty from the damp track down.

Track at GPSies and pictures at Picasa.

Time in saddle: 1 hour 20 min.

Distance: 13.4 km

Average: 9.7 km/h

Alpspitze Trail

Set my alarm yesterday to wake me up today at 9.00, but slept right through it. So I asked Dad if he would like to cycle up the Alpspitze with me after lunch. Mum also joined us but she jogged up.

Set of after lunch with blue sky and a mountain to go up. Mum disbanded of her bike at the bottom and more walked than jogged up the mountain as we cycler are so slow. Up we went and had to get of a few times as there were some trees lying in the way. Heard the occasional thunder but thought nothing of it as the sky was blue. Reached the top and had a drink. We then saw what had caused the rumbling as there were thunderclouds in the Alps behind the Alpspitze. Started spitting again but Dad pressed on to the cross. All three reached it and after enjoying the view Mum set of down to the Kombibahn to get a lift down. Dad and I got our jackets on (he had a rain jacket “grumble”), and then set of along a FOOT path to get down. I walked quiet a bit at the top and Dad staid on his bike a lot. I tried three times to cycle and fell off three times. After getting on the fourth time I staid on and we cycled to Bayerstetten and then onwards to Nesselwang to have an ice with Rhiannon. After that we washed of our bikes as we had cycled through mud a LOT and then had a shower. Had a loot of fun coming down and getting spatterd.

Track at GPSies and pictures from Dad and me at Picasa.

Time in saddle: 2 hours

Distance: 14.4 km

Average: 6.9 km/h

Thursday May Tour in 6°C

Was greeted by a cold blast of wind when I went outside to get my bike out of the garage today. Spending all day inside, outside looked warm with the sun being out nearly all day but the wind dropped the temperatures down a lot. After getting a long top on Daniel and I set of to the gym, picking up Heidi on the way.

At the gym we were then joined by some Group 2 people who had been cycling all day somewhere in the Kemptner Wald. At 18.45 Group 1 set of up to Bayerstetten. With some good behind wind we proceeded along a trail which we came out from just in front of Wertach. After Wertach it was up and then down the Elleg, and then up again (funny logic). At the top of the Elleg the wind was cooling down the temperature to about 6 °C and there was snow on the mountains. It had snowed a few days prior and that was in May. If you live here it can snow any time in the year, I guess.

So after cycling along the top of the Elleg we went down a downhill trail which according to Inge and Heidi had once been a lot better.

After that along the road through Petersthal and then uphill some more. Along the way I was getting colder and colder, so next time I know to take some long cycling trousers with me, if the weather conditions are the same. At some point we put our lights on as it was getting dark and then proceeded through Oy-Mittelberg, Dohle and home. I went strait home for some tee and a bath to warm me up and some continued on to the Bistro.

Track at GPSies and some pictures at Picasa from Jon and me. Group 2 track and pictures here.

Time in saddle: 3 hours

Distance: 44.3 km

Average speed: 14.9 km/h

Thursday Trail Tour

A lot of people today again. And with Group 1 quite a few which are younger than me, brother included.

Set of towards the “Indianerpfad” as today was supposed to be a Trail-Day. Got of shortly for some chopped down trees and then continued up the “Indianerpfad” were most, I think, got of. After that of towards Haslach and then up the Elleg on a trail that not even Jon had biked up jet. Noticed one thing: going down trails is a lot easier than up (who would have thought).

At the top of the Elleg it was over some fields and then down the first steps of the day. I was a bit to fast and shot of into the forest but all the rest that had done it came over no problem. Then along the Mühlbach, as last week, were we once again travelled over the bouncy steps (Jon has got an official name but I've forgotten it). Then towards the Schwarzenberger Weiher and up a trail behind there. Some beautiful scenes of the Alps in the sunset and then it was saddle down and down a trail again. All those under 18 zoomed down at the front and took every hurdle in their way. Had to wait a while at the bottom but then it was on to the Moorgang (also as last week). Just managed to succeed in getting through before it was to dark and then back over Gschwend to the Bistro.

Track at GPSies and pictures from Jon and me. Group 2 pics and track here.

Time in saddle: 2 hours

Distance: 29.2 km

Average speed: 13.7 km/h

Thursday Panorama

Brilliant tour today; best we have had this year, some say.

Started of not looking well as the weather forecast had mentioned rain and there were dark clouds on the horizon. Also got a bit of a cold, but then decided to go anyway (so to not be a wimp). Pact all my rain gear in case of bad weather and then set of. Met at the gym and after a while Gschwend was our first aim. Carried on after that along a farm trail to the Moorweg by Oy. First few curves in the Moorweg we had our first accident. A new biker getting used to the group. Nothing bad happened, so we continued at a fast pace with Inge in the lead. Went around the Moorweg as if we were drunk and then emerged somewhere to then cycle up to Oy.

Started drizzlingly a bit then, but we continued on and were rewarded with a brilliant view along the Panoramaweg. After that it was across to the Elleg and then along the Mühlbach (I think it's called).

With Jon in the lead this time, we had a fast pace along the route with bouncy steps and new bridges. Emerged at the end after an adrenaline filled ride and went back towards Nesselwang and the Bistro for a drink.

Track at GPSies and pictures from Jon and me at Picasa.

Time in saddle: 2 hours

Distance: 30km

Average speed: 15km/h

Tuesday Tour

Out cycling two days after the big weekend tour. Wasn’t as painful as I had expected.

Set of with Nico, as it was his idea, towards Kögelweiher and continued onwards to the Schweinegger Schloßweiher after that. Before acctually reaching the lake we took a new direction which involved some of trail tours over fields. Arrived in Eisenberg at some point and then went uphill towards the two castles. I had to get of at some point, but Nico cycled up everything.

Had a super view of Allgäu at the top and then cycled back home through Rebichel and Hertingen.

Track at GPSies and some pictures at Picasa.

Walkertshofen

Day 1:

So, the yearly Walkertshofen cycling tour was planned for this weekend. As it turned out we were so many people this year we set of in two separate groups. Group 2 left at 10.15 and group 1 let Jons house at 11.00. Set of towards Hammerschmiede after everybody was ready and continued down Wertachtal and onwards. Haven't got a clue where we headed after that, but we had four GPS's in our group, so we couldn't get lost.

First stop was in the shade of a hut and whilst we were having our brotzeit group 2 overtook us, to the surprise of everyone. Turned out they had had a break at a place and we had overtaken them. After getting some water by a friendly farmers wife it was on to Mindelheim were we had an ice. Until Mindelheim it had gone downhill or nice and flat so we were not really prepeared for the four hills in the way. But after some strenuous uphill cycling we arrived at Dieters and had a brilliant evening (and played UNO).

Track at GPSies.

Day 2:

Set of after a delicious breakfast with an aching bum, but that seems to be standard by every cycler. Group 2 started a bit earlier due to my lack of timing (they said 9o'clock and wanted to leave at 8.45) but were overtaken after a short while by group 1. After travelling along some newly stoned ways (which were not very nice) we continued through our patch of of-trail forest, which Hopsing always somehow manages to do with a trailer. After that we continued on and had no pause until the 40 Km mark was reached: After a short “Arschpause” we continued on to Kaufbeuren where we had some lunch. Just as we finished group 2 arrived so the waiters weren’t overworked. After kaufbeuren it continued on, uphill at some point, but we arrived in Nesselwang to have a refreshing ice.

Track at GPSies.

Pictures from Jon, Sepp, Neill and me. Report here.

Track length: approximately 180Km

Time in saddle: approximately 10 hours (5 hours a day)

Thursday Falkenstein

Out cycling in brilliant spring weather today. Mountains still got snow on them but fields are green with flowers.

Anyway, a lot of bikers were waiting at the gym today when the group from Brand arrived. Probably due to the nice weather conditions.

Group one set of at a fast pace towards Falkenstein and proceeded fast towards Rebichel. Moni was squeaking a bit along the way, but Jon promised to get it fixed Before the big cycle trip to Walkertshofen on Saturday and Sunday. Going uphill towards the ruin of Falkenstein we were greeted with some brilliant panorama view of the Alps in the setting sun. As said, perfect weather conditions. Arriving at the top we had a short pause to get our long clothes on and catch some breath. On the way down group two was just going uphill, taking the same route as we had. Due to a cold Jon had started of with group two but joined group one in the end for some fast downhill cycling on of trail routes. After a super downhill ride on said of trail route we cycled through some hamlets back towards Nesselwang and the Bistro for some drinks and after that home to a shower.

Track at GPSies from me and Jon, and also some pictures from me and Jon.

New Lake

Nice and sunny day today, so after college I went out on my first real mountainbike tour.

A friend of mine suggested a track so I cycled that today and it was super. Started of going towards Atlesee and after that past Kögelweiher. Turned of right at some point up a hill and came up behind two castles. After that downhill and past a lake I hadn't known before. One of the first times out this year and I find a new lake. My friend had warned me about some rest of snow on the way which turned out to now be mud. I didn't have my front mud guard on so I was splattered in dirt.

After that through Rebichel and then of home for a shower.

Track at GPSies and some pictures at Picasa.

Time in saddle: 1 hour

Distance: 19 km

Average speed: 19 km/h [ didn't need a calculator for that :) ]

Short Cycle

Just came home from Berufsschule today and as it was bright and sunny outside I thought I'd take a short bike trip round the Grüntensee. Still some snow on the ground, which I will get to later.

Set of, after trying to convince my bro to come with, which didn't work; towards Gschwend. As they are renewing the bridge spanning the Wertach I could cycle on the main road no problem. After Gschwend down into the valley and towards the dam.

Now to the snow bit. As I was cycling through the valley small snow patches appeared on the road, no problem for a mountain bike. Ice is a bit of a different matter and as fate wanted it I slipped on some and came crashing down on a nice ice-stone mix. Received two injuries for that with which I thought I should not carry on round the Grüntensee. Over the dam, past Haslach and back towards Gschwend and home to a shower and to clean my wounds.

Not as planned but here a track at GPSies and a picture at Picasa.

Time in saddle: 25min

Distance: 8,9 km

Average speed: 21,1 km/h

Cycling + Skiing

Skiing today and biking yesterday. Only really possible here and a few other places in the world.

Warm up bike tour round the Grüntensee yesterday with snow still abundant on the mountains. Makes some really interesting views.

Cycled with Dad towards Gschwend first and then further on over the Römerbrücke to Haslach. Of to Wertach where we meet a colleague of his who was also cycling. Whereas we stuck to the tarmac road he cycled on some of road tracks which where covered in snow. Wasn’t that easy apparently. After Wertach it was back toward home and a bath as it still does get cold here in the evenings. Track at GPSies.

Today was of to Schattwald with mum and dad in the morning for a bit of skiing. Brilliant pistes early in the morning which you could really stick to. Went up and down a few times, had a drink and enjoyed the views of the Alps. As dad would say: “shit life” (ironically)