Trip report: Switzerland, Italy, France

[Echo]

After many years of putting it off for lame reasons, I finally got around to getting over to Europe. With my sister living in Geneva, and Deyv and Isabelle roaming around Europe, all the pieces were in place. I hopped on a plane with my bike and headed across the big pond. Arriving, I was picked up by Deyv and Isa along with my sister. We wandered around Geneva for a while, as much as Deyv is able to wander these days with his crutches and all. Here we are down by the waterfront, with Isa sporting the latest hairstyle, the jet d'eau.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/01d-arrive.jpg

Your tax dollars at work: here is the sunset as viewed from her house outside Geneva, complete with the Alps in the background.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/01j-sunset.jpg

These things were everywhere in France and Switzerland. Squid would have been loving it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/02d-motard.jpg

We continued to meander around Geneva for the first day, checking out castles and stuff like that. Don't worry, the bike pics will be along shortly :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/03d-castle.jpg

Here's Deyv and Isa, the famous world travellers!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/04d-dni.jpg

At first I didn't like how this pic turned out, but now I'm starting to think it came out pretty cool:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/05j-castle.jpg

Of course, there are always beer breaks involved when hanging around with someone on crutches :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/06d-beers.jpg

We decided to do some wine tasting, so we looked in a local paper for some info. We ended up at some bar, which we quickly determined would suck. The owner of the bar however called his brother who owned a vinyard. Normally his brother required a reservation for tastings, but he said it was okay for us to come over. Not long after that, we were on his estate, overlooking Lac Geneve and the Alps, trying about 20 different wines, all for free. Screw these wannabe wineries in the US that want to charge you $2 for a half a glass of crappy wine at a crowded table. This is the way wine tasting should be.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/07d-wine.jpg

After that it was time to start figuring out where our biking adventures would take us over the next several days. Here's me trying to look like I understand the map:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/07j-maps.jpg

And with that we were off in Deyv and Isa's little Nissan Vanette. Normally I'm not a big fan of cars or driving, but it becomes a little more bearable with views like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/07j2-view.jpg

And this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/07j-view.jpg

Our first destination was Zermatt in Switzerland. Zermatt can't be reached by car, you have to leave your car and take a train up the mountain. This made for a really cool scene in Zermatt, although it was a bit touristy. We were the only bikes on the train:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/08d-train.jpg

I had made the mistake of telling Deyv and Isa that I wanted to climb in the Alps. Note to self: don't smacktalk how much you like climbing to someone who is on a one year around-the-world biking adventure. Our first ride was a sweet loop up to Schwarzsee station and back down to Zermatt. The loop included a 3000+ ft climb, where at the top we would be at the base of the Matterhorn. Representin' the Trailblazers jerseys, pre-ride:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/09d-zermatt.jpg

As we started up the mountain, the trail snaked up and up through little farms and villages:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/10d-view.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/11d-view.jpg

Before long we got a little bored with the fire road and decided to take a hiking trail up for a while. Things started to get steep and technical:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/12d-climb.jpg

But that did not deter us from climbing - Isa grinding it out:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/12j-climb.jpg

Around a tight steep switchback:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/13j-climb.jpg

After a while we popped back out onto the fireroad and continued upwards:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/14d-climb.jpg

Through a cool tunnel:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/14j-climb.jpg

And above the tree line:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/14j2.jpg

At this point we were not only above the tree line, but also getting close to the Echo line :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/15d-climb.jpg

We just kept going up...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/16d-climb.jpg

...and the views kept getting better...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/18d-top.jpg

Until things finally leveled out a bit and we started finding some singletrack:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/19d-top.jpg

The last section up to Schwarzsee station was a granny gear grinder of a climb. In fact, after many years of cruelly neglecting my granny, we suddenly developed a close relationship on this ride :D At the top, Deyv had taken the Gondola up so we could all enjoy some beers and sausages together and admire the Matterhorn. Unfortunately, clouds obscured the Matterhorn, but that didn't stop us from having sausages and beer!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/19j-top.jpg

Things were quite a bit cooler at the top, and we needed to put some more clothes on for the downhill portion of the ride:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/20d-top.jpg

On the way down, we were determined to take some of the many singletracks we had seen on the way up, which were too steep or technical to use for ascending. That made them perfect for riding down!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/22d-down.jpg

Isa on a fun section:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/22j-down.jpg

The views continued to impress:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/23d-down.jpg

As did the trails:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/24j2-down.jpg

Good thing Isa was here to keep this split tree from falling the rest of the way over!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/24j-down.jpg

The final section of singletrack we had scouted on the way up was a walking path that ended up going through a really cool little village. We got some strange looks and possibly cussed out in German for riding there, but since neither of us understood German, we just kept riding :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/25d-down.jpg

These trails were just kickass:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/25j-down.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/26d-down.jpg

As we approached Zermatt again, we found some little "exercise stations" along the way. One of them instructed passers-by to perform gymnastics moves. But I don't think most of the people on the trail can perform gymnastics like Isa:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/26j-gymnast.jpg

Our ride at Zermatt was awesome! And as luck would have it, as soon as we took the train back down to the car and headed to our next destination, the clouds cleared...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/27d-view.jpg

[Echo]

After taking an impressive combination of mountain passes and tunnels to Italy, we arrived at a small mountain hostel in Aosta, where we again enjoyed beers while surveying the maps of the next day's ride:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/27j-maps.jpg

This ride was one that Deyv and Isa had done previously. They loved it so much they decided to go back. It started with an easy climb on the road:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/28d-climb.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/28j-climb.jpg

I had once again talked smack about climbing. You would think I would learn my lesson. Deyv mentioned that this ride included about 2000 feet of climbing. I made a comment that after doing 3000+ feet the day before, we wouldn't even notice 2000 feet. His reply was, "you will notice the first 1200 feet." When the singletrack started, it was STEEP.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/29d-climb.jpg

But we were determined to ride as much of it as possible.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/29j-climb.jpg

Once again on this climb we were provided amazing views of the mountains on the other side of the small valley.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/30d-climb.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/30j-climb.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/31d-climb.jpg

This climb was awesome, but it wasn't all rideable.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/32d-climb.jpg

And sometimes you had to be careful to stay on the trail...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/33d-climb.jpg

But this much continuous singletrack in the Alps was truly a sight to behold.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/34d-climb.jpg

Eventually, as expected, the trail started going down.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/35j-down.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/36d-down.jpg

It kept getting more and more fun, and just seemed to go on forever.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/36j2-down.jpg

Anyone who has ridden with Isa before knows how well she rides. Well now she's even better.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/36j-down.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/36j3-down.jpg

Somehow I managed to survive and keep up though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/36j4-down.jpg

After the awesome ride in Italy, we headed back through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to France, with our destination being Les Gets. We arrived there, and were deciding which trail to ride, when the sky opened up. Since Les Gets is only about an hour from my sister's place in Geneva, we headed back there for the night and hoped for better weather the following day. Our wish was granted, and as an added bonus my sister's husband joined us (using Deyv's Blur) for the ride. We took no mercy on him and chose the expert XC loop :devil: Here he has no idea what he is in for:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/37d-lesgets.jpg

Once again, the views were incredible. But the beginning of this loop was some pretty serious climbing, and I don't think my sister's hubby was noticing the view much.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/38d-view.jpg

Eventually he found his lungs though and was able to appreciate his accomplishment:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/39d-view.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/39j-view.jpg

As always, climbing is rewarded with downhill:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/40d-berk.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/40j-isa.jpg

And what would an XC ride thread be without the token huck to flat :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/41d-huck.jpg

That's it for the pics. This trip was awesome and I did NOT want to get on that plane coming home. I'm already scheming for an excuse to go back, especially to Les Gets with a freeride bike :devil:

[Toshi]

wow. i especially like the shots of climbing where a glacier (?) is visible in the background.

[rpk1988]

Wow. Those a simply amazing views. You did exactly what I want to do. I like how the people are really laid back over there. I had an enjoyable time while I was there, but unfortunatly it was without my bike. I will make it over there sometime. Sweet pictures man. Or as we say in German "Das ist gut". Haha.

[mack]

Zermatt is my favorite place in the world. Limited acess, and the ski resort kicks ass. Your a pretty lucky dude.

[Changleen]

Awesome! Makes me want to head back to Europe! I love the Alps so much.

[Echo]

wow. i especially like the shots of climbing where a glacier (?) is visible in the background.
Yeah those dang glacier things were everywhere :D

[splat]

Nice Pics echo! I thouhgt you have learned long ago , not to talk smack to Deyv ! You Know he'll make you pay! so How Long till he is pedalling again ?

[Echo]

He still needs to get some hardware removed, and he has quite a bit of physical therapy to do before he's back to the "normal" Deyv. But he should be able to spin on a road bike in a couple months, and ride DH in about a year.

[T-Blazer]

welcome home bro, the pics are awesome

[N8]

Nice!!!

Awesome!!!!

:thumb:

[Sherpa]

That chick is hott!!! :drool:

[narlus]

echo, awesome post! :thumb: pics were spectacular, w/ a great write up.

be sure to bring yr DH bike when you make it back to Les Gets.

[JRB]

Bad ass. I think you may have one upped Skooks, and that is saying something.

[TreeSaw]

Damn....now I am even more jealous that I didn't hop on a plane and join you!!!

AWESOME pics! I can't wait to ride with Deyv & Isa again next Spring. :thumb:

[stevew]

Hmm..two words to describe it.

Fvck yes.

Thank you sir.

[jdcamb]

Oh my!!! Cool stuff :thumb: Oh man about Deyv. Sorry to hear his trip was interferred with. Damn...

[MMcG]

Wow Echo - amazing photos and great narration as well. Thanks for sharing!!!

[Tweek]

Man, I imagined it was beautiful from your stories the other day, but the pics really prove it.
Remind me to cockpunch you out of jealousy when I see you. :D

[SkaredShtles]

:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:

You lousy BAHSTID!!

Thanks for the pix. :D

[stuntmatty]

Jesus titty fvcking christ those are some great pics! Wow can't wait to hear more about the trip.

[bluebug32]

That looks amazing and like so much fun! Thanks for sharing your pics

[hooples3]

wow echo.. that looks like the most amazing trip.That makes me want to win lotto to be able to travel everywhere in the world with my bike !!!!! Awesome pics.. Thanks so much for sharing!!!!!!! Its 6:45 am and now i want to go riding!! thanks!!!

[enkidu]

Breathtaking pics! Thanks for allowing us to e-travel with you!

Great complement to 1 ansympa reports!
http://www.allezy.net/1ansympa/indexE.php

[douglas]

cool!sweet!awesome!rad!

I didnt even know Deyv huirt his leg, what happened?

[I Are Baboon]

Sweetness. Those climbs kinda look hard.

[douglas]

cool!sweet!awesome!rad!

I didnt even know Deyv huirt his leg, what happened?

nevrmind

For those that don't already know about it, I injured my knee riding in Norway
last month. I crash and hit my knee on my stem. It torn my knee cap legiment. I
got operated not long after and the operation went fine. I did not damage
anything else in my knee and I should make a complete recovery. After 2 weeks
in the hospital we decided to continue travelling even if I have very limited
mobility.

[The Toninator]

awesome!

hey heidi...

[N8]

I see London, I see France, I see Echo's...


:p

[PonySoldier]

Niiice.... gotta love the Monkey representin' in Europe.. :thumb:

[GumbaFish]

sweet man those are some awesome pics. way to represent t-blazers abroad.

[SK6]

Those pics and the descents gave me an er………….. oh never mind! :rolleyes:

KILLER PICS!!!!!!! :thumb:

[pixelninja]

Awesome photos! Looks like a hell of a good time. :thumb:

[TN]

damn, what a sweet trip.

[ghostrider]

SWEET. I'm calling the airlines right now.

Did you manage to get Berkay hooked?

[Echo]

SWEET. I'm calling the airlines right now.

Did you manage to get Berkay hooked?
Last I heard he was given the go-ahead by Chris to spend a rather large sum of money on a new bike :thumb:

[Deyv]

Last I heard he was given the go-ahead by Chris to spend a rather large sum of money on a new bike :thumb:

haha another victim :devil:

[Konabumm]

Looks like a great trip Echo, and I didn't know you're such a hottie :)

[MtnBikerChk]

Looks awesome guys. Thanks for the great pics.

When are they coming home?

[TreeSaw]

Last I heard he was given the go-ahead by Chris to spend a rather large sum of money on a new bike :thumb:
Nice :thumb:

[OGRipper]

Damn that looks like a lot of fun, thanks for the report and pics, good stuff!!

[bluebug32]

When I went to France it was with my mom who wouldn't let me rent a bike because she thought I'd get killed by the crazy drivers

[ghostrider]

BUMP, just to point out the awesomeness of this pic in particular. Hell, I'll even throw in the :drool: smiley. :drool:

http://www.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/33d-climb.jpg

[TreeSaw]

BUMP, just to point out the awesomeness of this pic in particular. Hell, I'll even throw in the :drool: smiley. :drool:

http://www.photobucket.com/albums/v423/echomonkey/33d-climb.jpg
Echo's arse :confused:




:sneaky:

[Echo]

Echo's arse :confused:




:sneaky:
You know you want me baby

[ghostrider]

Echo's arse :confused:




:sneaky:

Ah crap, I didn't even notice Echo was in the picture.

[TreeSaw]

You know you want me baby
Well, that's why I liked the pic :devil:

[Echo]

I just re-read this thread and relived my vacation. Damn that was awesome.

[TreeSaw]

Excellent bump :thumb:

Edit: I gotta learn these new smilies!

[SK6]

Them pics were awesome.....quit literally breath taking...I can only imagine what it was like actually being there.

[SkaredShtles]

I just re-read this thread and relived my vacation. Damn that was awesome.
The wife & I wrote daily journals during our 4 month holiday in Europe (1999) - we occasionally reread them and "relive" the good times..... :D

[Toshi]

Them pics were awesome.....quit literally breath taking...I can only imagine what it was like actually being there.
are you also having chest pain radiating to your jaw with this shortness of breath?! :busted:

[narlus]

I just re-read this thread and relived my vacation. Damn that was awesome.

:biggrin:

[SK6]

are you also having chest pain radiating to your jaw with this shortness of breath?! :busted:

My left are is tingling too....:rolleyes:



:p

[ghostrider]

I'll be there in two weeks!