I just realized that I never talked about the Swiss Alps tour I ran last month. I had a few apprehensions about this one, partly because I didn’t know which way the exchange rate would go, and partly because I wasn’t sure how accepting the Swiss would be of us. Living in the south of France I have a learned aversion to following rules, so I was worried that I make take the wrong bike path or point at a baked good the wrong way (this actually happened and I got in trouble).
In the end, it was wonderful. Everyone (except for one waitress and that lady at the bakery) was friendly, welcoming and cheerful, and the roads of course were pristine. My hotel choices were great, too, and the scenery…well, you be the judge.
My Fall project is to make a webpage for this tour, so I’ll hopefully be able to return again in 2026. I now know the appropriate distance to keep my hands away from cinnamon rolls, so it’ll be perfect next time!
If you’d like to see more images, we have a bunch on Instagram and Facebook.
The Vicious Cycle 
I can probably guess which one of the 4 official language groups the bakery belonged to. Yes the scenery is stunning in Switzerland. The area around Lugano and Morcote is especially lovely. And I never knew before this past weekend that there’s an Italian enclave on lake Lugano completely surrounded by Switzerland called Campione d’italia. You may want to explore around there too if you haven’t already.
It was in Andermatt, so I think your guess is correct. I also got chastised for touching the credit card machine there.
Lugano was on the list for the last two days, but Locarno won out. I just checked Campione d’Italia on Wiki…there are some strange places in Europe!
It’s a great place to ride. We’ve cycled extensively in and around Lugano and around Saint Moritz.
I considered St Moritz for HighRoad Austrian Alps next year, but that would have meant that part wouldn’t have been in Austria…a problem.
Gerry, we love the post. See you tomorrow morning.
Great ride today, Eric. Remember it with fondness because the weather will NOT be the same tomorrow!