Gotthardpass

Those who skipped yesterday's climb were itching to ride. Our leader suggested a short trip up the Gotthardpass.

Why not? Besides, it wasn't raining.

This was not a pre-planned route. The rest of the group was out of sight when the slowest of us reached a fork in the road. Stay on the highway, or take the old road? Looking up at the “new” road, with a long uphill tunnel and fast-moving traffic, the old road was much more enticing. Having done some research last night about the Gotthardpass, I knew there were cobblestones. The classic approach (for bicycle racers) ascends the other side of the pass—cobbles all the way. For us, merely 3 km (a little under 2 miles). Take it from me: that's plenty of cobbles.

The theme for today? Waterfalls and wildflowers. Oh, and snow.

Facing a second day of wind and cold temperatures, I regretted not bringing a Buff on this trip. [Something easily remedied later this afternoon at a shop in Andermatt.]

I was grateful to warm up with a cup of hot tea and a pastry at the top, and looked forward to a fast and smooth descent on the “new” road.

But alas, it was not to be. We followed our leader, and ... he turned onto the cobbles of the old road. Cobblestones call for staying loose on the bike. I had a bit of an over-training headache from yesterday's exertion, and ... every ... little ... jostle ... hurt.

At 6,909 feet, the Gotthardpass tops out higher than the Oberalppass.

Today's divertissement (16 miles, 2,240 feet of climbing) left time for some sightseeing and shopping back in town. No regrets.