clairedavieswriter

Day 9: The Last Leg, Morges to the border, 70.5k, 370m climbed 31/7/2025 And that’s a wrap on Team Bernard’s end-to-end of Switzerland. To reach this peaceful wooded spot in the far west of the country, we have pedalled 561.2k and climbed 8,134m over nine days. You’ll notice the disappointing absence of a large sign…

Day 8: Fribourg to Morges, on Lake Geneva, 73k, 780m climbed 30/7/2025 It was a beautiful day for a bike ride, though I was a little nervous about what lay ahead. Because while yesterday we’d enjoyed the reassurance of a marked cycle route, today we would be entirely subject to the whims of my grumpy…

Day 7: Interlaken to Fribourg, 79.4k, 994m climbed (or 1,200m according to Harry’s Garmin) 29/7/2025 Since our last report, Team Midge (sans Bernard and, er, Midge) have, in the words of the UEFA tagline, reached ‘the summit of emotions’. How else to describe our reaction to the Lionesses’ stunning victory – by penalty shootout no…

Day 6: Innertkirchen to Interlaken, 40.8k, 245m climbed 26/7/2025 It wasn’t looking good for Team Bernard’s warm-down ride this morning: No matter which app I consulted, a soaking seemed certain. But I’m all for looking on the bright side: at least we stayed dry yesterday. If the forecast had looked like this, I’m not sure…

Day 5: Andermatt to Innertkirchen, 64k, 1,415m climbing 25/7/2025 Today was the big one; the ride that had been worrying me ever since I worked out my end-to-end route: the Furka Pass, between Realp and Gletsch. I was putting on a brave face as I said goodbye to Team Midge early this morning, dressed warmly…

Day 4: Disentis to Andermatt, 34.2k, 1,008m climbed 24/7/2025 So was it worth schlepping 5 hours across the country (and back) to see England’s semi-final against Italy? You bet it was. Clearly, the Lionesses didn’t get the memo about a nice easy win, but who doesn’t love a 96th minute equaliser and a winner in…

Day 3: Thusis to Disentis, 69.5k, 1153m climbed 22/7/2025 According to my itinerary, today (Monday) and Wednesday were rest days. But I think you’ll agree that even the best laid plans should flex when your national team reaches the semis of a major tournament. So I brought forward ride day 3 to allow us to…