Bike Rides and Beer Baths

We had been so focused on soccer since Cathy and Lori arrived, I thought it might be nice to do something different. I proposed we rent bikes and head to Interlaken to see a little bit of the beautiful Swiss countryside. It was supposed to be a great day for it. There was a 12:35 PM train from Bern, but we had to hurry if we were going to catch it. I rushed ahead to buy tickets at the station, while Pam, Cathy, and Lori went to the bike rental shop. The plan was to meet on the train platform. I arrived first with just minutes to spare, but there was no sign of them. I stood there in agony as the doors closed and the train slowly pulled out of the station. Wouldn't you figure...as soon as the last car disappear around the corner I saw Pam, Cathy, and Lori walking their bikes up the ramp to the platform. Arrrgh, so close! No worries though. Another train was departing at 1:04 PM. So we patiently waited 30 minutes only to find out that train didn't allow bikes on board. As Lori would say: "Vas da Fuk!!"

We finally gave up and decided to take the 1:23 PM train to Spiez instead. Spiez is located about halfway between Bern and Interlaken along Lake Thunersee. Pam and I had been there before (see 5/11/08 post) and thought it would be a great setting for a leisurely bike ride. Turned out be be anything but! We had trouble finding a suitable bike path outside the station. We ended up perilously navigating along the shoulder of a highway before plunging down a steep hill with sharp switch backs. Lori wisely decided to ignore my lead. She got off her bike and walked it down hill. Needless to say, the day was not going as I had imagined it would.

After some searching we eventually found a nice, flat bike path along the water. I thought things were finally starting to look up, only to find out later that the path veered a little too close to the Lake for Cathy's liking. I felt terrible about dragging Cathy and Lori along for what was turning out to be the Swiss bike tour from hell. Frustrated and sweaty, we just decided head back home for some burgers and beer.  See pictures.

The day was not a complete loss, however. We made it back to Bern in time to head over to the Fan Zone in the Bundesplatz to watch Holland vs. Italy. The Fan Zone was packed with fans from the Netherlands; it was like a sea of orange. Pam found an intrepid stranger with a few too many drinks in him. He eagerly agreed push his way forward through the crowd so we could get closer to the screen. We were fully "in the Zone" by the time the game started. It was a great match. Holland demolished Italy 3-0. The fans were passionate, but respectful. Every time Holland scored, the crowd erupted with joy and beer went flying everywhere. It was fun.   

I was able to focus solely on the game. But Cathy and Lori seemed to be getting a lot of attention and had to fend off several suitors. Maybe it was just me....but they didn't seem to mind too much. :) Anyway, after the game we went to a bar with a group of fans we met at the Fan Zone before eventually heading back home. It was great ending to what started out as a rough day.  :)  See pictures.