Let the bad times roll

Today I was going to report on how these strange border deviations came to be. But my feet are soaked and cold, my ankles are lacerated, my knee is bruised, it's dark and I'm hungry. So I'm more into whining at the moment than explaining history.

Actually, it was an amazingly good day if we focus on the good parts, which did, after all, comprise the bulk of the day. Rode through some gorgeous hamlets, like Altdorf. As the video shows, some of the border trails were as clear, open, interesting, and lovely as anyone could ever ask for. I’ve also made good distance–probably 100 kilometers, including circling Büsingen and most of the canton of Schaffhausen. And I like bivouacking in fields when I’m good and tired. So no complaints. Well, maybe a few.

One thing I had really intended to avoid on this trip–with my post-accident revised plan to treat the border a bit more loosely–is what I call “bikewhacking”. Otherwise known as bushwhacking with a bike. I’ve done a fair bit of it in Mexico, and I must say it’s about the sorriest thing I ever do. Today I did a fair bit of it while trying to interpret the all-too detailed Swiss topo maps. Some of those border “trails” have returned to briar patches, swamps, and northern jungles. At times I fought my way through blackberry thickets laced with stinging nettles ankle deep in water with my bike held over my head. Only to turn around because it kept getting worse and I simply gave up. Wish I had a photo, but I’m glad no one was there to take it. There were other bad times, but that one will be my example.

Wish me better navigation skills in the future! Tomorrow starts with a ford across a shallow stream banked with nettles. But after that I’ll do my best to stay on real trails–better yet, roads.