But half-way up to Grimsel, we realised that mountains have always their own weather... as there was a cold and dense fog enveloping us riders. Still I managed to ride a PR of 2:00 for the 1500 climbing meter and 26 km. (2013 I had 2:09)
On the fast 400 ride down to Gletsch in 9 min the sun came out for a moment. At mid-way there was a red-light at a construction site and we lost 5 min. Still PR time for Grimsel 2:23:28 (2013: 2:29:40) for riding up and down.
And I started to climb Furkapass. Matthias from Germany, who I had teamed up for a training ride three weeks ago, was a little back. As I wasn't too sure about my fitness, I wanted to do the 2nd pass in my own rhythm. I did the climb of 700 m over 10 km in 56 min (2013 1hour 5 min).
Then came for me the fun part. When I started cycling 10 years ago, there were chances that my pulse was going down almost as high as going up. But I learned over the years that my extra 10 lbs help me to riding down really fast without taking too much risks in the turns. So although there were lots of cars and motorbikes on the road (streets are not closed on race day) - I managed another PR.
By the way my average pulse was for the 6 hours 49 min 149 with a max of 163 at age 53 and 76 kg.
On the third and final pass (yes, this is only the small version of the race, as you can also ride 270 km and 7000 m up over five Swiss Alpine passes!) I was greated by my parents with some energy bars and a drink and pourring rain at 3 C (38 F). There was only one solution, going down as quickly as possible and with again very dense fog and the completely wet streets the 20 miles and 5000 ft down were not very funny. Again lots of cars and lots of riders going slowly. At midway down I realised that the feeling in my left hand was gone. And changing gears became difficult. Fortunately two fingers were still ok for breaking :-) !
As I had riden Susten pass twice this year I knew most of the turns by heart and although it was really strong rain and dense fog I managed to ride it just five minutes over my PR. Scarry were the 10 tunnels - imagine going in you just saw a shadow from the other riders. In the tunnel you saw basically nothing! Luckily there were lots of cars and the rear lights gave you some direction where to go. So considering this, I am happy that I had to promise my Mom that this will be my last Alpenbrevet. But for sure I will ride a few more years and also the Alpine Passes Grimsel, Furka and Susten. Congrats also to Matthias who in his first Alpenbrevet came in just 17 min behind me!
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