Albulapass

I set about climbing the final stretch up to Albulapass up at 2315 m. This was going to be my highest climb yet.

The sun was beaming down bright on my attempt and it felt great to be riding this high in my shorts. The opening of the pass had been delayed by yet another week, apparently due to avalanches. I went past the barricades and climbed on up to have a fully motor-free experience of this mountain way.

I could see why the road was still closed: on the upper sections there was snow piled up on the banks up till my chest. I was skirting past the avalanches they were planning to clear in the next few days. I pulled up to Albulapass without major difficulties, feeling pretty great.

Right up at the top of the pass, was a little guest house. I peeked in for a coffee, expecting it to be closed. Jeannette, who runs the place, handed me one and we got chatting. We ended up speaking for several hours in a great heart-to-heart. It felt like yet another old friend I had met. What a spiritual place for the meeting too.

Eventually we both peeled ourselves away from the conversation, and then I freewheeled down the great slope, smiling at the snow and rocks.Read more