Western Swiss Lakes, the Bernese Oberland and Lac d'Annecy, France [2B] Meet Saturday, June 5, 2004. Last day of cycling Saturday, June 19, 2004.

Depart June 20. Max 26. Start/end Geneva, Switzerland (near airport). We ride along Lac Lehman, Lac de Neuchatel, Thun See and Lac d'Annecy. Our route also takes us on a ferry across one of the lakes and on a train to Chamonix near Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe. The ride goes from the lake country to the vineyards on the edge of the Juras, and through the Bernese Oberland to the Jungfrau region. The journey includes a loop from Gruyeres through Rougemont and Saanen, and then a climb over Jaunpass. From Gruyeres we head to the capital, Bern. On our layover day we have a ride from Bern to Affoltern, where we can tour a cheese factory. From Bern we cycle to the Jungfrau region around Interlaken, to Chateau d'Oex and over the Col des Mosses to the Rhone River, and to Martigny, where we take the train to Chamonix. From Chamonix, we descend to the beautiful French town of Annecy. Overnights are in Geneva, Lausanne (2), Neuchatel, Gruyeres (2), Bern (2), Interlaken (2), Chateau d'Oex, Chamonix and Annecy, France (2).

We stay in most towns for two nights, so that we can cycle, hike, boat or take cable cars to interesting sights around each town. We will ride on lightly traveled country roads and Swiss cycle paths with minimal distances on busy roads.

The route will be scouted and finalized in May, 2003. Driving the van will be shared. Average daily distance 45 miles. The longest day is 60 miles with a 2400 foot climb. More difficult options with climbs up to 4500 feet are available for avid riders.

Estimated cost $150 per day per person double occupancy for 15 nights ($2250 total depending on the EURO & CHF, which were high at the end of February) including 10 dinners, 15 breakfasts, social hour refreshments, cycling jersey, cue sheets, and maps.