CYCLE SWITZERLAND

Cycle holidays are becoming ever more popular with the UAE’s road and mountain bikers. Although we’re extremely lucky to have a number of tracks and paths at our disposal, the scenery can be somewhat similar, especially if you’re a regular at Al Qudra, NAS or Hatta. Switzerland, and specifically the Vaud region, offers the UAE’s cyclists a literal paradise, with twenty marked SwitzerlandMobility routes taking in awe-inspiring landscapes, such as shimmering lakes, demanding mountain passes and even vineyards.

SWITZERLANDMOBILITY

Located in the southwestern part of Switzerland, the region of Vaud is served by Geneva international airport and features a strong infrastructure including luxurious and affordable accommodation, a well-connected transportation system and the benefits of SwitzerlandMobility, the Swiss network for non-motorised traffic. Cyclist can use the schweizmobil.ch website or download the app for local routes, weather forecasts, bike stations, bike rental, bike shops/cycle service centres, guides and maps – everything for the perfect pedal-powered break.

ROUTE EXAMPLE

A typical example of the routes available on the app is the ‘Le Jorat–Trois Lacs–Emme 44’. This 56km ride is ideal for medium fitness riders and sets out from the lively city of Lausanne before heading up into the tranquil Jorat hills. The route continues into the glacier-grooved valley of the Broye, then heads past dreamy Moudon, ending with a refreshing sip of Henniez mineral water at the peaceful Roman Abbey of Payerne. The app even warns you about busy traffic along the Lausanne–Châlet-a-Gobet road section and watch out for dangerous junctions in Moudon, Lucens und Payerne.

WEATHER

The weather in the Vaud region varies from comfortable from June to September, with November to March being cold. The cloudier part of the year begins mid September and lasts until mid-June and surprisingly, the dry season lasts through the winter and spring. However, a lack of rain at home may mean that Vaud’s rainy season could be perfect for the UAE’s cycle tourists. Whatever time of year you choose, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas at every turn.