Hi Colin and other cyclechatters,
Ive read with interest your plans to cycle the Rhine this Summer.
After many months of research Ive come to the conclusion that flying to Zurich and renting bikes from the station is easiest option. Prices right now to fly are so much cheaper than Eurostar, and to transport our bikes to Basel by train will be only slightly cheaper than renting.
Im planning to take my teenage daughter in the Summer hols, and as it's the first touring trip, ive decided Andermatt (Olberalppass) to Basel in 9 days, and get flight back to UK from Basel. If successful will return to finish the Rhine, maybe next year.
Ive got useful info from Cicerone rhine cycle book, and have planned route from this. Im not sure on best distance to cycle daily. When we cycled the Thames- 20 miles one day and 26.5 miles the next, we were kicking our heels to pass time, and could have easily cycled more. Suggested distances from Cicerone are:
Day 1- 52km, Day 2 - 35 km, Day 3 - 48 km, Day 4 - 54 km, Day 5 - 57 km, Day 6 - 48 km, Day 7 - 60.5 km, Day 8 - 67 km.
This means about 30-35 miles a day, but as its a huge descent from Olberalppass, i reckoned we could do a 40 mile cycle, add on a few more miles each day to give ourselves a rest day on day 7. We're both fit, but I do have issues with recovery from exercise, so dont want to over challenge ourselves.
Like yourself, we shall be staying in accommodation-possibly B&B, booked in advance, so need to plan distance beforehand.
Not too clear on booking train from Zurich to Andermatt with bikes. Seems no prebooking needed but with bikes need to book day before or chance it that there are spaces.
Station, have said country bikes ideal to cycle the Rhine, and we can use our own saddles. May get gel covers- ive experienced hire bikes before-boy was it uncomfortable.