Alps mountain bike holiday

09 - Inverness arrives

A relatively quiet week with John, apart from Martin's 70th party and a bit of excitement on a bridge. Looking forward to some cross country skiing this coming winter!

A really nice mountain hut which serves up some fantastic apple struedel. Huge portions, exactly what a mountain biker needs. Everyday the ckaes are made freshly from the local fruits. First a beer then a rest in the sun, then follow it up with a slice of cake.

It is interesting that as soon as you point a camera at someone their riding changes. Sometimes not a lot but John always seemed to go 10% quicker when the photo was coming!

Wood, cake and flowers. Typically Austrian.

Warm weather, especially for a Scotsman. We tried to make sure the rides were done earlier in the day so as to avoid some of the midday heat.

Threatening looking clouds hanging in the valley. The sun was strong though and the clouds disappeared by midday.

A refreshing water crossing in Soell. It is possible to take a bridge but cold mountain water is so refreshing.

The cows were enjoying the warm weather whilst relaxing at the lakeside.

Waiting for some cake at a small Austrian farmstead. A few huts, a little restaurant and a chapel. All at about 1200m.

You really don't have to turn too far to see a chapel or a church in Austria, especially in the Tyrol. Most are beautifully kept and are open to take a peek into.

Easy access to the middle station in Soell. A typically picturesque view or chalets and chapels on the ascent. Only one rider and a bike per cabin.

After an earlier spill, John was concentrating on this downhill stretch.

A really nice trail that winds through the fields and paths in the valley. Beautiful views of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range. One of our favourite easy cross country routes.

Another photo of John. It was fun riding with John for the week. Loads of interesting stories and plenty of cake eating.