Along the bicycle path

We biked around the circumference of Lake Biel, which sounds like a relaxing way to spend a Saturday afternoon, but it turned into a grueling 55-kilometre marathon in the hot sun. Nevertheless, we’re glad we did it, if only so that we could earn the respect of the Swiss. Click on photos to enlarge them, although there is one that I am sure you will wish you never laid eyes on.

: The village of Erlach stands at the west side of Lake Biel. It is the halfway point for the 44–kilometre ride, the launching point for St. Peter’s peninsula and the home of many eateries.

: The bike trail goes past farm lands, dairy cattle, campgrounds and tiny villages.

: About 250 metres past the beach side stand is an old lodge with a courtyard restaurant and a second cafeteria-style eatery.

: Near the tip of St. Peter’s is a beachfront cafe that serves ice cream, coffee, and a limited selection of cold beverages.

: Riders can add 10 kilometres to the 44-kilometre ride by detouring onto St. Peter’s peninsula.

: A third stretch of shade.

: We are smiling because we are incoherent with heat stroke.

: The map came out about a dozen times – a new record for getting lost.

: A second patch of rare shade.

: A rare stretch of shade along the 44-kilometre trail circumnavigating Lake Biel.

: It’s an elaborate sign,but according to one passerby, it is all wrong.

: Lake Biel has fenced private beaches with recreational facilities as well as many public beaches. So far, it appears only the private beaches have lifeguards. Admission at private beaches is cheap at $3.50 and they are well-kept.