I have seen some beautiful places in the world, but nothing quite so beautiful as Switzerland. The 5hr drive down here yesterday was quite possible the most enjoyable 5 hr drive I have had. Going through the Alps, seeing so many different colors of green in the forests and old 18th century style buildings everywhere you look was a trip.
The UCI world cycling centre is located in the midst of the Alps. Ceez was joking around today that they have a much better view from the top of the start ramp than we do back home. We get Mexico; they get snow capped peaks… But overall I have to admit I have a whole new perspective on how lucky we are to have the OTC set up the way we do for BMX in Chula. We really are living the dream back home.
As for the track itself it was fun to ride something a little different, the Aussies sessioned with us for a bit and we had a good time on our bikes. There is no onsite housing at the centre itself. Everyone lives at this youth hostel sort of place about 1mile away. The big mama in charge is pretty strict with the rules and would not loan us even a single towel to use in the showers. Pretty psyched on that. The food is also pretty off the back; Cornflakes and warm milk for breakfast and horse meat for lunch (ok well not today but apparently the other day it was) so I am glad I stocked up on a bunch of food before I came.
The Veledrome inside the center was rad. I have never seen anything quite like it. I am really hoping that before we leave we get to see some guys shredding on it. Right when you walk in the door is KB’s world championship bike on display along with other famous cycling bikes including some strange sport that is analogous to ice skating on a bike i.e. two riders doing balancing acts on one weird looking bikes. Oh and don’t forget the cycling sport where they kick a ball into a soccer net. I had no idea there were so many different sanctioned cycling events.
In all I say if you are going to vacation to Europe, Switzerland should definitely be on your list to hit up, it has absolutely amazing scenery, awesome weather, infamous chocolate, and where else in the world do they speak 3 different languages in such a tiny land area?
