Day 1 – Schwaz – Weidener Hütte – 1350 vertical meters
The team was highly motivated; everyone packed their backpack, checked the tire pressure, and grinned with anticipation. The goal for Day 1 was clear to everyone: a short distance of less than 30 kilometers but still 1350 vertical meters had to be covered. The Weidener Hütte at 1800m was supposed to welcome us all very warmly in the evening. Until then, however, it was a tough uphill climb, and even the guide had to gather all his energy. Due to the lack of other refreshment stops, the 14 Alpencrossers completed the steady ascent without major breaks – the occasional interruptions were all cheerfully filled with company anecdotes.
Right on cue as we entered the hut, heavy rain set in – everything was done right. The hut hosts, Maria & Michael, provided us with an almost festive and opulent meal that evening. 3 courses and a great atmosphere made our stay truly perfect. Meanwhile, outside, with clouds and fog (and diminishing rain), a natural spectacle provided rich encores. What a fantastic start.
Day 2 – Weidener Hütte – Tuxer Joch Haus – 1550 vertical meters
The forecasts for Day 2 were mixed. There were knowledgeable weather app users on the AlpX team, so all 14 participants were constantly updated on the probability and trend of rain. Real clarity was provided by the knowledgeable advice from hut host Michi: "Friends, start as early as possible if you want to arrive dry at Tuxer Joch Haus by 2 p.m." – his advice, which was reluctantly accepted by some, meant getting out of bed at 6 a.m. But duty called, so everyone was at the breakfast table by 6:30 a.m., combed and more or less awake, with nothing lacking.
Start 7:05 a.m. – Chapeau.
And once again, nature showed its best side: steaming wisps of fog and migrating cloud formations revealed a magnificent backdrop, the sun worked its way through and made the slopes glisten. What a spectacle.
We arrived dry in Vorderlanersbach and had to stop for photos again and again. A tiny wrong turn would later be blamed on the guide several times, but it didn't dampen morale.
After the first 500 vertical meters were completed almost on an empty stomach, the next refreshment stop was obsolete. Another good 1000 vertical meters were still on the program and time was relentlessly advancing.
The Alpencrossers now fought their way towards Tuxer Joch Haus, located at 2320m. We pedaled, we sweated and hoped to escape the thickening clouds. The track created by the guide was to bring forth an (hitherto unrecognised) surprise: a 30-40 minute pushing section of the uncomfortable kind over hill and dale, steep and rugged. As the sky grew darker, the rain started half an hour earlier than planned - what do we learn: even the app doesn't know the whole truth. We didn't let it stop us and fought our way up the mountain. Punctually at 2 p.m. we reached the Tuxer Joch Haus, slightly wet, which couldn't compare to the Weidener Hütte. But at least: a roof over our heads, it could pour and it did pour. Bunkhouse and hut romance.
Day 3 – Tuxer Joch Haus – Brenner – Sterzing – 700 vertical meters
The thick fog did not clear to reveal the Tux Glacier until early morning on Day 3. As a result, the persistent heavy rain meant that all equipment was now required: overshoes, rain pants, rain jacket, hood, gloves - the full program. We started in great spirits, anticipating the 2000 (!) vertical meters of descent ahead of us. We were not to be disappointed. A trail of the finest kind, 100% rideable, at times spectacular and perfectly suited to the "sensational" category. We navigated with concentration and broad grins into the valley. In good weather, it would have been unbearable.
As we landed in Gries am Brenner, the first blue patches appeared in the sky – from then on it remained dry. When angels travel.
Now the troop split into two parts: faction 1, completely soaked, longing for the hotel in Sterzing and taking the smaller hump over the Brenner, and faction 2, who still wanted to visit the planned Sattelbergalm, no matter how soaked they were.
In the evening, "all's well that ends well" .. we dined excellently at Nepomuk in Sterzing and continued to celebrate the high spirits.
Day 4 – Sterzing – Schwaz – 600 vertical meters
Day 4 then closed the loop with a proper ride in one go from Sterzing to Schwaz (7 bikers, 92km, 640m elevation gain) or a leisurely journey by private bus (6 people).
Conclusion: "One Team one Spirit" was also lived out in the "Upgrade" version of Project 2016 ALP. 14 colleagues completed this Alpencross not only successfully, but also extremely happily and contentedly. The morale at every second of this long weekend (Thu-Sun) was above average, the mood indescribably good, and the fact that there were no breakdowns or flats compensated for the rainy morning on Day 3. Enough words: sometimes pictures speak for themselves. See for yourself. Thanks also to the perfect clothing in the form of bike shirt & shorts. Super fit, super function. We are satisfied.
© Udo Kewitsch, Jul25, by www.udokah.de / Insta #wwwudokahde
