My plan to escape Ireland in October using the cunning method of applying for jobs according to google maps terrain setting finally paid off, resulting in a spontaneous last minute trip to Zurich last week for a work trial. Switzerland is the home of über-cool concrete architecture, a functioning economy and most importantly of course, the Alps!
lunchtime at work
I got the job and Zurich passed the test as a suitable city to live in as a mountain biker. Its surrounded by small, steep mountains that are riddled with awesome technical singletrack, including some semi-manmade downhill courses, jump parks, and a pump track. I got a lot of funny looks from people on downhill bikes as I hammered down on my carbon hardtail, it was fun but I’m buying a freeride bike asap!
Alpine backdrop
The Alps are a short train ride away and make an amazing backdrop to the city. Even better there are 5 UCI races within an hour of Zurich (Swiss Cup), 4 World Cups can be accessed without going near an airport, German and Italian races are close by. 2012 race schedule sorted.
Now I have 2 weeks to learn German, learn that rules are there to be followed, learn to turn up early for things not late and attend to some unfinished business with the 2011 race season…
view on an evening ride
Lake Zurich
lake zurich & the alps
Zurich city centre
River
Stedelhofen Station by Calvatrava