MTB experience Transalp: From Lake Constance to Lake Lugano - an adventure on YouTube

Last time they had the Dolomites in their sights, this time it was to be a more westerly route that also passes through Switzerland. It is important to planning manager Peter Baumeister that he does not yet know the route he is designing on the map himself. After all, it should be an adventure for everyone involved. And it always has been in recent years. If only because his 9 fellow travellers on the first tour didn't know each other. Peter had recruited them from his school, university and sports club days. However, this element of surprise is now a thing of the past because none of these friends want to miss out on the annual event. What was once a motley crew has long since grown into a close-knit Transalp team.

And so everyone was back at the start line last summer. More or less well trained, but much more professional in terms of equipment and bike maintenance. As far as the new route was concerned, most of them only knew the key data: This time it was to be from Lake Constance to Lake Lugano. 7 stages with a total of 450 kilometres and 11000 metres in altitude. Weather forecast? It's fine, better than last year, they said.

Nevertheless, not everything went according to plan this time either. How could it? The Alps are the Alps. Weather and route conditions are not constants. Combined with the different levels of fitness and nerves of 10 team riders, it's only a matter of time before something entertaining happens.

A Transalp series for Youtube

That's why Peter Baumeister once again had his camera and drone with him to record the whole thing very professionally for his YouTube channel and broadcast it in a seven-part series. We were able to see the clip for the first stage in advance and can guarantee it: There is once again a lot of magnificent Alpine scenery to see, including a lot of physical suffering of course, but above all an infectious good mood and motivation.

As usual, the first stage starts full of vigour. This time on the shores of Lake Constance, where, after a leisurely roll-in phase, we cross the Austrian border towards Vorarlberg. But before the first bed in the Gerachhaus hut, the first nasty ramps are already in the way. Nevertheless, everyone makes it to the top, where there is not only a delicious cheese fondue in a loaf of bread, but also the first legendary hut game with a mean punishment for the loser...

The Transalp series starts with episode 1 on Sunday 11 May at 6pm. Subsequent episodes will be released every Wednesday and Sunday at 6 pm.

Clip 1: From Lindau to the Gerachhaus