We'll begin the day by following the Areuse river to the town of Travers.
The region is so sparsely populated that the residents of the valley decided to unite their nine different village governments and call it “ Val de Travers ”, and today this united township has fewer than 10,000 residents.
This morning you will ride through pine forests, go past steep chalk formations, climb up green hills and into nature preserves before reaching your first real climb at the town of Rotel.
The rest of the day is pleasantly undulating with short climbs and longer descents. We'll skirt the larger city of Chaux-de-Fonds and into the region where the numerous solar panels and wind turbines are seamlessly woven into this high plains landscape. In contrast, you'll see fewer cows and more horses in the stables and pastures. Indeed, we're approaching Saignlégier, Switzerland's “horse capital”, where large equine shows and sales take place throughout the year.
This is our overnight spot, so if you've ever thought about trying horse steak, tonight is the night.
Of course, as always, there is a vegetarian option!
