wrote:
I've read Jobst Brandt's reports, which seem to indicate that there is
a paved road accessible to road bikes from Grindelwald over Scheidegg
and into Rosenlaui. I wanted to double check with the group to make
sure I was interpreting this correctly, as my Swiss map (Michelin 551)
indicates what appears to be an unpaved track, not a real road. I would
hate to get to Grindelwald and find out that's it's all gravel or
closed or whatever!

It is a real road and - for about half of its length - it is closed to
normal traffic. It open for buses, residents and bikes. It can be
done without problems with a road bike (I did it three times).
It may be marked as unpaved due to the access restrictions. It used
to be a bit rough right above Meiringen but it has been completely
remade ~ two years ago.

I would do it the other way around (Meiringen, Gr,Scheidegg,
Grindelwald, Interlaken). IMHO much nicer. 14 Km between oing from
700 meter up to 1950 meters.

It is a steep road, bring good shoes and plenty of water (although
there are several streams where you can refill without problems).
Check your spare tyres, I had two flats due to very small stone chips
that got into the rubber and worked their way down to the inner tube.
Almost undetectable, they must be removed otherwise multiple flats
are unavoidable.

It is by far my # 1 road as personal preferences. I have a GPS track
and an Excel sheet for the uphill from Meiringen, let me know if
you'd like to have a copy.

Also, any general comments from anyone who has familiarity with route
#4, or the Swiss regions it cuts through, would be greatly appreciated.
I am doing "credit card touring" on my road bike, and will be staying
in B&B's along the way. Will I need to worry about trains being too
full to accept more bikes? Advice on roads to avoid, sights not to be
missed, things to pack, etc.?

Trains are almost never too full. Not all trains accept bikes, you will
have to check at the ticket stand. Service is very good, trains are
well marked and the composition is known in advance. You can get the
bike either in normal carriages (self-service) or in the Post carriage
(with the help of the personnel). All trains are non-smokers.

Avoid if possible to do the Brunig pass by bike. Too much traffic.
If you do, descend on Meiringen using the small road that
starts about one Km after the Brunig pass (you will have to turn left).
It has almost no traffic and it is a very nice descent.

I would recommend to do the Simmenthal, from Spiez to Aigle, via
Zweisimmen/Gstaad. Then either Mosses pass or Pillon pass. It is
a easy road, not too steep and with a beautiful view. Maybe avoid
doing it over the WE, traffic can be heavy otherwise. Do not take
the bike paths: they make very long, unnecessary detours and
are often unpaved. Use the main road. Drivers are OK and the road
itself is in very good state.

Let me know if I can be of any help for your planning.

Ciao,
--
Roberto Divia` Love at first sight is one of the greatest
Dep:PH Bat:53 Mailbox:C02110 labour-saving devices the world has ever seen
Route de Meyrin 385 ---------------------------------------------
Case Postale Phone: +41-22-767-4994
CH-1211 Geneve 23 CERN Fax: +41-22-767-9585
Switzerland E-Mail: