80 meters in altitude are just about right to warm up the muscles for the distance from Bergün to Lenzerheide. The twisting single trail starts right there, winding its way downhill to the banks of the Albula river and from there a gravel road continues to Filisur. Another short ascent leads to the start of the next downhill run on a single trail, this time to the banks of the Landwasser river. A gentle path meanders down the deep valley, and then it is quite an accomplishment to reach the village of Schmitten on the other side. A trail and then a steep road climb up from the river. On the way to Surava, on a mix of trails and roads through a little used area of the Albula Valley, you can catch your breath again.

Finally the ascent up to Lenzerheide begins. Away from any traffic, past colourful flowers and meadows, through forests full of the scent of pine trees, and on energy-sapping single trails you quickly gain altitude. Once in the village of Lantsch, you continue on perfectly smooth single trails parallel to the main road until you reach Lenzerheide. The town is very popular among mountain bikers, although we didn’t come across any in the Albula Valley today – if only they knew what they are missing!