28^Jun Sat
08:00

[CH] (98% T1)
On Saturday, I am planning a 50km speed hike/slow trail running (average pace > 5 km/h or faster than 12 min/km) from Neuchâtel to Biel/Bienne along Jura Crest Trail /Jura-Höhenweg #5, most of stages 7 and 8: https://www.myswitzerland.com/en/experiences/route/jura-crest-trail-5_07/

I am starting at 8:04 at Zürich HB, but we can meet as well in Neuchâtel around 9:40.

I just got back from vacation and want to burn off that pizza and pasta. If you're up for a speed hike (hiking uphill at a fast pace, occasionally slow jog on the flat or running downhill if the terrain is safe), there's no better opportunity. During the hike, we'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the three lakes and, if the visibility is good, we'll even see Mont Blanc.

The route is long but technically easy. According to the map it is mostly T1, with a 1.1 km of T2 and a 150m section of T3 (Trail: Exposed sites may be secured with ropes or chains, possible need to use hands for balance; Terrain: Partly exposed sites with fall hazard, scree, pathless jagged rocks).

We will stop at Jurahaus at 35 km to rest and buy some water and food. There will be a few more breaks before the hut, but they will be rather short (before Chasseral there will be another chance to buy water, and there is a chance that we will find a spring before the peak, but please bring plenty of water with you anyway).

Here's the route description:

https://www.hiking-buddies.com/routes/routes_list/6595/

And here some quick facts:

• Highest point: 1607 m (Chasseral)
• Ascent: 1905 m
• Descent: 1947 m
• Duration / pace (including breaks): around 10 hours / (> 5 km/h or faster than 12 min/km) 
  It is a long hike and it might be hot, but I will try to control the pace (that's why I limited the max number of participants). Depending on the group, we might try to do it in under 10 hours, 11 hours is still acceptable if the majority of the group is slower. Please consider your fitness level before joining. Hiking buddies says it's a 21-hour route, my app says 15 hours, so we'll have to keep a significantly faster average pace (> 5 km/h or 12 min/km) and do short breaks. There is a possibility to descend earlier and get to railway station, from where you'll be able to get to Biel/Bienne, and then to Zürich, but in case the pace is slower than ~11 hours, we might have to split up. Please be prepared for this eventuality (power bank, lots of water, own map/app and familiarize yourself with the route).

Weather (as of Thursday evening - to be updated):

Around 1600m, there will be a comfortable temperature of up to 22° C with refreshing wind (10-20 km/h, but wind gusts up to 40 km/h) and it will be mostly sunny. While ascending from Neuchâtel we should expect full sun and temperatures rising from 24 to 27 °C. Much of the route we will enjoy shade in the forest.

Useful Equipment:

Lightweight hiking boots, sunscreen, sun protective clothing, plenty of water, enough food, smartphone with downloaded gpx of this route, power bank, hiking poles.

Getting there:

Train from Zürich HB to Neuchâtel leaving at 8:04. We can also meet in Neuchâtel at ~9:40.

Return:

Direct trains from Biel/Bienne to Zurich run every half hour until late at night. We'll catch one for sure.

I am not a guide. The organizer is not responsible for any bodily injury or other accidents that might happen during the hike. By signing up on this activity, the participants agree that the organizer will not be held responsible in any way. Although the hike is not complicated, it is each individual responsibility to ensure that they can do the hike and check out the trail.