At a friend's suggestion we rode into the Lauterbrunnen valley to Grindlewald. Very nice scenery and worth the short diversion. We ate lunch in Grindlewald and began our trip to Andermatt.
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On the way to Andermatt Jill took us by way of Susten pass. This was worthy of a destination in and of itself. The ride was thoroughly great. We snapped the pictures at 2 pull offs on Susten pass. After the 2nd, we mounted and rode the last few Kms to Andermatt. Toward the end of Susten pass, approaching a hairpin the bike wouldn't slow when I hit the brakes. We weren't moving super fast, just a 2nd gear left hand 180 with no rail. The harder I squeezed the lever, it seemed like the less it slowed. I forced a downshift to 1st and gradually let the clutch out. It was all the way out but still nothing when suddenly the abs went away and the rear locked, pitching Carol into me, slowing us and getting me off the brakes. The turn was drama free if the approach sucked. I noticed the abs fault light was lit. I checked and the lever was crappy, no grab for at least the 1st 3/4 of travel. There was no pull off, so we had to deal with it. The brakes seemed consistent so we rode it out into Andermatt. Once we stopped, then shut the bike down, the ABS fault reset and the lever went to normal again. I reported this to the renter - after 20 minutes on the phone with AT&T because - no cell phone service again. The third time in less than a week.
We stayed at the Monopol at the foot of the Oberalp pass. Bike friendly, no a/c, but we didn't need it.
Allround rent attributed the abs fault to us cooking the brakes. They said to put into a dealer if it persisted and call them. I agreed to test in the morning. I did around town, no passenger or luggage. I panic stopped several times and aside from a bit of fade, the bike stopped ok. I thought the ABS was way too early, but no fault. Since it seemed to be ok, we rode Oberalp pass, rain notwithstanding.
Andermatt is a great place to visit. Touristy in the motorcycle tourist sense only. The whole town is motorcycle friendly, not just a few establishments. Here you will meet bikers from around the globe, but a majority from Europe. They will be friendly, you'll enjoy great conversation, beer, meet new friends and be able to ride some of the best roads ever.
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