The best MTB trails around Gächlingen

The Amateur Cycling Track Jestetten (modernized version of the text from the information board) In the spring of 1923, local amateur racing cyclists founded the Staubwolke cycling club. Their club headquarters, the Gasthaus Zum Löwen, had already been taken over in 1920 by the wealthy farmer Fritz Winkler from Berwangen. The idea of building their own cycling track in Jestetten finally emerged at the regulars' table. Racers from Neuhausen am Rheinfall and the Jestetten bicycle mechanic Ludwig Schönhammer enthused the Löwen innkeeper and his eldest son Walter for the project – and won them over as financial supporters and builders. Over 10,000 m² of earth and stones had to be moved for the track's foundation. A quarry was specially set up on Augasse for this purpose to enable short transport routes. The track was to have a cement surface, be 6 meters wide on the straights and 8 meters in the curves, and have a total length of 200 meters. The 3-meter banking in the curves was not designed for motor racing, but it was perfectly adequate for cycling races – speeds of up to 70 km/h were possible. The spectator grandstand utilized the natural terrain of the Auhalde. Wooden benches were built in terraces on the slope behind today's Narrenvereinshütte, offering space for around 1000 visitors. A reserved seat cost CHF 1.50 in 1925, a numbered seat CHF 2.–. Along the track, there were also around 1000 standing places for CHF 1.– each. The grand opening event took place on Sunday, May 24, 1925. Top Swiss cyclists were present, and three main disciplines were raced: sprint races, points races, and team races (Americana) in the style of a Six Days' race over 50 kilometers. The results were regularly published in the Schaffhauser Intelligenzblatt, the Illustrierten Rad‑Sport, as well as the Gazette de Lausanne and the Journal de Genève. Until 1934, numerous top cyclists competed against each other on the Jestetten cement oval. Three to four races per year, often with up to 35 starters, made the track a regional crowd-puller. Each event had the character of a folk festival.

Funny, all that's standing around there :)

The beer garden at the Beringer Randenhaus is idyllically situated in the forest, right next to the Randen Tower. Nestled among tall trees, you'll find a shady, peaceful spot for a relaxing break during or after your hike.

A beautiful spot, ideal for bird watching,

In operation from 1925 to 1934, it's now an interesting lost place. You can try a ride on a full-suspension mountain bike... Unfortunately, it seems to be falling apart more and more due to a lack of maintenance, which is a shame.

BikeEnergy charging station. Useless without a special charging cable (you either buy one yourself or have to borrow one from the innkeeper while you're there, assuming the restaurant is open...). There are no standard outlets for charging your own bike. A stupid solution!

The narrow forest path is only a forest road type 3/4, but still beautiful.

From and directly at the Siblinger Randenhaus restaurant. Recharge your battery here while enjoying a small (or large 😄) snack so you're prepared for all the highlights on the Randen. The innkeeper has a large selection of different charging cables, so there's a suitable one for (almost) every motor...