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Autumn Magic on Two Wheels Around Gstaad

A veil of fog still lingers over Lake Forellensee, casting a mystical autumn atmosphere across the valley. In Zweisimmen, the first bikes are already being tuned and tightened. Ever since the pioneering days of mountain biking - he was just 16 back then these machines have fascinated him. Today, Pädi Griessen is the owner of the Sputnik Bike Shop and host of the Vermeille campsite. Even before opening the shop, he gives his bike a thorough check-up. For him, this ritual is part of preparing for an autumn adventure in nature in the Gstaad holiday region. Back in the day, he did some truly wild things: he rode his mountain bike on the world’s highest volcano, Ojos del Salado in Chile, at 6,893 meters above sea level. Pädi has always loved reaching great heights. In Nepal on the roof of the world he has been supporting schools for many years and still visits the country regularly. But today, he is out riding the trails around the Rellerli in the Gstaad holiday region.

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Exploring with His Godson

Today, his nephew is joining him. Together with Russel, an ambitious junior downhill pro, Pädi sets off on a tour through the Rellerli biking area — one of the region’s most versatile MTB routes. This is no signposted flow trail, but real terrain: varied, sporty, and offering spectacular views of the impressive panorama. In autumn, the Saanenland shines with grippy trails, colorful foliage, and crisp mountain air — perfect conditions for mountain biking adventures in the Swiss Alps.

B4 Rellerli Loop - More
©  (c) Ferienregion Gstaad
moderate
2:25 h
15,5 km
686 m
686 m
B4 Rellerli Loop
Mountain bike tour
open

Riding with Respect

The route winds along forest tracks and alpine trails. Never hectic or reckless, but always full of fun and speed. “We’re not chasing new records it’s all about experiencing nature,” says Pädi. And wherever bikers enjoy the trails, hikers too appreciate this ideal season for outdoor activities. Showing consideration for hikers is, for Pädi, just as much a part of good biking etiquette as technical downhill skills. He places great importance on “” the code of conduct built on respect for nature, people, and animals.

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From the Trail to the Pump Track

Back in the valley, Russel heads straight to the Zweisimmen pump track. Meanwhile, Pädi enjoys a well-earned break with a regional afternoon snack: alpine cheese, cured meat, and crusty bread simple, authentic, and full of flavor. Because pleasure biking also means slowing down, soaking in the scenery, and recharging with regional products: truly local, truly authentic. As the initiator of the first pump track in the Bernese Oberland, he still feels proud every time he sees the happy faces of athletes and children riding lap after lap around the track. Single trails, family-friendly offers, and panoramic tours are all close together here and that is what makes biking in this region so special. The Gstaad holiday region offers both sporting challenges and relaxed bike experiences for every level.

Well Maintained and Ready for New Elevation Gains

Back at the campsite in Zweisimmen, Pädi takes care of maintaining his bike. After all, he spent 11 years as a World Cup mechanic for cross-country and downhill athletes, traveling extensively with professional teams. A clean bike rides better and lasts longer. Regular maintenance of the drivetrain, frame, and brake discs is part of his routine. And just as he cares for his own bike, he also services the entire rental fleet for campsite guests. While washing the bikes, he reflects on the day together with his godson Russel. It’s wonderful how their shared passion for biking connects the two across generations. 

Weltweit gereist, regional verwurzelt

Pädi has already explored every continent by bike only the North and South Poles are still missing from his list. Yet his homeland continues to fascinate him, especially whenever he returns from distant countries: “The landscape here moves me anew every single time. This combination of nature, authenticity, and quality of life is something I can’t find anywhere else,” says the well-traveled biker about his home terrain. Anyone looking to go biking in the Gstaad region during autumn is in exactly the right place with Pädi and his Sputnik Bike Shop whether for rental bikes, e-MTBs, servicing your own fully, or simply the best trail tips in the region over an excellent cup of coffee.