Team SWARCO's Green Ride: Uniting for Wellness
On the 15th of June, our team of SWARCO employees embarked on a cycling initiative that took us from Lesce, Slovenia to Perchtoldsdorf, Austria. This trip was not just about covering miles; it was a journey of team building, the creation of unforgettable memories and to travel to a meeting in SWARCO’s Technology Centre ‘Futurit’ in a sustainable way.
The route, which spanned across 355 kilometres, presented our team with a unique blend of astonishing views, physical challenges, and strengthened our bonds as both colleagues and friends. The team kept a journal of their experiences along the way. Read all about the Green Ride!
Starting our journey together
Our journey began in Lesce, a picturesque town nestled at the edge of the Julian Alps. Known for its stunning landscapes and proximity to Lake Bled. With bikes ready and spirits high, we set off on the first leg of our trip, aiming for Friesach in Austria.
The initial part of the ride we cycled through the Slovenian countryside, with a scenic mountain background on our left. The route took us past the small town of Tržič and followed by a challenging ascent to the Loibl pass, where we have reached the first check point of the day, with magnificent views!
Once we passed through the tunnel to Austria, we were greeted with scenic nature and some amazing downhill rides. By the time we reached Klagenfurt, we soon reached the second check point of the day to refill our water bottles and continue the last part of the ride over the Austrian countryside to the historic town of Friesach. That evening, over a hearty meal, we reflected on the day’s journey and discussed plans for the next day’s ride.
Resilience and perseverance brings us forward
The second day saw us pushing further into Austria, heading towards the city of Mürzhofen. This leg of the journey was the longest, with 130 kilometres of roads, but fortunately also the flattest - allowing us to reach our destination with an average speed of 32,0km/h. The physical exertion required to maintain this pace reminded us of the perseverance and resilience needed in our professional lives.
As we cycled through the picturesque valleys we were unfortunately caught by rain. We had to rely on each other’s encouragement to persevere through the tough weather but were in the end rewarded with sunny weather on that day’s finish line in Mürzhofen. Overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment we finished the day with some bike maintenance and a nice, calm dinner in the nearby restaurant.
Welcome SWARCO cycling heroes!
The final leg of our journey took us from Mürzhofen to our final destination – Perchtoldsdorf. The anticipation of reaching Vienna outskirts kept our spirits high, and the shared goal brought out the best in each of us.
Cycling through the Austrian countryside, we encountered diverse landscapes, from dense forests to nice cycling paths by the river. The teamwork displayed was remarkable; we navigated tricky paths, assisted each other with repairs, and maintained a collective pace that ensured no one was left behind. As we finally entered the city area, the feeling was surreal. We had cycled over 355 kilometres in 11:35:29 hours, ascended an astonishing 3.124 meters of elevation in the trip, with an average speed of 30,63 km/h.
We were proud to represent SWARCO and be a part of the green initiative of the company. After reaching the final destination in Perchtoldsdorf, colleagues from SWARCO Futurit greeted us with an incredible welcome.
Our jouney of teamwork and collaboration
This cycling trip from Lesce to Perchtoldsdorf was more than just a physical challenge; it was a profound team-building experience. In the end, the trip reinforced an important lesson: the value of teamwork and collaboration.
We learned to rely on each other, to support one another through difficulties, and to celebrate our successes together. The shared experiences and the mutual encouragement transformed us from a group of coworkers into a cohesive and resilient team in our office environment as well.
Just as we needed each other to complete the journey, we need to collaborate to achieve success in our professional endeavours. The memories we created, the challenges we overcame, and the bonds we forged will undoubtedly continue to inspire and strengthen our team long after the Green Ride journey has ended.
Read more about Sustainable Mobility
A cleverly organised bicycle-friendly infrastructure ensures that cyclists can go from A to B in a safe and environmentally friendly way. Cities will become quieter, and the quality of the air will improve. Read how SWARCO can support with sustainable mobility to make your municipality safer and environmentally friendly for all road users.
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