As we have done many times before, we met at Thun railway station for the 2023 Christmas outing. However, instead of boarding a train or bus, we walked towards the Schadau, much to everyone's surprise. As always, only the organising committee knows where the trip is going and what activities are planned. After a few metres, we had already reached our first destination: Dominik Liechti was waiting for us in the Frachtraum with a few wooden boxes.
Over the next two hours or so, we learnt that such a box is called a cajón and that it is a South American percussion instrument. Of course, we also learnt very basic percussion techniques and worked out a little choreography together. After a coffee break, we then formed three groups and rehearsed a mini-performance in each of them. It was interesting and above all funny to see how different the three performances turned out.
Afterwards, a long train journey with lots of changes took us back into the unknown. After karting, sumo wrestling, snow golf, archery, blowpipe, rifle and pistol shooting, swinging, fencing, horse riding, ice hockey, bubble ball, and body flying, there was hardly a sport that we hadn't already tried out at the last team events. So we continued to speculate and even when we walked towards an indoor riding arena somewhere in a deserted part of the Aargau, we were still completely at a loss.
Philipp Mannhard was waiting for us in the hall with a good half dozen trial motorbikes, which put a big grin on most of our faces. And indeed, the savoury aroma of horses and wet sawdust soon gave way to the typical two-stroke scent. The first task was to familiarise the absolute beginners with how a motorbike works, while the more experienced among us took their first laps. We soon rode over the first small obstacles, which became bigger and more challenging as time went on. Thanks to the leisurely pace - it's all about balance and successfully negotiating the trials - and the soft surface, everyone was able to get to grips with the bikes and have a lot of fun in the process.
We then spent the evening in Aarau with a delicious dinner and inspired conversations. As is fitting, we enjoyed a few refreshing drinks before and after, and for some the night only ended after an in-depth visit to Aarau's nightlife.
Many thanks to Oliver and Philemon for the organisation, the good ideas and the perfect tour guide throughout the day!