The men’s group meets at the village square in Walchwil. A grand total of five men are waiting there – the rest of their club mates find their way to the Rägeten stable even without a meeting point or sat-nav.

The route follows the Geissbächli stream towards Ausseregg, where the first drink break is already beckoning. After all, the World Cup has impressively demonstrated to us that drinking enough is important. With a well-chilled Féchy to keep us company, we carry on via the fitness trail and through Ochsenrüti to the Rägeten barn.

There, the traditional grilled pork neck and Bodi’s legendary risotto await us – a combination that has long enjoyed cult status. Our club butcher, Pfaffebode Wisel, carves the roast with a practised hand. For a brief moment, it becomes astonishingly quiet amongst the twenty-odd hungry men – probably the greatest miracle of the day. By the time dessert is served, laughter, stories and the familiar hubbub are back in full swing.

With food, drink and the best of camaraderie, the evening flies by. The president thanks the jubilarians for their generosity, as well as Bodi and his well-coordinated team of helpers for the excellent organisation. The warm applause from those present confirms it: the Rägeten stroll is and remains one of the highlights of the club’s year.

With this successful event, the men’s team is heading into the summer break. But nobody will be able to go without exercise for long. Tennis, beach volleyball and evening walks will keep us fit – so that next year, too, we can once again find our way to the Rägeten stable with confidence. Guido Pirovino