We were up and ready to go early but had to wait till the bike shop opened at 8.30 so we could get a couple of new tyres. John's new Armadillo on the front wheel had a bulge which started appearing 10ks out from Vienna. So we were late to leave Vienna waiting for the shop to open.We crossed back to the northern side of the Danube and headed east. We did not realize that the first few kms were through a FKK area - Austrian nudist area. So there were many specimens to see on the way, though we kept our eyes on the road. Many others in the group made the same mistake and travelled through the FKK area!
The major part of today was on straight paved canal sides. Some of the surfaces were a bit rough so Liz's bell started ringing spontaneously quite frequently. It rings whenever the surfaces get a bit rough so cobblestones and such uneven surfaces set it ringing! The long straight stretches were easy cycling but VERY long and straight. We were following the northern stopbank which in several places was up to two kms away from the actual river through scrubby forested areas. There was no-one else in sight for most of the way.
We stopped for a coffee at Stopfenreuth, just south of Hainberg, the last large town before the border in Austria. Soon after we crossed a bridge nearly two kms long over the Danube and rode the last 14ks to the border between Austria and Slovakia. There were no checks at all at the border and we cycled straight through. There was definitely a different -harsher - look to the buildings as we approached the border. Even the dogs seemed to be more aggressive! In the distance we could see Bratislava, lots of Soviet style apartment blocks.
Lunch was waiting just inside Slovakia. It was then a short 5km ride to the hotel in the capital Bratislavia. We crossed the Danube again on the special cycle lane on the bridge, then turned left for a short distance to reach our botel. A botel is a boat hotel, so we are tonight sleeping on the Danube. It was very warm - 37 degrees in the centre of town. After a shower we went into town with some of the others. Wandered around the streets looking at the old buildings, then stopped for a beer. So many tourist groups in town, and people sitting outside having a drink. The old part of town was late 18th century traditional. Romantic-style buildings. They were all in good repair and there were many expensive brand shops.
Returned to the botel, and we had briefing for tomorrow at 6.30 before all walking into the town to go to a local restaurant for dinner. The soup was beans, sausage and pasta, in a dark saucy brew. Mains were either crumbed chicken or crumbed schnitzel. We walked home and were in bed after a cold shower to cool down by 10 pm. It was still over 30 degrees outside.
Today was a short ride. We covered 73kms in 3hr 33 mins, ave. 20.5.
The major part of today was on straight paved canal sides. Some of the surfaces were a bit rough so Liz's bell started ringing spontaneously quite frequently. It rings whenever the surfaces get a bit rough so cobblestones and such uneven surfaces set it ringing! The long straight stretches were easy cycling but VERY long and straight. We were following the northern stopbank which in several places was up to two kms away from the actual river through scrubby forested areas. There was no-one else in sight for most of the way.
We stopped for a coffee at Stopfenreuth, just south of Hainberg, the last large town before the border in Austria. Soon after we crossed a bridge nearly two kms long over the Danube and rode the last 14ks to the border between Austria and Slovakia. There were no checks at all at the border and we cycled straight through. There was definitely a different -harsher - look to the buildings as we approached the border. Even the dogs seemed to be more aggressive! In the distance we could see Bratislava, lots of Soviet style apartment blocks.
Lunch was waiting just inside Slovakia. It was then a short 5km ride to the hotel in the capital Bratislavia. We crossed the Danube again on the special cycle lane on the bridge, then turned left for a short distance to reach our botel. A botel is a boat hotel, so we are tonight sleeping on the Danube. It was very warm - 37 degrees in the centre of town. After a shower we went into town with some of the others. Wandered around the streets looking at the old buildings, then stopped for a beer. So many tourist groups in town, and people sitting outside having a drink. The old part of town was late 18th century traditional. Romantic-style buildings. They were all in good repair and there were many expensive brand shops.
Returned to the botel, and we had briefing for tomorrow at 6.30 before all walking into the town to go to a local restaurant for dinner. The soup was beans, sausage and pasta, in a dark saucy brew. Mains were either crumbed chicken or crumbed schnitzel. We walked home and were in bed after a cold shower to cool down by 10 pm. It was still over 30 degrees outside.
Today was a short ride. We covered 73kms in 3hr 33 mins, ave. 20.5.
1 comment:
I continue to really enjoy reading your stories but it seems like you are doing two days to my one!! How are you managing to keep up??
Certainly know you are in Slovakia as the there is a major change in everything. I remember this from my visit there. It will be very different form now on but a good contrast.
Nice temperatures!!
Enjoy
Michelle
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