2014-06-13: I left the campsite in Bratislava shortly after 8:00 and headed for the Eurovelo 6 cycle route about 7km's away. After an hour, due to the appaling condition of the roads, I was on it and heading towards Hungary. Upon entering Hungary, I am not too sure where I crossed the border post as it was not clearly marked, I realised I needed Hungarian currency. I stopped off at Mosonmagyarovar to get some cash and some food. Outside the town, I stopped by a monument of a well to have breakfast. I was making good time and pretended to be signing to a full house at Carnegie Hall; going mad, no, just having a good time. I stopped before Gyor to have a Pepsi and an ice-cream. There were a bunch of men sitting there having a lunchtime drink. We exchanged pleasantries and I continued on my way. Just outside Gyor, I heard this voice behind me asking me where I was going. Fran was also going to Istanbul so we rode into Gyor together where we bumped into Fergus and his partner, also going to Istanbul! They decided to stay in Gyor, while Fran and I pushed on! We lost the route and a friendly local helped us to find it again. He took us past the enormous new Audi plant and rode with us for about 20km's. We camped for the night outside Almasfuzito. A very good day cycling in great weather; not bad for Friday the 13th! Pedalling Pete from Hungary.
Kilometers travelled: 159.33; Total kilometers travelled: 3619; Meters climbed: 449
2014-06-14: We hit the road very early in cool, overcast conditions. After about 25km's, we stopped on the side of the road to have breakfast. While sitting on the pavement, we received stares from the motorists as they drove past. The journey into Budapest went very well, baring an odd detour here and there because of roadworks. It got hot, with a gentle tailwind to assist us. We arrived in Budapest before noon and headed for the Danube and had some lunch. I needed to find a campsite and went into the old part of Buda to find an information centre. They were very helpful. While saying our goodbyes to each other, a cyclists asked us where we were headed. He told us that he was a journalist and had cycled around the world. After about 30 minutes, I went to find the campsite and Fran went off to find the bicycle shop that was recommended to her by the cyclist. Good luck for the rest of your travels and it was enjoyable riding with you. Tomorrow, I will have a look at the sights of Budapest. Pedaling Pete from near the Danube in Budapest.
Kilometers travelled: 90.34; Total kilometers travelled: 3709; Meters climbed: 406
2014-06-15: I had a good night despite all the noise from the surrounding area and the traffic. I decided to visit the city park, St Margarets island and the Buda Castle area. The ride to the park was through a beautiful area; the buildings are exsquisite! However, the park was overrun by athletes and their supporters as a number of road races were taking place. I then went to St Margarets island and trundled around it for a while. Her grave is in the ruins of the convent. There are some beautiful water features on the island. I then proceeded to the Buda Castle area and tried to cycle to the top of the hill; disappointingly, every path I took ended in steps. I had to go through this long tunnel of about 100 meters that went under the castle to get there. I then wandered through the old town of Pest and had an ice cream. A very pleasant and interesting day. I was told that Budapest is the most beautiful city in the world. It certainly has its charm. How does it compare to my favourite city so far, Vienna? In my opinion, Vienna has the opulence and extravagance; Budapest has the raw charm. They are both fantastically beautiful cities, but in different ways.
Kilometers travelled: 30.33; Total kilometers travelled: 3739; Meters climbed: 175
2014-06-16: Last night, I tried poached eggs again; this time with success! This morning, I left the Camping Hellar campsite just after 7am and crossed over the river only to find that the route crossed back over on the bridge I had just ridden on - they say this is a temporary change in route. While looking for the route, I turned a corner to find a cyclist coming the other way on my side of the cycle path. We hit one another and he just rode straight off - this time a number of people heard me swear at him! The temporary route markings were appalling and I asked a cyclist if he knew the route - he mentioned that it was on the other side of the river and he would show me the way. I then followed the route alongside the river until it crossed over a bridge. As it was heading away from the river, with no route markings, I headed back to the river and followed a path running next to the river. I was getting a bit peckish so stopped alongside a building where there was some shade and had something to eat. As I was nearly finishing, I noticed a couple of headlights in the distance and they seemed to be approaching rather slowly. I packed up and was about to leave when the two motorcyclists pulled up alongside the building. They were dressed in dark blue police uniforms and were both armed. The lead guy greeted me and I greeted him back in English. He then mentioned one word: trouble! Picnicing Pete became Phrantically Pedalling Pete in a pico second and I was back on my bike while still taking a bite out of my apple! As soon as I could, I left the path and headed away from the river; never mind that the road I chose was rutted and in some places thick, loose sand, I didnt stop pedalling until I was in a town. As I didnt know where the cycle route was, I headed south and saw some traffic police. I asked them about the route and they either didnt know or didnt quite understand me. However, they pointed me in the direction of Bucharest. At the next town, the information office gave me a map of Hungary. I soon found the cycle route and followed it to a town called Dunafoldvar. On the way, I met a French cyclist travelling the other way and we exchanged some comments about the route. An interesting point is the number of cherry trees growing on the side of the road. Pedalling Pete from alongside the Danube after an interesting day.
Kilometers travelled: 110.1; Total kilometers travelled: 3850; Meters climbed: 243
2014-06-17: I tried to make some supper last night, but was ferousiously attacked by the mosquitos, so gave up and had what I had bought for this mornings breakfast. It rained most of the night and was still drizzling this morning. I packed up in the rain and left the campsite at about 8am. I went into town to buy some more breakfast and then set off on the west side of the river. Roger, a cyclist from Cambridge, suggested that this is the safer option. After about an hour and a half, I stopped to have something to eat. To my horror, the lid of the yoghurt tub had broken and the contents were spilt all in my pannier. I cleaned up what I could. I noticed something with some of the houses that I had not seen before; some of the downpipes extended out away from the houses. The road led me onto a major road and I decided to cross the river; there was a ferry about a km ahead; I had to wait about an hour for it. The road on the otherside was pleasant enough, although it also led me onto a busy road. In Batja, I stopped to take a photo of a frame of chillis hanging on the side of the road. The next moment, a woman is beside me; we have a conversation and she tells me how she threads each chilli. I stopped at Baja and found the campsite situated on a branch of the river. A very good day for cycling as it cleared up, but remained overcast for most of the day. Pedalling Pete from the Hungarain Danube.
Kilometers travelled: 94.64; Total kilometers travelled: 3944; Meters climbed: 256
2014-06-18: Today was supposed to be a special day. I did 123 km's, but ended up 30 meters away from where I started this morning. I left the campsite and stopped off in town to buy some elastic. I then got onto the velo6 route and made good time. The surface of some of the route was newly laid and it was a pleasure to ride on. At Ujmohacs, I spent my last Hungarian currency and headed for the border. Shortly afterwards, I clocked up 4000km's. I spoke to a French cyclist riding the other way and we exchanged information about the route. I arrived at the border post and went through the Hungarian side and stopped at the Serbian side. They wouldn't let me through - I didn't have a Serbian visa. I protested that I was told that I could get through on a Schengen visa; no, they said, not into Serbia! I turned around and started making my way to the Hungarian/Romanian border post at Mako. A little setback in the big scheme of things! Just after Gara, I noticed that my groundsheet was missing! I could only have left it back at the campsite. I took a chance and speed back to the campsite and looked around - it was not there! I went and checked in and asked at reception if it had been handed in. Ofcourse not, I was told. Disappointed, I resigned myself to buying a replacement. I went to get a pitch and found 3 other cyclists, all French, already there. One cyclist has a Surly Long Haul Trucker. I looked around and noticed that my groungsheet was hanging from a tree; what a fantastic end to a mixed, eventful day.
Kilometers travelled: 123.0; Total kilometers travelled: 4067; Meters climbed: 312
2014-06-19: I had a good night and woke up at a reasonable time. I was packed and on the road just before 9am. I took the same road out of Baja as I came in yesterday afternoon, looking for the turnoff to Csavoly, but didnt see it. I ended up in Gara and went past my turn around point from yesterday. I had breakfast on the side of the road. It was getting hot and there was a steady headwind. At Bacsalmas, I saw some workers eating their lunch under a tree and thought that was a great idea. I stopped a couple hundred meters further on and did the same thing. I was getting tired. When I started again, I was feeling lethargic and a bit nafi! I stopped on the side of the road before Csikeria and put my groundsheet down under some trees next to the road, lay down and had a nap. The cars were zooming by about 2 meters away from my head! When I awoke, I felt a bit better and pushed on. The break and nap helped a bit; at Csikeria, I stopped and bought a coke and a chocolate. I got onto the 55 road with a bit of a tailwind and then I was feeling better. In Morahalom, I asked at a police station for directions to a campsite. I am in a garden with a bit of a direlect house on the property, but the facilities are reasonable. Just hope the house isnt haunted. Today was not a good day emotionally and I was feeling a bit rundown. Again, another fairly long day in the saddle, but getting closer to the Romanian border. Pedalling Pete from near the Hungarian/Serbian border.
Kilometers travelled: 110.4; Total kilometers travelled: 4178; Meters climbed: 151
2014-06-20: In the middle of the night, I was woken up by lights coming on in the house and someone walking around. I poked my head out the tent and saw it was the owner of the place. I went back to sleep knowing that I would not be requiring the services of the ghost busters. I woke up this morning just after seven with the wind blowing and a cloudy sky. I packed up camp, had a breakfast of cucumber and salami sandwiches and was on the road just after 9. Fortunately, the wind was a crosswind blowing in roughly the correct direction. At Domaszek, I stopped and bought some food for lunch. I reached Szeged in good time and was assisted through the town by a friendly gent. Just outside Deszk, I stopped on the side of the road and had some lunch. On the approach to Mako, I saw a campsite sign and thought, yes, Ive seen these before and have not been ablr to find the campsite. However, this time was different as the campsite appeared on que. I purposefully have had a short day as I dont know where there are campsites in Romania and didnt want to spend hours looking for the next campsite. As you can gather, I am rather tired and need to recouperate a bit. Pedalling Pete from the near Hungarian, Romania and Serbian border area.
Kilometers travelled: 59.09; Total kilometers travelled: 4237; Meters climbed: 127
Monday 23 June 2014
Czech Republic and Slovakia
2014-06-08: The night was peaceful. I decided to have an easy day because of not having many supplies. There were 2 Scottish lads who had ridden from Brno, where I was heading for, and they said that it was a fairly easy ride there. Furthermore, the shops were open on Sundays. I decided to give it a go and see how things progressed. While loading my bike with water, the securing strap on my large Topeak bottle holder broke - this after using it for about 3 weeks! Just before the border, I found a diner out Drassenhoven open and had a breakfast of eggs and ham, delicious! The border crossing was interesting as there are still the old, deserted buildings. The first town I came to, Mikulov, I stopped to get supplies. One thing I notice, were the number of casinos. I crossed a huge lake and stopped at a bus stop for some respite from the heat and to have something to eat. After a while, I noticed a swallows nest with 4 chicks in it. Mommy kept flying in to feed them. I continued following some of the bike routes and made a few detours before entering the outskirt of Brno. I had looked at the temperature gauge on my Garmin during the day and at one point it read 42 degrees; I dont know how accurate it is, but it can't be too far off. In Brno, a cyclists asked me where I was going and he kindly offered to show me the way even though it was still another 20k's to go! We got on to a cycle path and rode a few k's, when I had a blowout on the back tyre. Inspecting the tube, I found that the fault lay with the rim tape that the cycle shop installed when they assembled my bike; I hadn't met Matt yet. With the wheel repaired, I continued along the cycle path and came across an Iron Maiden concert on the banks of the river. At about 8, I found the campsite in Brno on a lake - I don't know the name of the lake, but it is very pleasant. A long, hot and arduous day. Pedalling Pete from a lake outside Brno.
Kilometers travelled: 94.6; Total kilometers travelled: 3205; Meters climbed: 864.
2014-06-09: After yesterdays tough day, I took the day off and wondered into Brno. It is not a spectacular city; in fact it appears quite ordinary. It got very hot, so I went back to the campsite and spent the day under the cover of a hut. I prepacked before retiring as I wanted an early start. Nothing spectacular to report.
Kilometers travelled: 29.62; Total kilometers travelled: 3234; Meters climbed: 453.
2014-06-10: Up early and ready to hit the road by 7. The exit from Brno was uneventful as I followed a cycle route. I entered Rajhrad and found a cycle shop. Neither of us could speak each others language, but we communicatedby successfully. I bought 2 rim tape and he told me that he also had a Surly and is very impressed with it. I continued on the 425 road right into Breclav - I wasn't going to deviate from it as it was the most direct route to Breclav. I stopped frequently as it was extremely hot. The campsite shown on my map did not exist, so I had to backtrack about 15km's to one that did exist. I had a bit of fun at the campsite as the receptionist did not speak English, but with the help of one of the other guests, we sorted things out. I must have drunk about 6 litres of liquid today; probably not enough, considering the circumstances. Tomorrow, I should enter Slovakia.
Kilometers travelled: 99.37; Total kilometers travelled: 3334; Meters climbed: 523.
2014-06-11: Last night was hot. I was up early and packed and ready to hit the road just after 7. I left Brclav and continued towards Slovakia. Just before the border, I spent my last Krone on some fruit and something to drink. The border crossing was a non-event and I was in my 9th country! The first town I entered was Kuty and I heard music playing. Then the sound of a womans voice blaring out a message. I looked up and saw speakers on every 2 or 3 pole. The temperature was rising and I stopped frequently to drink amd eat. I stopped in Malacky to stock up with some items; it is a lot cheaper here than elsewhere in Western Europe - a direct comparison is possible as they use Euros. I stopped in Stupava for something to drink and had a salad to eat as well. At about 15:45 I continued to Bratislava where I found the Information Centre and they directed me to a campsite about 5km's away. Another hot day, with the possibility of relief tomorrow.
Kilometers travelled: 99.99; Total kilometers travelled: 3434; Meters climbed: 559.
2014-06-12: I stayed in Bratislova today and did a bit of sightseeing. I also went to enquire about extending my Turkish visa; I got some news and will have to see what happens. I rode through the old part of town; it was busy with tourists. On the way back to the campsite, I stopped off at a big shopping mall; it is as modern as any I have seen, but, not very busy. There has been a buildup of clouds, so hopefully some relief from the high temperatures is on the way.
Kilometers travelled: 25.17; Total kilometers travelled: 3459; Meters climbed: 348.
Kilometers travelled: 94.6; Total kilometers travelled: 3205; Meters climbed: 864.
2014-06-09: After yesterdays tough day, I took the day off and wondered into Brno. It is not a spectacular city; in fact it appears quite ordinary. It got very hot, so I went back to the campsite and spent the day under the cover of a hut. I prepacked before retiring as I wanted an early start. Nothing spectacular to report.
Kilometers travelled: 29.62; Total kilometers travelled: 3234; Meters climbed: 453.
2014-06-10: Up early and ready to hit the road by 7. The exit from Brno was uneventful as I followed a cycle route. I entered Rajhrad and found a cycle shop. Neither of us could speak each others language, but we communicatedby successfully. I bought 2 rim tape and he told me that he also had a Surly and is very impressed with it. I continued on the 425 road right into Breclav - I wasn't going to deviate from it as it was the most direct route to Breclav. I stopped frequently as it was extremely hot. The campsite shown on my map did not exist, so I had to backtrack about 15km's to one that did exist. I had a bit of fun at the campsite as the receptionist did not speak English, but with the help of one of the other guests, we sorted things out. I must have drunk about 6 litres of liquid today; probably not enough, considering the circumstances. Tomorrow, I should enter Slovakia.
Kilometers travelled: 99.37; Total kilometers travelled: 3334; Meters climbed: 523.
2014-06-11: Last night was hot. I was up early and packed and ready to hit the road just after 7. I left Brclav and continued towards Slovakia. Just before the border, I spent my last Krone on some fruit and something to drink. The border crossing was a non-event and I was in my 9th country! The first town I entered was Kuty and I heard music playing. Then the sound of a womans voice blaring out a message. I looked up and saw speakers on every 2 or 3 pole. The temperature was rising and I stopped frequently to drink amd eat. I stopped in Malacky to stock up with some items; it is a lot cheaper here than elsewhere in Western Europe - a direct comparison is possible as they use Euros. I stopped in Stupava for something to drink and had a salad to eat as well. At about 15:45 I continued to Bratislava where I found the Information Centre and they directed me to a campsite about 5km's away. Another hot day, with the possibility of relief tomorrow.
Kilometers travelled: 99.99; Total kilometers travelled: 3434; Meters climbed: 559.
2014-06-12: I stayed in Bratislova today and did a bit of sightseeing. I also went to enquire about extending my Turkish visa; I got some news and will have to see what happens. I rode through the old part of town; it was busy with tourists. On the way back to the campsite, I stopped off at a big shopping mall; it is as modern as any I have seen, but, not very busy. There has been a buildup of clouds, so hopefully some relief from the high temperatures is on the way.
Kilometers travelled: 25.17; Total kilometers travelled: 3459; Meters climbed: 348.
Austria
2014-06-01: Today, was an easy day; I didn't get on the bike at all. I stayed at the Camping Pichlingersee campsite and dried my kit, and got things in order. Nothing else to report.
Kilometers travelled: 0.0; Total kilometers travelled: 2697; Meters climbed: 0.
2014-06-02: The weather was good this morning; overcast, but dry, with a slight headwind. I left the Pichlingersee campsite at about 10 and went to the local supermarket for some supplies. I have finally got the timing right regards the opening of the shops. I then headed back towards the Donau route; I had to cross a train line and struggled to find the subway. When I did, I was right on track again. There are two routes to take to Mathausen and everyone seemed to be taking the Cultural Route; I, obviously, dont have any culture as I was on the other route. Nevertheless, when I got to Mathausen, the number of cyclists on the route increased dramatically. After Au, I rode with a group of cyclists travelling from Passau to Vienna; Reinhard and I had a lovely chat that speeded up the passing of the kilometers. I've also noticed that my light flashes all the time; must be as a result of all the rain we have had. I must contact the suppliers and see what they can do. At Grein, I found a campsite on the route right next to the Donau. As it is early, I will go do some exploring. On my way out, I spotted this guy with a kiwi shirt on and started chatting to him. He is on a tour with about 50 people, but going the other way. The group is a mixed bunch, seniors and youngsters, from a variety of countries. We had a lovely chat and I wish them well - I would have liked to cycle with them for a way as they are full of fun. At the campsite are three paraplegic cyclists who are cycling from Constanta, Romania to Saint-Brévin-les-Pins, France. This is a 3000km journey that will take 2 months. Wow, what inspirational people! This is Pedalling Pete from next to the Donau river signing off until next time.
Kilometers travelled: 59.90; Total kilometers travelled: 2757; Meters climbed: 299.
2014-06-03: The night was good and I woke up early. I had a chat to Guy, who showed me a catalogue he had put together about rhe trip, Yves and Jeanette. I went and had a cup of tea and Mary came and spoke to me as well. I then went to buy some breakfast at the local supermarket and passed the group I spoke to yesterday - we wished each a safe journey and went our ways. At Grein, there was a split in the route - one staying on the bank of the Donau and the other taking a ferry to the other bank. I didnt take the ferry. The route sometimes went on the main road, which was a bit hairy at times, but, generally uneventful. At Ybbs, the routes converged on the other bank. I decided to go through the town, it was rather uninteresting, and met part of a group travelling from Passau to Vienna. We rode together until Melk, where I found a campsite. Bridgette, one of the group who spoke English, explained some of the local culture to me. There is a lovely Benedictine monestary in the old town of Melk. Pedalling Pete from alongside the Donau.
Kilometers travelled: 55.49; Total kilometers travelled: 2812; Meters climbed: 243.
2014-06-04: The morning was shrouded in mist, but as soon as the sun got its strength, the mist evaporated. I tried to get onto the internet at the campsite, but it was so slow, I gave up. There is a chart showing the various flood lines at the hotel through the ages; you can see the water mark on the building from the 2013 floods. I left Melk via the city and got onto the Donau route after some serious climbing. I traveled along looking for a place to buy some food. At Spitz, I bumped into the group from the boat. I was given another history and cultural lesson along the way. I was shown the castle ruins at Dürnstein, where Richard III was imprisoned on his return from raiding Israel. In Krems, I was shown through the old part of the city and taken to the Gothic church. The opulence inside is most impressive. I am spending the night at a campsite in Krems right on the Donau river.
Kilometers travelled: 41.9; Total kilometers travelled: 2854; Meters climbed: 235.
2014-06-05: This morning was overcast, so I packed early and was on the road by 8. I bought some breakfast on the way and was on the route in no time. I soon saw the 2000km marker on the Donau. I reached Tulln in good time and continued towards Wien. Just outside Tulln, a police helicopter was practising picking a water from the river and dropping it back into the river in a firefighting exercise. The route crossed the river; a pity as the lrft side of the river is devoid of villages. I knew there was a campsite just before Wien; as luck would have it, I was on the wrong side of the river. I caught a ferry to the other side and settled into the campsite. As it was still early, I cycled into Wien - my, what a beautiful city! some ofnthe buildings and statues are exquisite. I will be going back there tomorrow to do some more sightseeing. A good day. Pedalling Pete from near the Danube.
Kilometers travelled: 114.2; Total kilometers travelled: 2968; Meters climbed: 376.
2014-06-06: Today was a beautiful day, in many senses. The sun shone the whole day and I managed to get a lot accomplished and had a wonderful day sightseeing. As I was to meet the guys at Ciclopia at 15:00 to install my lights, I decided to do some sightseeing first. I rode along the Donau canal and then made my way into the old sector of the city and went through the Volksgarten and past Beethovens monument. I then visited Belvedere castle and wondered through the beautiful grounds. A couple were having their wedding photos taken with the castle as a backdrop! I popped into the Turkish embassy to see about extending my Turkish visa, but had to go to another building across the city. I went to Ciclopia where Stephen installed my Supernova light and The Plug charging system. Thanks to Gregor from Supernova and Stephen and Michael from Ciclopia for helping out a cyclist in a desperate situation. I didnt go to the other Turkish embassy as it was too far and getting late; will have to go elsewhere. I also clocked up 3000km's today.I have to say that Vienna must be one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Its buildings are beautiful, its people are fantastic. Thanks Vienna; pity I am not staying longer. Pedalling Pete from just outside Vienna.
Kilometers travelled: 39.27; Total kilometers travelled: 3007; Meters climbed: 377.
2014-06-07: Last night was a disaster; the couple in a tent near me fought continuously all night. Two other couples left the campsite prematurely because of it. I was up early as I wanted to go to the information office across the road to get some maps of Austria as I want to travel to the Czech Republic for a couple of days. I found out that the office only opened at 10:00. While having breakfast, I wathced a squirrel playing in a tree; he then ran along the power lines and disappeared out of view. After speaking to a couple from Perth, I left at about 9 and found a bookshop in the old quarter that had the maps I wanted. I was on my way at about 11. The temperature was in the thirties with nary a cloud in the sky. I stopped on a regular basis to have something to eat and to drink. At Ladendorf, I asked a couple about a campsite; they told me that the nearest was still about 30ks away. They also gave me a 1.5litre bottle of water; what a godsend as I was running out of water and feeling a bit dehydrated. At Mistelbach, I stopped to get supplies as tomorrow is Sunday. I was 5 minutes too late; the supermarkets close at 18:00! At 19:30, I rolled into the campsite exhausted from a long, hot and hard day. The terrain was rolling hills and the temperature was in the mid to upper thirties.
Kilometers travelled: 103.32; Total kilometers travelled: 3110; Meters climbed: 1157
Kilometers travelled: 0.0; Total kilometers travelled: 2697; Meters climbed: 0.
2014-06-02: The weather was good this morning; overcast, but dry, with a slight headwind. I left the Pichlingersee campsite at about 10 and went to the local supermarket for some supplies. I have finally got the timing right regards the opening of the shops. I then headed back towards the Donau route; I had to cross a train line and struggled to find the subway. When I did, I was right on track again. There are two routes to take to Mathausen and everyone seemed to be taking the Cultural Route; I, obviously, dont have any culture as I was on the other route. Nevertheless, when I got to Mathausen, the number of cyclists on the route increased dramatically. After Au, I rode with a group of cyclists travelling from Passau to Vienna; Reinhard and I had a lovely chat that speeded up the passing of the kilometers. I've also noticed that my light flashes all the time; must be as a result of all the rain we have had. I must contact the suppliers and see what they can do. At Grein, I found a campsite on the route right next to the Donau. As it is early, I will go do some exploring. On my way out, I spotted this guy with a kiwi shirt on and started chatting to him. He is on a tour with about 50 people, but going the other way. The group is a mixed bunch, seniors and youngsters, from a variety of countries. We had a lovely chat and I wish them well - I would have liked to cycle with them for a way as they are full of fun. At the campsite are three paraplegic cyclists who are cycling from Constanta, Romania to Saint-Brévin-les-Pins, France. This is a 3000km journey that will take 2 months. Wow, what inspirational people! This is Pedalling Pete from next to the Donau river signing off until next time.
Kilometers travelled: 59.90; Total kilometers travelled: 2757; Meters climbed: 299.
2014-06-03: The night was good and I woke up early. I had a chat to Guy, who showed me a catalogue he had put together about rhe trip, Yves and Jeanette. I went and had a cup of tea and Mary came and spoke to me as well. I then went to buy some breakfast at the local supermarket and passed the group I spoke to yesterday - we wished each a safe journey and went our ways. At Grein, there was a split in the route - one staying on the bank of the Donau and the other taking a ferry to the other bank. I didnt take the ferry. The route sometimes went on the main road, which was a bit hairy at times, but, generally uneventful. At Ybbs, the routes converged on the other bank. I decided to go through the town, it was rather uninteresting, and met part of a group travelling from Passau to Vienna. We rode together until Melk, where I found a campsite. Bridgette, one of the group who spoke English, explained some of the local culture to me. There is a lovely Benedictine monestary in the old town of Melk. Pedalling Pete from alongside the Donau.
Kilometers travelled: 55.49; Total kilometers travelled: 2812; Meters climbed: 243.
2014-06-04: The morning was shrouded in mist, but as soon as the sun got its strength, the mist evaporated. I tried to get onto the internet at the campsite, but it was so slow, I gave up. There is a chart showing the various flood lines at the hotel through the ages; you can see the water mark on the building from the 2013 floods. I left Melk via the city and got onto the Donau route after some serious climbing. I traveled along looking for a place to buy some food. At Spitz, I bumped into the group from the boat. I was given another history and cultural lesson along the way. I was shown the castle ruins at Dürnstein, where Richard III was imprisoned on his return from raiding Israel. In Krems, I was shown through the old part of the city and taken to the Gothic church. The opulence inside is most impressive. I am spending the night at a campsite in Krems right on the Donau river.
Kilometers travelled: 41.9; Total kilometers travelled: 2854; Meters climbed: 235.
2014-06-05: This morning was overcast, so I packed early and was on the road by 8. I bought some breakfast on the way and was on the route in no time. I soon saw the 2000km marker on the Donau. I reached Tulln in good time and continued towards Wien. Just outside Tulln, a police helicopter was practising picking a water from the river and dropping it back into the river in a firefighting exercise. The route crossed the river; a pity as the lrft side of the river is devoid of villages. I knew there was a campsite just before Wien; as luck would have it, I was on the wrong side of the river. I caught a ferry to the other side and settled into the campsite. As it was still early, I cycled into Wien - my, what a beautiful city! some ofnthe buildings and statues are exquisite. I will be going back there tomorrow to do some more sightseeing. A good day. Pedalling Pete from near the Danube.
Kilometers travelled: 114.2; Total kilometers travelled: 2968; Meters climbed: 376.
2014-06-06: Today was a beautiful day, in many senses. The sun shone the whole day and I managed to get a lot accomplished and had a wonderful day sightseeing. As I was to meet the guys at Ciclopia at 15:00 to install my lights, I decided to do some sightseeing first. I rode along the Donau canal and then made my way into the old sector of the city and went through the Volksgarten and past Beethovens monument. I then visited Belvedere castle and wondered through the beautiful grounds. A couple were having their wedding photos taken with the castle as a backdrop! I popped into the Turkish embassy to see about extending my Turkish visa, but had to go to another building across the city. I went to Ciclopia where Stephen installed my Supernova light and The Plug charging system. Thanks to Gregor from Supernova and Stephen and Michael from Ciclopia for helping out a cyclist in a desperate situation. I didnt go to the other Turkish embassy as it was too far and getting late; will have to go elsewhere. I also clocked up 3000km's today.I have to say that Vienna must be one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Its buildings are beautiful, its people are fantastic. Thanks Vienna; pity I am not staying longer. Pedalling Pete from just outside Vienna.
Kilometers travelled: 39.27; Total kilometers travelled: 3007; Meters climbed: 377.
2014-06-07: Last night was a disaster; the couple in a tent near me fought continuously all night. Two other couples left the campsite prematurely because of it. I was up early as I wanted to go to the information office across the road to get some maps of Austria as I want to travel to the Czech Republic for a couple of days. I found out that the office only opened at 10:00. While having breakfast, I wathced a squirrel playing in a tree; he then ran along the power lines and disappeared out of view. After speaking to a couple from Perth, I left at about 9 and found a bookshop in the old quarter that had the maps I wanted. I was on my way at about 11. The temperature was in the thirties with nary a cloud in the sky. I stopped on a regular basis to have something to eat and to drink. At Ladendorf, I asked a couple about a campsite; they told me that the nearest was still about 30ks away. They also gave me a 1.5litre bottle of water; what a godsend as I was running out of water and feeling a bit dehydrated. At Mistelbach, I stopped to get supplies as tomorrow is Sunday. I was 5 minutes too late; the supermarkets close at 18:00! At 19:30, I rolled into the campsite exhausted from a long, hot and hard day. The terrain was rolling hills and the temperature was in the mid to upper thirties.
Kilometers travelled: 103.32; Total kilometers travelled: 3110; Meters climbed: 1157
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