Budapest is an incredible place. Last I was here in 1995 (yikes) things went badly, so as soon as possible my then partner and I got on a plane to Istanbul. I’m glad to have the chance to see and do what I missed then. It reminds me a little of an exotic looking New…
Day 27: Neszmély to Budapest
Did you actually believe me yesterday when I wrote I’d take the short route to Budapest? Well, I meant and believed it when I wrote it, but reality turned out differently. Somewhere in the world a Hungarian man slaps his forehead and calls me an idiot. And he may have a point. I’m really happy…
Day 26: Bratislava to Neszmély
I’m in Hungary. And I don’t have much to show for it yet. Todays 120 km were among the most unnoteworthy. The day started on the north bank of the Danube. It was a long stretch of this. So I decided to switch to the south side, and thus enter Hungary earlier than the route…
Day 25: just Bratislava
If someone decided they really wanted to make the perfect Chad food, it would probably be this. It’s fried bread, crunchy on the outside and doughy on the inside (sound like anyone you know?), brushed with garlic and topped with a few fistfuls of grated cheese. There are varieties you can get, including one with…
Day 24: Vienna to Bratislava
Clearly I decided to move on. One reason is I figured I did pretty much get 2 days in Vienna, particularly since I rode into town this morning for breakfast. The other reason was weather. Today was a little cooler and overcast so a better day for riding. I’m happy with my choice. It was…
Day 23: just Vienna
Oh I like this place. It feels very livable. It has all the history, architecture and all that of the other places I’ve ridden through, but it also has a very current and urban side to it that I haven’t come across on this trip. Here’s what I mean. I don’t know enough about architecture…
Day 22: Melk to Vienna
In the 2 hours I’ve spent in Vienna so far, I’m going to say it looks like a city where Very Important Things happen, but getting here was tougher than expected. The morning started easy enough. Packed up quick and got out of last nights campground. It was weird to be surrounded by 5 big…
Day 21: Ottensheim to Melk
In Czechia. despite rough roads, steep climbs and lots of them I could still pull off 130+ kms. In above 30 degree weather not so much. I had planned on doing 140 or more kms today but only made 125. Todays ride was flat, hot and into a very mild but oddly challenging headwind. I…
Day 20: Český Krumlov to Ottensheim
Hello from Austria. Country 4 of 6. As expected and planned for, Czechia was (probably) the most challenging country. Not sure what Hungary will be like, but it will be shorter and along the Danube. So flat and therefore likely easier. Plus, I expect, set up a little bit for cyclists. The day started with…
Day 19: Zvíkovské Podhradí to Český Krumlov
You weren’t kidding Ben, this place is a fairy tale. Summary of the last 2 days. Had a nice breakfast at a fairly upscale French place on the way out of Prague. The omelette was great. The pistachio cheesecake was divine. Outside of Prague, Czechia has been mostly pretty rural interspersed with some small but…
Day 18: Prague to Zvíkovské Podhradí
Long story short, I’m camped in a parking lot next to a full campground in the middle of Czechia. Met and rode most of the day with a lovely Austrian named Phillip. Also next to us is a French cyclist named Oliver. We had dinner together: ramen, almonds, some peach like fruit. Mentos for dessert….
Day 17: just Prague
I got a lot of site seeing done between feedings today. And yes, my bike is once again operational. First the food. First visit was to one of the locations of the Prague National Gallery. It was near the bike shop and was on my list anyway. There I learned that I’m not a huge…