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 another flat tire. It seems my tire has a rough patch on the inside, and while there is nothing sharp, it is abrasive enough to rub a hole in the tube. I’m likely going to try get at least one new tire in Linz tomorrow morning. At this point a flat is just a normal part of the day, like eating and sleeping.
After that Philipp and I had one hell of a long and steep climb. Not a bad thing to get it out of the way early. The terrain for the next 40 km was a mixed bag. Busy highways, very rocky side *roads*, and everything in between.
Mid afternoon we took a ferry across a wide river reservoir and were basically in Austria. Again, the difference between the countries was immediate and dramatic.
From the last picture in the above gallery it was a dramatic drop in altitude for almost all of the remainder of the day. Starting with a 12% gradient down where I rode the brakes. I had no idea we were so high up!
After about an hour we reached the Danube at Kirchberg. It’s quite beautiful, the picture does no justice.
The paths are flat, very smoothly paved and commonly immediately on the water. Not sure how long these conditions will continue, but Philipp says until Vienna, a day and a half away.
Then Philipp and I parted ways. And it was sad. I may have shed a little tear or two.
It is rare that I meet someone and instantly like them, yet this was the case with Philipp. Funny, smart, thoughtful and interesting. He was an excellent person to spend 2 and a half days (felt like weeks) riding with. Won’t be the same with him… and his navigation skills 😉
If you happen to read this Philipp, thanks for everything and good luck on the rest of your ride and your new life in Vienna. I really enjoyed hanging out.
So the situation for me is now this. I’m roughly 500 km from Budapest and have 10 days left until I return home. There are 3 cities I’ll be spending a day or more in. The ride should be primarily flat, downhill even, and at least half of that will be on very good and easy infrastructure. It is going to be 30+ degrees from here on out.
This is starting to feel more like a holiday than a bicycle adventure, and I think I’m better at the latter! So I am having a little open and easy time anxiety 😝.
I’m sure I’ll figure it out.
If last nights campground was like Woodstock 69, tonight is like a library. I have 2 neighbors who are young men from Munich. They are looking at me like an old pro who knows what he’s doing 😂. This is their first week long bike trip and they are really excited about it. And I’m gluing my handlebar bag together (no idea what happened), realizing my flip flops must have fallen off my bike today and looking up bike shops in the closest town. Some pro.
Well, maybe you enjoy being around people more than you enjoy your solitude Sorry you and Philipp had to go separate ways. I think you’ll heading into more bike trails than you’ve had the last few days and will find another riding partner. And I hope you can get a new tire in Linz. Pretty soon you’ll be so good at changing flats you’ll be like the first German you met and change tires for people along the way. You’re headed into more beautiful country and will enjoy the views. On my photo memories today our Daube River cruise came up, beautiful river views and interesting towns along the way. BTW, beautiful photos.
Now I wish I could meet and hang out with Philipp. Those connections while traveling are the best. Hope you meet some more great riding partners. Just the water bottle set up on your bike would make me think you’re a pro too!
Is there truly a difference between competence and the appearance of competence? 😉
Cheers to Phillipp. While I usually ride alone, too, I have warm memories of a few days riding and a night camping with a very nice chap who designed chips for IBM, across New Hampshire, Vermont, and towards Maine. The unexpected companions are sometimes the best.
As to the tire, have you considered a boot between the tube and the tire? Assuming Canadian Tire money isn’t at hand, a doubled over candy bar wrapper might work.
Did you keep in touch after? Did the wrapper thing once, didn’t work but may not have been placed properly. Yesterdays try seems to be working.
We sent each other postcards from bike tours a few times, but gradually list contact, probably due to analog address books.
Also, Philipp uses OSM and a tool called brouter. Have you heard of the latter? He says it’s the best planner out there.
I’ll look into “Brouter” if it’s not a European-only thing. Thanks!
I”m learning a lot about flats, tricks, and tire replacement cues from reading this blog. Thanks everyone!!!
BTW, Chad, I’m wired the same way as you, it seems. I get very stressed out about having spare time. Maybe over-immerse yourself in all the historic tours you can at every city stopover, or else find a good pub or a bottle and a view of a lake and a castle.
Have fun!
Iain
Wow – “Brouter” seems to have wrestled the “worst user interface” title away from Osmand itself!
I’ll try it again in daylight.
I know. But Philipp was pretty skilled so it feels wise to try his preferred methods. I may need you to give me a primer on OSM. Google maps is just so easy!
Hey Chad,
I finally caught up with your blog.
It was so great to spend the last few days with you as a riding, cooking, coffee, and camping buddy! I have visited several friends along the way from Aschach to Salzburg and told all of them about our fun time together.
Thanks for everything and all the best for the rest of your trip!
I’ll be following along here on the blog.
In Salzburg, I caught a train to Innsbruck, where I’ll be meeting up with my brother to drive down to Lago di Garda in Italy. And although we’ll be taking the car, I will take my bike along and will then continue my ride from there.
Hi! I’m in Vienna right now. I rode in on the island which was very busy due to the weather and holiday. You have a beautiful city waiting for you, as you know. No rush of course.
Oh, the glue worked beautifully on my bag 🙂