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 with my choice. I’ve no idea what the short route would have been like, but I don’t think it was along water, and there would have been a few steep but short climbs. What I got instead was nearly perfect riverside trails, a few swims, some nice smaller towns and exactly the kind of day that makes me love riding a bike. Plus, it being hot, a Sunday and a holiday here meant the beaches leading into the city were pretty full and festive. Which is nice.
Sure, it was and is very hot, 32, but I felt I had boundless energy and was moving pretty quick. At some point along the trail, a man going the opposite way flexed a bicep at me. He was telling me I’m strong. I don’t think that’s as true as saying I can be pretty motivated. And that was today. I was very motivated to be riding. Sadly, I was racing to the end. It’s all over. The ride anyway.
I’m at an Airbnb. With a private washroom, WiFi and uninterrupted access to water! My plan was actually to camp in town at a place mostly for cyclists, which would have been a great way to cap off the ride. However, it also meant an awkward day tomorrow where I would have lingered at the campground until I had to leave, then do something for a few hours with my bike and all my gear, then check in at 3. Seemed like kind a waste of a day. So here I am.
It hasn’t really sunk in that I’m finished. There will be some fireworks in a few hours. I feel like that’s an awful lot to mark the end of my ride, but… 🤣 (it’s state foundation day).
Bike trips are busy. Or at least how I do them. You’re either riding, cooking, eating, finding food, setting up camp, tearing it down, packing, unpacking, mapping, planning, changing a flat or sleeping. To suddenly not have anything specific to attend to is a little discombobulating.
So I think I’ll get some Indian food, maybe an ice cream cone, and then I’ll try to sleep in a bed for the first time in 4 weeks. I won’t post daily anymore, but I’ll write one more thing before I go home on Thursday.
Chat soon.
Well done. I’m sure there will be some sort of let down in the next few days. You’ve had quite an achievement. Would have been nice to end it in a campground but also a waste of a day so I’d say you made the right choice. Enjoy your dinner and ice cream. Sleep well tonight and enjoy your sightseeing. Budapest at night on the river is a spectacular sight.
Congratulations my darling on wrapping up a pretty monumental journey. It was challenging and magical and everything in between. Savour every minute of your last few days. We’re looking forward to you coming home, especially little Floyd and her fuzzy belly. xoxo
Chad,
Enjoy the ice cream! Thanks for taking us along on the amazing adventure.
A well traveled trip! Congratulations.
So enjoyed being part of it.
Thanks for taking the time to share.
Looking forward to seeing you in person in CR. Safe trip home.
Well done!! Enjoy the rest and looking forward to hearing more about the trip in person.
Woo! In a way, it’s a Shane your trip is over, ax I’ve enjoyed reading your journal and you’ve left me “Hungary” for more.
You’re telling me!
A very late to post congratulations, Chad! The fireworks photos are beautiful, and no matter what you’ve been told, they were set off to celebrate your accomplishments!
I hope you had a safe and comfortable trip home, and I’ll watch for you on the less scenic roads of Toronto!
All the best,
Iain