Leaving Bavaria, we have a date with Team Black Forest, Martin and Edith, our riding mates from Tour de Donau, at their home town of Baden-Baden (in the Black Forest). Quote from Lonely Planet travel guide: “So nice that you have to name it twice!!”
Tag Archives: Austria
Onwards ….. and onwards……!!
With renewed vigour, thanks to all your encouragement, we blitzed stage 11 (actually, more like slow and steady wins the race!!) and cross the finish line in the centre of beautiful old Bratislava – feeling hot and exhausted but with a sense of achievement!
Stage 10 – Tough decisions required !!
We’re in a bit of a dilemma! Stage 10 to Bratislava is over 60km and this presents a few issues / problems!!
Firstly the bikes have decided to give up – next to no electrics and few gears working now ?!? No Sparta bike service shops anywhere near us (or in Austria!?!), secondly, the heatwave continues with temperatures extremely hot by late morning, thirdly, whilst Bev’s health has improved she’s not fighting fit yet!
What shall we do ??????
Stage 2 and Bev’s in YELLOW JERSEY !
Day: Sunday 22 July 2018
Start: Engelhartszell, Austria
Destination: Aschach an der Donau, Austria
Distance Travelled: 45km
Accommodation: La Mamma Pension
Weather: Scattered showers, overcast & low cloud, 20 deg
Interesting things:
- the Three Billy Goats Gruff
- Interesting Barrels in the campground
Stage 2 begins!
Tour de Donau Stage 1
Day |
Saturday, 21 July 2018 |
Start |
Passau, Germany |
Destination |
Engelhartszell, Austria |
Distance Travelled |
30km |
Accommodation |
Gasthaus Goldenes Schiff |
Weather |
Cloudy, drops of rain, warm – 25 |
Interesting Discoveries:
- The Donau river temperature is not that cold – Mark checked this out!!
- The Fahre (ferry) has a large bell that you ring for service if he is on the other side of the river.
- Bike tubes are available in dispensers along the RADWEG (bike path)
- There are many lizards and snakes found in the woods including the viper snake, the largest snake in Germany – luckily it did not cross our path.
Highlights:
Rain and thunderstorms were forecast for the afternoon so we planned a short day 1 following the NORTH bank route passing the Bavarian forest and into Austria. The Donau (Danube) has cut a path 300m deep through the mountain ridge. Most of the valley slopes are covered with mixed woods.
We were cruising for an easy first stage win today when our lead was almost sabotaged….. by a peloton full of Australians!! Our route included a bike/pedestrian Fahre (ferry) crossing at the end of our journey to Engelhartszell. We were ready to board but the ferry captain said he had to wait for a large group of 40 riders that were 5 minutes behind us – The Australians!!…. We all piled on board, with our bikes going on last. This was OK as we were first off and hence will wear the yellow jersey tomorrow!! We enjoyed a chat on the crowded ferry and discovered some were from our home town of Melbourne/Templestowe — it is a small world!!
Our accommodation over looks the Donau River and the village is famous having Austria’s only Trappist monastery and of course a beautiful church.
Four countries in one day!
As we say goodbye to fantastic Croatia, we also say goodbye to the nice weather! Bruce is a wee bit confused today . . . . what country am I driving through now? In this corner of Europe with the borders so close by, we notch up 4 countries on one day!! Croatia, Slovenia, Austria and Germany! We have to pay for the privilege too with Vignettes for Slovenia and Austria. There are many tunnels here!
Santé……..Cheers!!
Celebrating with our first glass of “champers” (true!!) as we approach the finish line of our amazing “Tour de France ….. Spain, Portugal & Germany!!!”