Today began with a ferry ride across to the south bank of the Danube as per our map book recommendation due to the heavy traffic on the north side.
Our steeds ready for the days ride
Not much to say
The scenery has reverted back to hills on either side which provide a scenic background to the little villages dotted along the river. It was a perfect temperature this morning and I can't begin to describe the contented feeling of riding under shade of the trees, looking up into these robust forests.
Soon the spell was broken as we emerge from the trees into Ybbs and a headwind. After our morning coffee stop we then ventured onto Melk. By the time we reached Melk the mercury was positively soaring and we were beginning to feel the effects of yesterday's 100km day. After replenishing the fluids we did a spot of sight seeing at the Melk Abbey which was quite magnificent, especially the church.
Melk Abbey
The little church in the abbey
Over our drinks we had decided to call it a day once we reached the next camp spot which happened to be 3km further on. Due to the recent flooding we are camped on the proprietor's front lawn but never the less, a lovely little spot with a bar and restaurant.
Gary & I have a lot to the learn from the Austrians when it comes to cycle touring, especially when it comes to lunch breaks. For instance in a cafe the other day Gary and I were the only ones having coffee every one else had a beer (½ litre and sometimes 1 litre steins at a time no less) and a few smokes thrown in – then the bastards over take us going down the road!!!
I've heard it mentioned a number of times that once the sun comes out over here it's a good excuse to get around in next to nothing which so far seems about right. But amongst cyclist we've seen a disturbing trend for men to hoik the legs up of their lycra cycling shorts converting them into, well er, hotpants. And lets just say not everyone has the physique for it!
1 comment:
So I have this visual - It's a warm european summers day and Gary's cycling along with his bike shorts hiked up "a la hot pant style" and a sudden summer storm breaks, and out comes the the shower cap...................
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