How could any self-respecting cyclist forget to include hills on their list of rider obsessions? You can tell that the countries we rode through initially, albeit with tough weather conditions, were quite flat riding because I forgot to mention terrain as an important topic of thought and conversations. Since I last wrote, that obviously changed as it is now very high on our list.
Since I left you, we finished riding through Poland, crossed Slovakia, and into Hungary.
We have passed through the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains and although we have yet to do long mountain pass climbs, we have had many short very steep climbs (10-15% grades) on back country roads as well as some moderate climbs around 6-8% for several kilometers. My legs have been sorely tested (get the pun?) but have actually held up. We are now on a rest for 2 whole days in the beautiful city of Budapest…and my legs are very glad. You may notice that despite the blue sky in some of these photos, there are also wet spots on the pavement. The weather has been hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and cloudbursts. One day it rained so hard that we couldn’t see the street in front of us and we had to stop until it lightened up. We are becoming very adept and putting on and taking off rain gear. I hate to tell you what our often wet biking shoes smell like at this point! whew!!
(Thanks, BTW to our TDA staff for many of the photos today…it is nice to have photos they capture while we are riding and while the weather is too bad to bring out our camera)
A few highlights and odd bits:
We continue to eat quite voraciously
and have developed a taste for cold beer at the end of the day (especially Jim!).
Poland, Slovakia & Hungary have been festooned with fields of sunflowers looking happy in the sun (and downcast in the rain, just like us). The countryside is often beautiful. Occasionally have locals stop us to ask what we are up to. A young man on a tractor stopped and hopped off to query us about our journey saying that he would love to do the same but regrettably must work. In the city of Kosice
where we spent one rest day in Slovakia, we had a great view out of our hotel room window with lighted runners sprinting across a rooftop. We have seen many churches from massive orthodox cathedrals to very old wooden churches as well as ancient castles.
It is time to head off for some sightseeing. We are meeting some of our British colleagues for high tea this afternoon and I need to stretch my legs some first.
Thanks again for following with us and all of your encouraging comments. Look forward to hearing from you.
oldfolkswithbikes 
That asphalt road with the hills look like a fun ride – for an afternoon anyway. That washboard gravel, not so much.
I’d rather forgotten about the steep European grades on those back roads – should test the brakes on the descents. Had an old VW that made the crest of one particularly steep grade just as I was about to have ex#1 jump out and push. Didn’t save the marriage, but it certainly saved that day.
Enjoying the entertainment you’re providing us all. Post when you can –
Bruce
LikeLike
Barb,
I LOVE the Photos with you or Jim in them! Jim looks pretty happy with that tall glass of beer! I am learning my geography by curiously through you. I had to get my world Atlas out to trace your path…
Thanks for always keeping me posted. I love you Barb!
Jan
LikeLike
Dad especially enjoyed the pictures from Poland. His father emigrated to the US from poland in the late 1800’s. I will be seing him on Saturday and I will be sharing this latest adventure with him. He so looks forward to hearing from you.
Tom and Marlene
LikeLike
When I heard of your trip, I thought North Germany, Belgium, Northern France, Loire Valley, Southern France, etc, and my reaction was, why are you worried about hills, except for the Pyranees. Now I see that you are headed for continuous hills all the way. What a route!
And why are you not travelling from Portugal to S.P. so you would have the wind at your backs? Strange planning.
So, I guess you will this year ride UP the Danube. Jim dont miss the dark beer at Cloister Weltanburg in Kehlheim – a brewery since 1015. It is gorgeous.
With love,
Dwight and Jutta
LikeLike
The hills look awesome and you both continue to have my admiration! FYI, my left eye is successfully completed with wonderful results! Reay has been wonderful. Sandy
LikeLike
Wow – nice shot of the rollers! I hate rollers…you never have a chance to find your rhythm. That would be my idea of hell….never ending rollers!
Jim would make a good beer salesman – just looking at that photo makes me want to have one.
Glad to hear your legs are holding up, hopefully the rest days were good!
LikeLike
Jim & Barb, Just discovered your blog through a mutual friend. What an epic journey (second spice journey?!)! Great shot of Jim with the beer! 🙂 Frank & I just finished a short self contained tour from Portland to Eugene & back by train. Nice, but your trip looks amazing! Have fun!
LikeLike
Barb,
Thank you for the beautiful photos! And for sharing your adventures with us.
The beer comment is so funny.
We are leaving tomorrow for Olympic National Park and the Oregon coast. Will think of you on that hike you recommended.
Happy riding,
Eva
LikeLike
Those hills look insane! My quads are burning just looking at them.
LikeLike
Looks like such a great time Dave and I are really enjoying your blog we are heading out today for London then Copenhagen travel as fabulous !!!
LikeLike