(Bojkovice, Czech Republic to Luhacovice)
View 2008-05-24 Bojkovice to Luhacovice, Czech Republic.kmz in a larger map
Highlights: several steep climbs, wildflowers & green hills, near-deserted country roads, good weather, riding across a farmer's field, early finish in resort town, breaking a tent pole
Nice views, quiet roads (north of Bojkovice)
Even quieter road...across a farmer's field! (north of Rudimov)
A bit muddy in spots (north of Rudimov)
Back on pavement again, just before the really steep part (east of Kladna Zilin)
Remembering the good old Commie days (Luhacovice)
Resort town main street (Luhacovice)
Journal: Yesterday I thought a 10% slope was the limit of my abilities, but I was wrong. Today we encountered a 15% gradient as the steep roads continued across the foothills of the White Carpathian mountains. In fact, today was probably the steepest day I have ever ridden,which accounts in large part for the short distance traveled. Also, we did not leave town until quite late (11:15 am) since we were stocking up on food & water (being a Saturday, most stores are closed in the afternoon & all day tomorrow) and searching for more bike maps. We found the book store in town that sells maps but it was already closed by 11 (only open from 7:30-10:30 on Saturdays, a bit of a surprise), so we ended up riding back to the campground to purchase a map.
After a quick glance of the maps we decided to head north (the shortest distance) across the hills rather than follow the rivers (the flattest route) which would have have sent us in the wrong direction & more than doubled the distance traveled. As a result we began the day with a good 350' climb (not excruciating) out of town with pleasant scenery on quiet paved roads. After 4 miles we were surprised when the route turned into a ride along a farmer's field on dirt tracks. This was followed by a steep descent into a new valley, followed by maybe 50 feet of level terrain before the ascent out of the valley began. The road sign indicated 15% grade, and we ended up climbing 350' in about 1.1 miles (so it was probably not as steep as yesterday's grueling afternoon climb). When we reached the resort town of Luhacovice in time for a late lunch, our two choices were to head north & repeat the morning's climbing efforts again or to stay put at a nearby campground & save the rest of the hills for tomorrow. We chose the campground, where I promptly snapped one of the poles of my tent (which had shown signs of breaking, and which I had ignored). Fortunately Joe had a repair piece so all is good for the time being (until the next tent pole breaks).
Got a few things accomplished with the extra time off in the afternoon. Was able to do my laundry in a very complicated washing machine (the symbols looked like an alien language & the wash cycle took 130 minutes, which seemed crazy long to me). Also was able to use the camp's free wifi signal to research our path to Krakow, Poland. Joe found out there is an official bike route from Vienna to Krakow, and we can pick it up as soon as we get out of the hills. Hopefully the sign will be well marked since we may not have bike maps with us for that portion of the ride.
1 comment:
May 25, 2008
Dear John,
I am up to date on your trip which sounds wonderful! Having been to Munich, Vienna, and Prague over 25 years ago, I can reminisce about the beauty of my experiences as you engage in the beauty of your travels. I will be spending most of today in my garden replanting wild flowers that the gardeners thought were weeds! Jennifer was in Chicago recently and Nancy and I had breakfast with her. It was great to spend time with her however short it had to be. Hope you will be coming sometime. Best wishes for continued happy biking. Love, Sandra
Post a Comment