tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81370790653941677212024-03-12T21:50:45.366-07:00Op de fietsChronicling our bicycling adventures ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-15501565673596733202017-10-03T07:29:00.001-07:002017-10-03T07:29:54.910-07:00Arrival in Santiago de Compostela <img id="id_44a7_212c_73e0_4515" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DqvJ44QUCYw/WdOeEn-rSFI/AAAAAAAAFqY/Z7Sq2Cn5XHsm9RQ8x2zwAaeDw1cMKez5ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;">After 14 days of cycling - 49 hours of saddle time, 735 km, 12,519 meters climbed - we arrived in Santiago de Compostela at mid-morning. Arrival was more emotional than I thought it would be. Aside from being physically challenged by the daily hill climbs, simply knowing that this has been a pilgrimage for hundreds of thousands of people for centuries took its toll. <div><br></div><div>Arriving in the square outside of the cathedral was somewhat anticlimactic. Somewhat like saying to yourself "ok, you're done ... next?". As we stood in line for two hours to have our credentials validated and receive our certificates, the look of joy (and relief) on the faces of those who completed the walk and the cycle was palpable. It's at that point when it hits you ... this is the CAMINO DE SANTIAGO and we are now in amongst an alumni with a shared experience.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_d25b_b48f_4833_f5a3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eTAyQfXxi1U/WdOe3p87ixI/AAAAAAAAFqg/cdp5wRKYVvo2knB0405YbC8Q9htrxNISgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Tomorrow we are off on a bus tour to Finesterre and the Costa del Morte for some well deserved R & R before heading back to Barcelona for a couple of days and then home.</div><div><br></div><div>We would be happy to share our experience and thoughts with anyone who is interested. While the Camino may not be everyone's idea of a great vacation, it will always stand out in my memory as a momentous achievement.</div><div><br></div><div>Ciao!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-65016309575580017582017-09-30T11:51:00.001-07:002017-09-30T11:51:47.882-07:00100 km to Santiago and the "rules" changeFast track through days 9, 10 and 11 ... and now we are at 100 km to Santiago de Compostela.<div><br></div><div>Day 9 (Astorga to Ponferrada) was one of the more challenging days. (Understatement ...) Starting at an elevation of 500m, we climbed to just over 1500m with grades averaging out to a modest 3%. The killer was the descent down to 510m. In one section of the descent, we hit a 26.6% grade. I'm not sure about you, but we were ecstatic to have disc brakes.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b216_ca27_af6d_9c8a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iVx_NnBf4nw/Wc_nsLIJUwI/AAAAAAAAFpw/i5XqbqfCnuUY-6IkPtUpR_ZZml41P9nlQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Day 10 (Ponferrada to Las Herrerias) gave us a little bit of a break. 45km at a blistering pace of 16kmh and we found ourselves in one of the most bucolic scenes imaginable. The "Rural Inn" that we had booked is owned and run by a brother/sister team who manage the property to perfection. We arrived early (blistering pace) and were greeted warmly by the owners. The terrace and grounds overlooked a pasture filled with cows and their newborn calves. The valley view however was ominous as it provided a preview of the big climb - aka muy alta - that was in-store for us the following day. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_7091_9b1e_8daa_68b0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UM4A591txgI/Wc_nvWRvVfI/AAAAAAAAFp0/SKOzuS5goqogegRHuCKCNI1ftLZn38CJQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Day 11 (Las Herrerias - Sarria) ... While I don't often use the word "proud" to describe my feelings, I'm making an exception to describe how I feel about Jude's conquering a 1000m climb today. Absolutely outstanding! Once we emerged from the clouds and began our descent into Sarria, we both realized that "we had done it!"; that the balance of the ride to Santiago would be not only doable, but a pleasant experience and time for us to sit back in our saddles and enjoy the view :-) </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_50e0_7f77_aae8_bc51" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yKQo3ZVZ7hs/Wc_nwmhsvoI/AAAAAAAAFp4/t2uzMwVtDmkn47D6F5Uno_dPo4KYRPfXgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>One of the things that we learned about the Camino is that "pilgrims" only need to complete the last 100kms to get their credentials. That makes Sarria a very popular place! From this point to Santiago de Compostela we will be joined by the "taxi" and "bus" brigades, which is the description used for those who complete their 100km by hopping in and out of buses and cabs in order to get their passports stamped. Just serves to illustrate that even the Camino is not immune from abuse. </div><div><br></div><div>A couple of notes:</div><div><br></div><div>Best place to stay (so far): Paraiso del Bierzo 9/10 (if only it had a spa it would be a slam dunk 10/10)</div><div>Best food (so far): little hole in the wall in Sarria, owned and run by young Italians who make the best Italian food this side of ... well, Italy! Matias Locanda.</div><div>Best bike shop: thank goodness we have only needed one bike service so far. Front disc pad replacement ... huge thanks and appreciation to "Taller de Bicycletas" in Villafranca del Bierzo! In addition to being an awesome bike mechanic, he also sells Ridley and Pinnerello.</div><div><br></div><div>With 100km left to go, our next posting will likely be once we reach Santiago de Compostela and we've taken the opportunity to reflect on this experience.</div><div>And, it has been an experience! </div><div><br></div><div>Stay tuned ... </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-70125643320111505922017-09-27T09:24:00.001-07:002017-09-27T09:41:38.134-07:00The second bar is always better (a Camino saying) - Days 7 and 8Day 7 (long) and day 8 (short) continue to teach us new things about ourselves, our world, and our neighbours. <div><br></div><div><img id="id_cc67_6589_ace2_4210" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bc0X9fVwVcY/WcvQsOR-B2I/AAAAAAAAFow/3ihBLn0Q_x4qwM0M39J_LFOacDOlxgi1gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Our day 7 ride to Leon was the longest of this trip and at the same time, one of our quickest. Much of the route was on secondary paved roads with the walkers on an adjacent gravel road. We ended the day in Leon in early afternoon and found time to relax at The Parador Leon (hotel above) before setting out for the evening. </div><div><br></div><div>The hotel began its life in the mid-12th Century built to house and provide protection for the Camino de Santiago pilgrims. Later it became a Monestary, followed by a hospital, army barracks and was then on its way to being another ruins before it was salvaged and restored back to its original purpose. In its current iteration, it is for relatively well-healed pilgrims.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_af7_58fc_3d4b_5291" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1NFsdLWfMcs/WcvQsx-UIuI/AAAAAAAAFo4/QRRy5SRxH60d7jySnv7G7UEZQUr_xLKbwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>As we were leaving Leon for our day 8 ride (destination Astorga) we were thrilled to see that we were now less than 300 km's from Santiago de Compostela.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_d845_cbc4_bfb9_51ca" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZTfQ7wSN_kQ/WcvQsXhTo0I/AAAAAAAAFo0/jS2KIHxH9JMBzv2_Ztvk9Zfdbmd8rRa9ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>This part of the world is so deep and rich in its history. The bridge above was build by the Romans to shuttle their troops across the river. In the 5th Century the bridge and surrounding area became the scene of many epic battles between the Romans and Spanish. The bridge was actually destroyed by the Spanish at one point to halt Napoleons advances into the region. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_47aa_b41_2a14_25a8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ag6OANBhYTs/WcvUpSan24I/AAAAAAAAFpM/77aR8TEeR3M4Xj0fz18m2Il3TiuqujFBwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Another wonderful oasis built for pilgrims. All of the food and drinks are complimentary, although donations are not refused. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_168_f326_7c59_4fc6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7cJIT4e3W04/WcvUpAxgHQI/AAAAAAAAFpI/A_tq1BK-xuItJkgfpqzcNudq2VqOtyBgwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>There is a saying along the Camino that "the second bar is always better". To get a sense of what this means, you need to understand that the Camino pilgrims, walkers and cyclists are the primary source of income for hundreds of little villages and hamlets along the 850 km route. Because of the Camino, Albergues, hotels, cafes, restaurants and bars (and church's survive. As soon as you enter a village, you find yellow arrows (normally intended to guide the pilgrims) pointing every which way to steer you toward a business. There is also (usually) a cafe/bar as soon as you enter town. We learned early on that you should pass on the first bar, because the "second is always better". </div><div><br></div><div>Speaking of which, it is time to sign off this chapter and head out to discover our stop for the night, meet some fellow travelers and perhaps find that - elusive - Spanish paella that we've heard so much about!</div><div><br></div><div>With 263 km left to go ... be back soon :-)</div><div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-28662307276186836652017-09-25T07:34:00.001-07:002017-09-25T07:34:00.221-07:00At the halfway mark of the Camino - Days 5 & 6Here we are, Days 5 & 6 completed and we're halfway done The Camino. 397 km completed, 386 to Santiago de Compostela. And, to make us smile even more, most of the hill climbs are behind as well.<div><br></div><div><img id="id_bfcd_21aa_7245_b067" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QASidLQi9RE/WckTvoQcYmI/AAAAAAAAFoM/CLvbazKIa7geBFMD3y8763KOFX9HyukLQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>At risk of boring you with ride details, especially the hill climbs, this morning was a brutal climb, most of which was pushing the bikes up the hill. 1030 meter climb at an average grade of 14%. Topping the climb off was this beautiful late sunrise view looking east toward Castojeriz, last nights stop. Now, what goes up must come down ... our descent was 620 meters at an 18% grade, on gravel. Now we know the value of disc brakes.</div><div><br></div><div>According to the maps, the majority of our remaining ride will be flat, mostly gravel (think Lochside Trail), some pavement. </div><div><br></div><div>Our bikes have done well. Today they deserved a good cleaning and chain lubing. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_f8a7_26c5_604b_74d7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E-2Yvh50VEA/WckT0OlCEbI/AAAAAAAAFoU/bAOeH2V8hxo4cc7zBhWb37BtoLjOL7KAACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Northern Spain has experienced another drought with little rain last winter and virtually nothing available for irrigation this summer. Hectare after hectare of grain fields, interspersed with sunflower fields have dried up from thirst. </div><div><br></div><div>Tonight we are staying at our first Albergue, in the small village of Ledigos. An Albergue is a shared-accommodation, sort of hostel and inn combined. Albergue's are the norm for pilgrims and fill up early in the afternoon. The Camino "walkers" tend to finish their day around 2 pm so that they can be assured a bed. Camino "cyclists" go on for another couple of hours which makes an Albergue bed a little more iffy. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_952f_78c2_e978_6501" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wq_B4b3qvbg/WckTz2-TH0I/AAAAAAAAFoQ/DOxXoXbGlUs7Hfip6unA3fHzW1EVibttACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>This is not an Albergue :-) It is the ruins at San Anton and now another UNESCO world heritage site.</div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow is Leon. Time to break out the dancing shoes and learn to Flamenco! With the wind at our backs ...</div><div><br></div><div>Ciao! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-47333991517108774712017-09-23T12:09:00.001-07:002017-09-23T12:09:53.781-07:00The Camino provides ... Day 3 and 4Yesterday (Day 3) and today (Day 4) were unexceptional and, at the same time remarkable. Unexceptional in that we had to "slog" through many kilometres and climbed thousands of meters before descending and then climb again. The path is not always pleasant, but that is the point of the Camino after all.<div><br></div><div><img id="id_dc01_b0d5_8eee_756b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5XmOD6QNvGg/WcaxRySSIQI/AAAAAAAAFnY/dZKXGItKM-oRFPYsUCSGsbxVEFgtO7ZCwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Just when you think that you may never find the next town, or your next meal or help to carry your load, we've learned to say, appreciate and understand that the Camino provides. While the next town may still be miles away, the next meal hours to go, and no one around you on the road ... help seems to always arrive. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_97b_eb33_2f3_bcad" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HT_-70hO9ew/WcaxdsriFRI/AAAAAAAAFnc/dpcZTiaNB5kyMzFyNSIKsdbGNwT1o4k-wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>At the uppermost altitude on the Camino (Alto de Valbuena), we found an oasis with water, coffee, food and hammocks for the weary. Our ride up to this elevation this morning was 2 hours non-stop, one foot over the other, just keeping the pedals moving.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6a6c_5b5_ad5a_5ca0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C0rdpWF1TcA/WcaxgFxvjKI/AAAAAAAAFng/Q317123noA8_IczWZj99sLYyFvcCaxZbQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>By mid-day today we rode into the city of Burgos, the state capital. Our ride was through the industrial section of town and our hopes were not high. When we arrived at the centre of the city and caught first glimpses of the Centro de Cuidad, with the most amazing gothic cathedral at one end and the Roman fort just up the hill, it nearly took our breath away. This evening, as apparently happens every Saturday evening, the city squares become alive with music, dining, dating, and thousands of city residents filter down to celebrate the end of one week and the beginning of another.</div><div><br></div><div>In our previous post, I promised to only post one picture of a door. I'll also promise to only post one picture of a coffin ... </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_4f8b_b436_54b4_ecea" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SYCF7azrBBY/WcaxgBv3_VI/AAAAAAAAFnk/mRJeBXIPeu0-h0cogmapV4Uc5ztus_C-QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>After all, how could you not post a photo of the coffin and remains of El Cid who was born in this town. Remember that El Cid fought for both Muslims and Catholics, always (so it is said) in the rightful pursuit of justice. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-36590369774850145422017-09-21T12:58:00.001-07:002017-09-21T22:51:29.962-07:00Vuelta a Español aka Day 2 on the CaminoSome observations on Day 2 ... I've always found days 2 and 3 to be the most challenging. Day 1 you're all excited about the ride, the tour, the vacation and adrenaline tends to carry you along the way. Day 2, you're thinking "meh, maybe I'll just sleep another 15 minutes." Day 3, you're saying "what the *%@& happened to my legs?" By Day 4, you're over the butt discomfort and your legs feel like they could ride forever.<div><br></div><div>In case you think that we might be taking it easy on Day 2, think again! Today, we rode (on the road) a section of Stage 17 of the Veulta a Español...Spain's Tour de France. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_3d58_82b1_68e7_fa64" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VORMyjJ57T4/WcQZ5zqOhAI/AAAAAAAAFmw/6CRgUFxLTME2Mogp3EJ7LLHyy7k8aK_iwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Our ascent today was just over 1000 meters! </div><div><br></div><div>Along the Camino you have a chance to meet lots of interesting people; hear many interesting stories. You can also be entertained ...</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_abb4_8c84_f074_b29f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0wzV3ALVfJg/WcQZ3gkCjmI/AAAAAAAAFms/-b0AXr0AII8L4k3xxKa_xEFevJi-q0mYACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Today was the harvest festival for the grape growers in the state of Rioja. The entire city of Logrono was celebrating and wine was flowing. Even the monastaries and wineries dispense wine (for free) to those on the Camino ... red wine from the left spigot, water from the right. This winery dispenses approx 1000 litres/day to those on the Camino. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_ad2_758f_39a0_65eb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9XZhedcdW-8/WcQZntEgKVI/AAAAAAAAFmg/HuobVf8sDegQ3dNjQ9A-vrIVyjOvM9Y0ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Our destination today is the town of Navarette. The most famous Catholic church in this part of Spain is located here in this tiny town of - maybe 2500 people. "Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion" was built in the early 1500's with an apse that looks like this ...</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b770_803f_ebce_d117" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FW6px8-WdVU/WcQZ3ZQuQbI/AAAAAAAAFmo/K7XB8lgk5HsED_rVRrYqqCuMxfBeWPEgACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>And yes, that is all gold! </div><div><br></div><div>Finally for today, you can't be on a cycle tour and not take pictures of interesting doors. Here is the one (& only) that we'll post on this trip :-) </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6f50_8052_b359_21b0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bd57YjPWF68/WcQZvM6GpeI/AAAAAAAAFmk/vNG8ZSOlODwurwEXqKk3UbsBQapT0YdxwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Ciao...</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-47502742303692729562017-09-20T14:18:00.001-07:002017-09-20T14:18:06.374-07:00Buen Camino - the tortoise & the hairI've cycled tons as an adult ... city cycling, cycle touring, commuting, road cycling, racing, endurance ... the point is that today's ride on the Camino - a mere 50 kms - may have been the most challenging 4 hours on a bicycle ever. <div><br></div><div><img id="id_5a32_34fa_b904_328b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YoQy3v70Mlo/WcLaruR0ZFI/AAAAAAAAFmA/GewR_6Rh7T4wBuQu1YZsE7F43twhsXyeACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Start at the start. When we checked in to our hotel in Pamplona yesterday only Judy's bike had arrived. My bike was nowhere to be found. After hours of searching, the bike (box) was located, still at the Pamplona airport. First thing in the morning, I hopped into a taxi to the courier company's office at the airport and after a few translation challenges, the bike box was found, the bike was assembled and I was in the saddle for the ride back to the city. </div><div><br></div><div>Our normal early morning start ended up as a new normal or temporarily normal 12 noon start! </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_ac73_fda_5f21_2723" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aPVYz3x-Sb8/WcLbCu-IsYI/AAAAAAAAFmE/yKiwAUMawLk0PPqsLptWfDN4_bYliReYgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>There is a special place in heaven for Spanish farmers. How they manage to grow fruits & vegetables between the rocks must be close to a miracle. In Spain, I think that they actually must cultivate rocks, 'cause they are everywhere! </div><div><br></div><div>While today's ride was 50km from Pamplona to Estrella, we must have passed & been passed by the same pilgrims 5 ... 6 ... 7 ... times. We would pass them on the flats or downhills, they would pass us on the climbs or uphills. We climbed just under 1000 meters, all of which was in amongst fields of rock!</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_853a_b0de_b4ff_aee3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YH38Mj2gkG4/WcLab_RMelI/AAAAAAAAFl4/5IInYWCcAKkgGFvZA5ZFoClWoAJlQzY0wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>We did manage to find our angels today. You might remember our story of angels in Budapest (if not, that's ok too). Today our angels were a Cuban, a Canadian and an Italian who helped us bring our bikes & gear up a steep, washed out rock face. Then, they disappeared on us ... curious. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_a385_4545_c0b6_3044" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-da45G8fjn7E/WcLag-aQ4nI/AAAAAAAAFl8/1TClzVUtDccShUgsVv8eNudq6sIvkszfACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>When all you have is a package of Mentos and your starving, well ... I guess that you go for the mints :-)</div><div><br></div><div>We arrived in Estrella with no room reservations. (Note to self: Mistake not to be repeated). Lots of phone calls resulted in a beautiful room at a nice hotel a short distance from the city centre. </div><div><br></div><div>In only one day, it's becoming obvious why people travel the Camino. It's about life, about being who you are, about living. Today we witnessed pilgrims who are searching for a miracle. Far be it from us to judge them. Their life challenges, dare us to see them differently. It is inspiring! </div><div><br></div><div>... talk soon </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-71065129165986156772017-09-18T14:33:00.001-07:002017-09-18T14:33:11.560-07:00An all-Gaudi dayAn all-Gaudi day ... Gaudi is the most famous architect in Barcelona (and possibly Spanish) history. But, defining Gaudi solely as an architect is a little like defining De Vinci solely as a sculptor. Both were much more than perhaps they are best known for. <div><br></div><div><img id="id_b77c_2a78_369a_79d0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aOTBrs2f5Us/WcA7lC2BesI/AAAAAAAAFlc/FQID2snmJa0krY69O7zz_RxNYyU0mfQzACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Gaudi's famous basilica "<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sagrada Família" is the centrepiece of Barcelona's love affair with culture, art and architecture. Construction began in 1882 and is scheduled for completion in 2026, on the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_127e_4d5c_f717_2d21" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-US79yzq5tJQ/WcA7lIrjZHI/AAAAAAAAFlY/aOSPZg7d4XwEF1nWIjyaudo2sSMaH54wgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The basilica's art is an amazing expression of its architecture and Roman Catholic iconography. Simply, there are too many styles, motifs, meanings (and double/triple meanings), symbols and ideas to understand and appreciate in one afternoon visit. Sort of like driving by St. Peter's on the tour bus and saying that you have visited the Vatican. For decades, serious students of Gaudi, architecture, engineering and art have been identifying new questions for graduate studies. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_fc97_bda3_ce21_44fe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yup43fLtRzQ/WcA7ksshLgI/AAAAAAAAFlU/rx-71NTVaKcnP86BWRBFXo-z3ROqa1LOQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The afternoon was spent at Gaudi's "Casa Battlo". Funky, whimsical, original, creative, odd, interesting ... all suitable expressions of Gaudi's work. Sort of what you might expect if you were reading Dr. Seuss while stoned. Casa Battlo is perhaps Gaudi's best work of Moderist architecture. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tomorrow morning we say ciao to Barcelona and board a train for a 4-hour journey to Pamplona. We won't be in town for the festive "running of the bulls", but we will be picking up our passports for the Camino de Santiago.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">... more later! </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-18533366461350943102017-09-18T01:15:00.001-07:002017-09-18T04:37:43.799-07:00How many beautiful cities are there in the world?What do you choose to do after an all-night, transcontinental flight when you are tired and hungry? If you are us, you drop your bags at your AirBnB in downtown Barcelona, change clothes and head out on an adventure! <div><br></div><div><img id="id_4c99_5a8b_5c33_d0c4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dryfgMF13Vc/Wb-AptzBvWI/AAAAAAAAFkE/c5lDZGpHLP0k23GkSbKJm_DLqmD8AlbHwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Barcelona, like many other European cities is a mix of the old and new. What's truly remarkable here however, is the commitment to architectural design and livability. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6d66_fefe_7f7c_edba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eXWIn9sHBYg/Wb-IzyiYpDI/AAAAAAAAFkU/XvpcwZ8QCKcdehpuM6UwUvhF5-rOmtpwwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>On a beautiful August day in downtown Barcelona along Las Ramblas, a van driven by people who were intent on destroying innocent lives, killed 13 people and injured countless others through a senseless act of terrorism. The photo below is a memorial to those who died on that day.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_2db7_6d1d_bbe8_d8a5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6y6DD48l-Vs/Wb-I0lBf_DI/AAAAAAAAFkY/lhLdW76jLD41hMrfgtlMbr6FZMf7adoBwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Following hours of walking and a city bus tour, we stopped for dinner at a small cafe in the gothic district. A birthday celebration at the table next to us provided introductions to a young stand-up comedian from Amsterdam (Simone Keunen) and her mother and with our waitress who just so happened to be from Quebec. Small world.</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6688_5c0e_d12a_452b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lRl8XcMCczQ/Wb-OrbOgGwI/AAAAAAAAFko/7KhFL6lV94gtbewgEwJfJZBdYniGSm7HgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Cities are most photogenic in the evening, especially at the Arc de Triomph.</div><div><br></div><div>... talk later</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-63736409370258049062017-09-16T10:05:00.001-07:002017-09-16T10:05:33.840-07:00DeparturesSitting in the departure gate at YVR, trying to not get overexcited about the next 3 weeks. Barcelona is a city that I have long wanted to visit. Architecture, art, food, wine ... a great place from which to begin a bicycle trip. <div><br></div><div>Last night we stayed at an airport hotel that offered free parking for the length of our trip. All-in-all, not a bad deal. I was trying hard to appreciate the "deal" in the early morning hours with the party going on a few doors down. From now on I should resolve to throw on some clothes and join the party. After all, if they are going to keep you from sleeping, you might as well drink their beer! </div><div><br></div><div>The next day will feature lots of napping, reading, movie watching, and too much restlessness as we fly half way around the world. I'm hoping that the AirTransat crew were not staying in the party room.</div><div><br></div><div>... talk soon! </div><div><img id="id_b1ca_9f8e_99e6_bbda" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OzNYxpWe1gw/Wb1Z2jY347I/AAAAAAAAFjo/TibOrlrSHG4X8fWcNqNFv7fGWjlebtPKQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-28865719000113650172017-09-13T14:03:00.001-07:002017-09-13T14:03:24.250-07:00Ready, Set ... viva la españaIt has been such a long time since I have published a blog post of our cycling adventures! Today's post is a test of a new app, and it's publishing capabilities. <div><br></div><div>Real blogging begins in earnest on September 17. </div><img id="id_8f0c_7f9d_d74_e00c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nOjRqeZ0-ts/WbmdGx9ixEI/AAAAAAAAFjA/uB92NFwLtuAt328pT2dyqjDw2cBMeNrCgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-2844123369534490182014-05-26T23:45:00.001-07:002014-05-26T23:45:30.311-07:00By the numbersWe rode a total of 857 km over the 13 days of cycling from Prague to Budapest. There were some significant challenges along the way. The first 1/2 of the trip, we climbed close to 4 km (3812 m) in total altitude, the last 6 days only 474 meters. We spent 51 hours in the saddle pedalling, an average speed of 16.8 km/hr over the total distance. <div>
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Aside from the challenges of hill climbing, we had to ride through farm roads that were - for the most part - washed out, the road surface mostly made of 4" - 6" of sticky, gooey mud. The stuff that your tires and wheels sink into. 25 km from our final destination we ran into another cycle path section that was, literally, so slick with mud that it was like riding on ice. We both lost control of our bikes and slid in the muck for what seemed like an eternity. Final score: Mud won both rounds.</div>
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We rode 2 ferries to cross the Danube. Take note BC Ferries, this is the passenger seating area ...</div>
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But the scenery was great. This photo was taken at the "big bend" in the Danube as it nears Budapest ...</div>
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A couple of things (important) to note:<div>
Over the entire route, we saw only 2 bicycle shops. One after Krumlov and a second nearing Budapest. The lesson learned is that riders need to be self-sufficient in more than just repairing flat tires. It's a long, long walk if you break a chain! </div>
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Learn a few words in the language of the country that you are visiting. Contrary to what some guide books will tell you, in most rural villages in a Central Europe (especially in Hungary), English is not spoken nor understood. Russian and German help.</div>
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Make the trip about the journey, not the destination. Jude is really good about slowing down and taking in the ride. Peter - he's still learning :-)</div>
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The final destination. Looking at "Buda" from the Pest side of the Danube. </div>
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Judy meeting one of the locals.</div>
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A final day of walking adventure and discovering Budapest. We have a great apartment close to Parliament that we found through AirBnB. The forecast is cooler than the past week, and no rain in today's weather. A perfect day to be a tourist.</div>
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Keep smiling!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-90785966394630035192014-05-25T08:51:00.002-07:002014-05-25T08:51:53.009-07:00Hungarian RhapsodyHappy Sunday! Today marked our 12th day of riding as we close in on Budapest. Tomorrow we reach the end of our journey, some 900 km from where we started. Our faces, arms and legs are tanned and we're both feeling remarkably awesome!<br />
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The last couple of days have been long rides with some major heat. Average temps of 26C, with the daytime highs nearing 32C. We're definitely not complaining after week 1!<br />
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Hungary is known for its thermal spas and "wellness centres". When in Hungary, do as the Hungarians do ... This photo is taken from the balcony of our hotel room in Kamarom ...<br />
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Somewhere along the route, we lost track of our good luck symbols - the friendly rabbit(s) - but we replaced them with our super friendly Swiss friends, Paul & Werner. We meet up with these two in the most odd places along the route. Their trip is a little longer than ours, from one end of EuroVelo6 in Nantes, to the other somewhere past Bucharest, a journey of close to 4000 km.<br />
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We didn't know that when you cycle the Danube, most of the time you're not really all that close to the river. Today became the exception and almost all of today's 82 km and tomorro's finishing ride, will be "up close & personal". After awhile, you run out of superlatives to describe the beauty of the ride. We'll simply say - again - awesome!<br />
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Riding the ferry across the Danube ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lunch time entertainment. </div>
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We'll post one more blog entry with some final thoughts and, for you stats junkies, with GPS data. If you are considering visiting this part of Europe, whether by bicycle or car, or train or bus, we'd be happy to share our experiences and thoughts with you.</div>
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Thanks for reading! Keep smiling. One more day of riding ...</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-932423398738235682014-05-22T13:01:00.000-07:002014-05-22T13:01:03.754-07:00Bratislava - she's a beauty!Sometimes when you travel in unknown territory, especially when you travel on bicycle, you depend on the reliability of the directional signs. If they're not accurate or, as happens from time-to-time that you miss one, you can add huge kms to an already tired body. We are learning to take lots of extra care when we reach important directional signs but the signs don't always help ... case in point ...<br />
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We figured it out and arrived in Bralislava none the worse for wear and just in time for a late lunch which, for Slovakians, was right on time!<div>
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Our hotel "Michalska Brana" is located at the historic Michael's Gate in the old city. <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Bastova Street is considered to be the narrowest and most romantic street of Bratislava. The street itself has quite the history. It was built in 13th and 14th century and in medieval age and for centuries it used to be famous for being a home of the city hangman. Who would think that behind these walls, sits an oasis of calm ...</span></div>
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While touring the impressive St Martin's Cathedral, we learned that between<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> 1536 and 1830, eleven Hungarian kings and queens were crowned at this church. We learned that Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn (amongst others), considered Bratislava home for periods of time. The history of Bratislava goes way back to a Roman times when Marcus Aurelius was emperor and fought back the Germans from the forts (now ruins) here in Bratislava. Cool ... who knew history could be fun too :-)</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, much of Bratislava is focused on the Danube, tourism and trade. </div>
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We're down to the last 4 days of cycling followed by some well deserved R&R in Budapest. The Surly's have held up well, but with approx. 6000 km on Peter's, it is due for some rehab. A new drive train will be first on the list and likely new hubs and wheels not long after.</div>
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The bikes need to be ready for our next adventure, wherever that may be. Stay tuned, keep smiling & keep riding!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-82211903923480984462014-05-21T08:25:00.001-07:002014-05-21T08:25:05.560-07:00Down the Danube we go ...Not exactly a waltz or a walk in the park, but the Danube makes cycling easy! Before we get to today's adventures, we wanted to share 2 pictures from our day walking around Vienna.<br />
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This store is home to some of the finest Italian espresso machines on the market. A cool €1200 or €1300 will set you up with the entry-level model. I have to admit that I was suffering from machiatto envy.<br />
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So, what do you do when you don't buy the espresso machine? You have someone else make it for you! Vienna is filled with these little gems, off the tourist map, that houses the great bistro's, private art galleries and outdoor cafe's. Herr Krause suggested the areas that we should spend time visiting.<br />
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Today's cycle was along the north bank of the Danube to a town called Orth a.d. Donau, approx. 65 km east of Vienna and our 1/2 way point to tomorrow's destination Bratislava. We found a cute Pension, more of a traditional N.A. B&B than a European Inn. We were welcomed by Martin, a pretty interesting 15-year old who studies at the high school for the arts in Vienna. He tells us that he gets up at 5 am on school days to catch a 6 am bus and arrives at school by 7:30 am. He is a music student (not classical) but plays multiple instruments to support his Rock & Roll and a Southern Blues habit.<br />
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A photo of the cycle path along the Danube just west of Vienna. Once we passed through the city, the cycle paths became quite busy with all types of bikes and cyclists. We passed more Viennese in their "natural" state than you could count. Mostly 50 to 70 year olds ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The view looking east, up the Danube, toward Vienna. We are both feeling sore rears and tired legs, but inspired! Another ~300 km to Budapest which we have allowed 5 days to cover. </div>
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We're all smiles when we are riding! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-46607628824464461922014-05-20T12:06:00.003-07:002014-05-20T12:06:54.195-07:00Vienna in sunshineWell, we made it ... To Vienna! We weren't quite sure that it was going to happen without some form of divine intervention. It may have been the black cat that crossed in front of us as we were leaving Mikulov, or it may have been the fields of wind turbines in the distance, either way we knew that we were in for a challenging day of cycling.<br />
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As difficult as the ride was at times, we both found it beautiful. We learned early that we couldn't depend on finding restaurants when we needed to fuel up, so before leaving Mikulov we stocked up at the local Coop with buns, cheeses, carrots, peppers, apples and nuts to tide us over until we reached our destination.<br />
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Funny thing is, we didn't know where we would end up. Usually we're good for 60 kms before searching out accommodations. By 70 km, we're hitting the desperation button. This ride put us pretty close to 90 km (90% into headwinds) before reaching the edge of Vienna and picking up the very last room available at Hotel Klaus in Wolkersdorf. Sore bodies and major sunburns were relieved somewhat by the warm welcome we received by Herr Klaus himself, the glasses of Austrian beer and dinner that was all about fresh, local asparagus. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today was spent walking and walking and eating and eating (and more walking) through the very beautiful Vienna. We took so many photos that the camera battery expired, hence no photos of Vienna in this posting. </div>
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Tomorrow we are back in the saddle and heading toward Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Some call Bratislava the most beautiful city in Central Europe. After Prague and Vienna, we're not sure that's possible! </div>
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A final note to share ... We have been accompanied through most of our ride by rabbits. We're pretty sure that it's not the same rabbit the entire way, but the romantic in us sort of thinks it is. </div>
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Keep smiling and we'll keep riding!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-2186252375602490092014-05-17T11:09:00.004-07:002014-05-17T11:11:50.345-07:00Where are all the people?We're back on the bikes after taking a "rain day" in Slavonice. I have to admit that a day off in a beautiful hotel room with a big bath tub was worth every Koruna. Early on in today's ride, Jude and I were talking about the weirdness of the silence ... By that I mean for hours on end, through villages and small towns, we saw no one (well hardly anyone), and the lack of any sound -- kids playing, radios blaring, tractors working) -- was disconcerting. Especially given that it is Saturday. We passed parks, tennis courts, soccer fields, farms, churches, schools ... it appeared as though we were in a movie with no other actors ...<br />
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Around noon things began to change. We rode into Vranov and happened upon a castle; and people. We rode through town and into a cottage / lake community where we stopped for lunch, and found, more people. (Not too many. A few hearty cottagers and the owner of this little cafe who made awesome soup.)<br />
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Around 2 pm and 50 + km into our ride we began to see bits of blue sky, maybe more like light grey. But it was warming up! We were loving our cycle day, riding km upon km through farmland and small villages & towns with - maybe - a car passing us every 30 minutes or so. Once we reached the Podyji National Park, the terrain and countryside changed again. Dramatically, we left fields of canola and found ourselves right in the middle of Morovian wine country.<br />
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A wine tasting hut on the Greenways bike trail, only accessible by bike or on foot. The next photo shows why ...</div>
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The weather is improving. We got to shed the heavy raincoats this afternoon. Tomorrow the prospects for riding in shorts look promising. Soon we leave the Czech Republic and head to Vienna before riding down the Danube to Budapest. One week in and we are just beginning to gain an appreciation for what the Czech people are like and what they have been through since the 1940's. </div>
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More later ... Keep Smiling!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-5352821943563526232014-05-15T12:59:00.001-07:002014-05-15T12:59:22.714-07:00Flirting with AustriaToday we find ourselves in another <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">medieval renaissance city, Slavonice. Getting here was an interesting journey, crossing the border into Austria (for lunch) and then back into the Czech Republic. Most of the buildings in the historic square date from the 14th to 16th centuries, the oldest dating to 1545. The hotel that we are staying in - Besidka (</span>http://www.besidka.cz/main_en.html) was the site of the first privately owned restaurant in Morovia after the end of the Socialist / Soviet period in 1990. Beautifully restored, the hotel & restaurant are the epicentre of a cultural renaissance featuring the ceramics of <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Maříž. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A few interesting oddities to share ...</span><br />
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<li>3 out of every 4 dogs we've seen are beagles. Did you hear that Scooter? Most of them are fat though ... </li>
<li>This area of Morovia / South Bohemia is surrounded by the National Park "Czech Kanada". Apparently it got it's name because it's colder & gets more precipitation than any other region of the Czech Republic. Hmmm, guess that we should have read this info before cycling through the park and forest. We can now vouch for the wet & cold ...</li>
<li>You can not find ANYPLACE to buy coffee in villages or towns along our route. There must be a business opportunity here!</li>
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Final story for today and one that we missed telling the other night. We were sitting having a beer and watching the hockey game (Czech - Canada) with a nuclear engineer (seriously ... a Soviet trained nuclear engineer! Who knew they really existed.) and sharing our cycling itinerary with him. At the end, when we tell him that we are cycling to Budapest, he looks at us and, in all seriousness and sincerity says ... "Why? You don't own a car?"<br />
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Hope that you all have a great Victoria Day long weekend. We'll be thinking of you while we "keep riding and keep smiling".Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-89036875453650070492014-05-13T09:45:00.001-07:002014-05-13T09:45:44.112-07:00Czech beautyToday we enjoyed a shorter 45 km cycle and arrived at the stunning Český Krumlov, one of the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites anywhere and the most important historical artifact in the Czech Republic. If you ever take the opportunity to visit this part of the world ( hello Brian Baehr ), visiting Krumlov is a must!<br />
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A view of Český Krumlov<br />
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The clouds tell yet another story ... :-)<br />
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Bike travel in the Czech Republic has been easy and uneventful (so far). The Greenways bike route system rivals the Dutch, although it's not yet country-wide. Our ride from Trabor to Krumlov (~ 110 km), was 90% on country roads or dedicated bike paths. The other 10% navigating through cities.<br />
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We've encountered some interesting weather ... Yesterday we rode through brilliant blue sky into light rain, into heavy rain, followed by hail and then back to sunshine. The rain held off for most of the day today, although we had 2 "rain-delays" staying dry under big trees while the clouds passed.<br />
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Tomorrow we are off to Trebon, another relatively short (60 km) ride. Trebon is known for its spas where you get wrapped in peat. Really? We'll let you know how that turns out ...<div>
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Keep riding and keep smiling!<br /><br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-14104389545530753692014-05-11T08:49:00.001-07:002014-05-11T08:49:27.298-07:00Tired feet, smiling facesWe got a little bit of a late start this morning. The hot water burner in the apartment decided to take Sunday off, leaving the shower a little on the frigid side. Our route to Praha Bikes was detoured by 3 or 4 km's as we wound our way around the marathon. Both of these left Oleh a little grouchy with us. After we told him how great he was. How much we appreciated his service and, all the people that we were going to recommend him to, his smile re-emerged. By the time we put our bikes together and paid Oleh for all of his time and support, we'd become best friends all over again! CHECK :-)<br />
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A few lessons learned ...<br />
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1) It's difficult working your way against the foot traffic of 10000 marathoners who have just completed 42 km and are anxious to find their spouse, partner, children, parents, medic, anyone that they know.<br />
2) Those working in the service sector (waiters, clerks, Oleh) don't always -- or maybe ever -- believe that the "customer is right". They have never been taught to say thank you. The guidebook warned us that they can quite often appear rude or grumpy. Perhaps a remnant of having been communist governed from 1948 until 1990.<br />
3) Czech craftsmanship is as good as anything we can compare it to in North America. Every detail is finished well.<br />
4) Czech women like to appear well-dressed. Czech men? ... Not so much.<br />
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Enjoy some of today's tourist sites. Tomorrow morning we start on the bikes to Český Krumlov.<br />
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John Lennon "Imagine" wall<br />
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Homage to mothers ... "In Utero" sculpture by David Cerny</div>
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View of city rooftops from Prague Castle<br />
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Keep smiling & keep cycling!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-26554036966066007252014-05-10T11:11:00.004-07:002014-05-10T11:11:43.054-07:00Praha - PragueTraveling, by definition, is an adventure. Traveling 24 hours to get from Victoria (Point A) to Prague (Point B) is an adventure and a half. Once we saw the ramp agent bring our bike boxes into the oversize baggage claim, all of our concerns disappeared.<br />
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One day into our vacation and everything has been terrific. First - of course - the bikes arrived. Second, Oleh from Praha Bikes was at the airport to meet us (more of this in a little bit). Third, our AirBnB apartment is amazing. Fourth, the day walking around Prague and discovering its beauty and charms. And last but not least ... The beer!<br />
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Back to Praha Bikes & Oleh. When we were thinking about cycling Prague - Vienna - Budapest, we looked at a number of bicycle tour companies that offer group rides and solo assisted rides. One of those (and the only local one) was Praha Bikes. After a few emails with Oleh, we decided to go it on our own - unassisted but ... we asked Oleh if his company would do 4 things for us:<br />
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1) pick us up at the airport. Take us to our apartment. Take the bikes in their boxes to Praha Bikes. CHECK :-)<br />
2) store our bike boxes for 3 weeks until we return to Prague from Budapest.<br />
3) provide one of his bike guides to lead us out of the city, and send us on the right Greenways route to Tabor, and<br />
4) drop us with our bikes back in their boxes at the airport when we leave.<br />
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We were thrilled to see Oleh's smiling face upon arrival. (Perhaps we were just a little surprised too).<br />
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Today and tomorrow are our "tourist in Prague" days. We've discovered much of the Old City on foot, negotiating 400 year old cobblestone streets. Tomorrow is the Prague Marathon and, guessing by the number of really fit looking people that we saw today, the marathon route should be very busy. We'll likely head uphill for a visit to Prague Castle, and perhaps an organized city tour, either by boat or by bus.<br />
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All in all, 4 stars!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-58047437399063997672014-05-02T22:23:00.001-07:002014-05-02T22:23:30.359-07:00Prague - ready or not, here we come!The most difficult part of planning a vacation must be wait time between readiness and departure. I think that this spring, the wait has been excruciating. Jude & I began planning this trip about 10 months ago. Not the serious ... "let's map the route" stuff, but serious ... "let's book the flights" stuff. That's when the waiting began.<br />
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Fast forward to April, and a big snowfall at Mount Washington. Big, heavy, west coast powder. The stuff that really fat skis were designed for. Also, knee twisting, ligament ripping powder. You guessed it. One ski stuck in the muck and Jude loses both her ACL and most of her MCL.<br />
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The doc's (ER physician, GP, SportsMed & Orthopod surgeon) generally agree that the bike trip, duh, likely won't happen. But, they hadn't yet met up with two determined cyclists (with non-refundable airfare). Truth is, cycling is probably the best physiotherapy that you can apply to ripped up knees. Match the cycling with a humongously expensive knee brace and, we're "good to go"!<br />
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A week from today we will be in Prague beginning our travels down the <a href="http://www.pragueviennagreenways.org/" target="_blank">Greenways</a> toward Vienna and then slowly along the Danube to Budapest. We will endeavour to keep our families and friends informed and as involved in our adventure as we can. We will take lots of pictures!<br />
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The Surly's are tuned up and after a ride in Victoria tomorrow, we'll box them up and leave them in the capable (fingers crossed) hands of British Airways.<br />
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Keep smiling & keep riding! More to come ...<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-5189876905714429832013-06-29T14:11:00.001-07:002013-06-29T14:11:18.750-07:00Happy Canada Day weekendJudy and I are off for a cycle weekend to Saturna Island with Stuart & Karen. Today's ride from home to Swartz Bay was the first time that Jude cycled past Sidney. Today will be a 50 km ride in beautiful weather. No wind!!!! <div><br></div><div>Tons of bicycles around today. We met up with a 50 something Alaskan who has cycled down the wild frontier, traveling upwards of 100 miles per day. He's now starting his last leg from Victoria to The San Juan Islands before hitting Seattle and his flight home.</div><div><br></div><div>Stuart & Karen warn us that there is little if any cellphone service on Saturna, so we'll leave you with a Happy Canada Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPc2wz4xo79dtwVtSR3yh7x_8adgjzWJBaHEYdKBqYXWPGja4x3SpQk4lSPybQ_LQGSgGGUIGKwjSbuV8A-UuA384yJCgJtpnWonKZWkkhXZrdAvSu8OP0x3-M5EGC2XympVb9K8ly5awO/s640/blogger-image--1268262363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPc2wz4xo79dtwVtSR3yh7x_8adgjzWJBaHEYdKBqYXWPGja4x3SpQk4lSPybQ_LQGSgGGUIGKwjSbuV8A-UuA384yJCgJtpnWonKZWkkhXZrdAvSu8OP0x3-M5EGC2XympVb9K8ly5awO/s640/blogger-image--1268262363.jpg"></a>Canada Day lamb roast on Saturna.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_hDbIDhHkbrFJY66vtAJRt89_9FiYTiA5SKdivD9jzEqW8HslYDe0cNQoirauuUgUGFPqE7-SXLKvbj5Ck9BxzzqdGhIwmdfL-3RXsMgX59QEEC_flSm-ZzTaFTRPlTkqh3DnLB-iLif/s640/blogger-image-1119128250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_hDbIDhHkbrFJY66vtAJRt89_9FiYTiA5SKdivD9jzEqW8HslYDe0cNQoirauuUgUGFPqE7-SXLKvbj5Ck9BxzzqdGhIwmdfL-3RXsMgX59QEEC_flSm-ZzTaFTRPlTkqh3DnLB-iLif/s640/blogger-image-1119128250.jpg"></a></div>Beautiful BC!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-79578171812101577472013-06-10T18:24:00.001-07:002013-06-10T18:24:00.558-07:00Olympic Discovery TrailFirst, a confession. On Sunday night we arrived in Port Townsend without the energy to set up a campsite (to find one for that matter). We did the next best thing and "moteled" it. We got a cycle-in motel on the edge of town. Cycle-in for Judy & I meant that we could cycle right into our room. And, we cycled right out this morning.<div><br></div><div>Here's the thing about our ride today. It was pretty much head down and grind the miles. The great thing was finding the Olympic Discovery Trail in Blye, a paved trail running 27 miles all the Port Angeles, where we caught the Coho ferry back home to Victoria. </div><div><br></div><div>Distance covered today - 83 km</div><div>Saddle time - close to 6 hours</div><div>Lunch - in Sequim at the "Black Bear" </div><div>Rating - 3 stars (medium difficulty)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu-srfkYyHnlHFEXWwyEwHtIi6VCHlVTZOV_ACIUHs1c5NdajXO81vtp-lJT8ljbDuy0zR8cdlov-z5hGN8ohT5GsQnLhDoQaguNEL-qea04cvbs7tkf5YByRST6mCCak4r9ygHohYB0v/s640/blogger-image--1299369859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu-srfkYyHnlHFEXWwyEwHtIi6VCHlVTZOV_ACIUHs1c5NdajXO81vtp-lJT8ljbDuy0zR8cdlov-z5hGN8ohT5GsQnLhDoQaguNEL-qea04cvbs7tkf5YByRST6mCCak4r9ygHohYB0v/s640/blogger-image--1299369859.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8137079065394167721.post-44521963545968550722013-06-09T15:39:00.001-07:002013-06-09T15:39:33.312-07:00San Juan Island - Whidbey IslandAmazing, amazing, amazing! Did I forget to say AMAZING!! Dinner last night was at the Duck Soup Inn (google it). We were able to walk from our campsite at Lakedale Resort to one of the most inventive, fabulous meals we've had in a long time. Sort of like Sooke Harbour House, but more casual & laid back. Obviously a 5-star recommendation.<div><br></div><div>Camping ... Well, a beautiful spot. Gear worked well. The middle of the night parties got a little annoying. I suppose that we could have joined them ...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYgYMMPdhOIwNKKcOEsaWfbm0MYWZQk9EAne5a8HxIBBX_iXwwj1feyhl2xnH71iPNJHZJVBCG8BanXvz9j7xsQp0lvb5_CH0Spehx19YgkmUBUuiKVQchFCt0bY5Anuj17ytki0gerIv/s640/blogger-image--2068445315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYgYMMPdhOIwNKKcOEsaWfbm0MYWZQk9EAne5a8HxIBBX_iXwwj1feyhl2xnH71iPNJHZJVBCG8BanXvz9j7xsQp0lvb5_CH0Spehx19YgkmUBUuiKVQchFCt0bY5Anuj17ytki0gerIv/s640/blogger-image--2068445315.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCj3ZCxTAKjoyAaRAprTggDfVaTp3WnvPcTVLt47KJDu0Q8-JAUj2lcsqNwHtDSHoReaTt799v29MO5UNuBGUYhYqEH9XjDMYJ8sTdeKEFelyhjlz2OhRw7Wfp8P66YaewYsmISpbsWzyw/s640/blogger-image-560917303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCj3ZCxTAKjoyAaRAprTggDfVaTp3WnvPcTVLt47KJDu0Q8-JAUj2lcsqNwHtDSHoReaTt799v29MO5UNuBGUYhYqEH9XjDMYJ8sTdeKEFelyhjlz2OhRw7Wfp8P66YaewYsmISpbsWzyw/s640/blogger-image-560917303.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Today's ride, about 50 km from Friday Harbour to Fort Ebey State Park. Hills, hills, and more hills. Oh, and lots of wind too. The scenery is well worth the pain!</div><div><br></div><div>Thanks to Starbucks for the wi-fi.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS6fX32ObodX1ahyphenhyphentCmUonyRvf5u-oeDHR0-f-ti1idGZq47EBr_tdTugdBg06MQmuPQouww2Q1gRIMthUJ_rT5ysBHlCxSZNJJlwq1R4TL5fXVAyYbXazfLZUlt8mnF41wL5cMIjmSL7/s640/blogger-image-1066259740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS6fX32ObodX1ahyphenhyphentCmUonyRvf5u-oeDHR0-f-ti1idGZq47EBr_tdTugdBg06MQmuPQouww2Q1gRIMthUJ_rT5ysBHlCxSZNJJlwq1R4TL5fXVAyYbXazfLZUlt8mnF41wL5cMIjmSL7/s640/blogger-image-1066259740.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0