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Great ride, excellent pictures and interesting history. Looking forward to more.
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Wayne Sent from Tapatalk with a cold beer in the other hand |
Day 35 Balkans Trip
Day 35 Balkans Trip
The route today was from Niś to Jagodina via the Studencia Monastery Day 35 Niś to Jagodina |
The roads were a bit boring in the beginning, long and straight over flat land. It was starting to get a bit monotonous.
But things started to get a bit better and by the time I was about 30 miles from the monastery the road was great, long sweeping bends along side a river following the contours of a valley. https://i.imgur.com/IgGDAYYl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5g3z4zTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/eEC3pxZl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/PKBynqsl.jpg This Castle was at the other side of the river |
The Studenica Monestary was great and it is still a working Monestary. It dates back to the 12th Century. There was a bloke in there who was there to ask any questions and spoke good English. So I got a good history lesson too. He wouldn't let me take photos of the inside. The ones I did get were when is back was turned. The murals on the walls were wonderful. I thought it was worth the visit.
The link if you want to read about it..... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studenica_monastery https://i.imgur.com/6xlUme8l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/tinHOgzl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/WgkoKwol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/STJDcVTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/gWr3ZAll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/0wFp5jNl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/u3J7Mmcl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ErQ4m2fl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NWH3Gczl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ifStgNEl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hKzZtUcl.jpg |
I don't know what it is but I can not gel with Serbia like I have with the other countries I have been to on this trip. But you take it as it comes. I am hoping my couple of days in Belgrade will be good when I get there.
Some more views from on route https://i.imgur.com/keqUehtl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/oNX8Xhal.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5Jbz9Cnl.jpg Tomorrow I am going to try and find some caves Wayne |
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Well the day is turning out good. Followed my route to the caves and it brought me down the side of a mountain...literally. The track was boulders. Had another off. No photo as the bike was sliding away from me down hill. Handle bars twisted. Couldn't bash in to shape. So I rode to the nearest big town. Despotovac. Found a garage with a bike parked outside so i stopped. The guy rang a bike mechanic who is coming to look at it. It looks like the bolts in to the head are bent? Time will tell. Sat drinking coffee and local home brew while I wait. Great hospitality
Attachment 16396 Sent from Tapatalk with a cold beer in the other hand |
Winter is coming: Ljubljana Weekend Weather - AccuWeather Forecast for Ljubljana Slovenia
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Hope you get the bike fixed asap. I'm looking forward to getting down to Montenegro etc next year.
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Marvellous haha, can not complain only had 3 wet days in 5 weeks Wayne Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk while having a cold beer |
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Cheers John You will love it in the Balkans Wayne Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk while having a cold beer |
Bent bars can be fixed mate , at least you're not broke !!!
Got to agree about local hospitality..................seems to me when traveling solo people want to talk / buy you a coffee :thumbup1: and i'm sure it nawt to do with my good looks :clap: http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/...20101218100433 |
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Wayne |
Day 36 Balkans Trip
Day 36 Balkans Trip
My route today was a bit further than planned, Jagodina to Belgrade Day 36 Jagodina to Belgrade |
What a day it turned out to be. Different but great. Yesterday I said that I wasn’t gelling with Serbia like the other countries I have been to. Well today I gelled….quite literally
I was on the road for about 0815hrs and had plotted the route on basecamp to go to the Resava Caves and then on to Smederevo to look at the fortress. https://i.imgur.com/ecVgWXYl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NRGufYSl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/BQN7FQGl.jpg |
On the way to the caves I stopped at the Ravanica Monastery, N43.97267 E21.49698. Very nice it was too. I did not go inside the building as it sounded like they were at prayers.
But it was worth a look. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravanica https://i.imgur.com/O9RTTXWl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/2pVJw4Cl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FPiQZt0l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/iqg757Fl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/aIpMWwcl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/vkcSZwgl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5UrBPbbl.jpg |
The road to the caves was great until about 2 mile from them. It when went to a track which was quite rideable, then it went to rocks, which was still ok if taken slowly with the weight I was carrying. Then it went to a very steep incline with boulders jutting out of the ground (If you look at the Google Earth Elevation you will see how quick it dropped 350 meters). If I had been on my old CRF250X then no problems but with the fully loaded XT, not fun haha. managed to do most of it ok but I locked the back brake and lost it over a boulder. No photo as I said in my Tapatalk entry above as the bike was sliding away from me. Managed to lift the bike up and thankfully it was still in gear. I stopped at the caves and the bars were out….more later
The Caves, the guy there spoke no English at all and my Serb-Croat is very limited so in the end I didn’t go in. They are very long and I didn’t have time to go around it all anyway but it would have been nice to pop my head in Resavska Pećina cave https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resava_Cave https://i.imgur.com/wEQLdxwl.jpg The Cave Entrance https://i.imgur.com/IQLB9NDl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lxLWNsgl.jpg |
Once I left the Caves I took a slow ride no where…I was trying to find somewhere to get the bike looked at. I stopped at Despotovac and had a coffee. I gave the bike a closer inspection. To me it looked like the bolts that go through to fasten the bar clamps to the head were bent. Nothing doing in Despotovac, or so I thought, on the outskirts I rode past a car place with a bike outside it. A quick turn around and I went back. Very helpful. He wasn’t a bike mechanic but knew one, an hour later this bloke turned up and I followed him to his work shop which was a bout 300 meters further down the road. He took the bolts out and one of them was bent, he took it inside the workshop, brought it out straight and it was fitted back on the bike. All sorted. He wouldn’t take any money but I gave him enough to get himself and his guys some Pivo
https://i.imgur.com/AuGjiLil.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Yl352nNl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/DngY8R1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lMxJCodl.jpg The Mechanics Back on the road to Smederevo to see the Fortress. |
On my way through Velika Plana I saw a bikers cafe. So it would have been rude not to stop for yet another coffee. I got talking to a biker sat outside and he kindly paid for my brew.
I met some great people today. https://i.imgur.com/DNEU9XZl.jpg Just before I got to Velika Plana I crossed a bridge which was single lane traffic only and was shared with the trains. Thats a first for me https://i.imgur.com/rlZ68BRl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/UzOMlhdl.jpg |
The road was great and I got there in no time at all.
I went straight to the Fortress. It had seen better days but was still good to see. It had a commanding view over the River Danube. The inside is now a park. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smederevo_Fortress https://i.imgur.com/TvjQWiOl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CjFEjaal.jpg https://i.imgur.com/rUvincel.jpg https://i.imgur.com/cEWXe19l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/7KWHBFsl.jpg One of the cannon ports https://i.imgur.com/EbGGL20l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/WTDCko4l.jpg A good view of the Danube from the fortress https://i.imgur.com/PkzOCuKl.jpg I then went into the town centre, had a brew and contemplated what I was doing next. There was a nice church in the Town Square https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smederevo https://i.imgur.com/MYYfy7Il.jpg https://i.imgur.com/4J0qMjNl.jpg Some other stuff in the Town Square https://i.imgur.com/21WyVq7l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/QQHrnqAl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/mmhzRaQl.jpg |
I rode around for a bit but could not find a room so I decided to head towards Belgrade where I have an Airbnb book for tomorrow night. Nothing available on route so I ended up in Belgrade. Never mind it will be a short ride tomorrow.
The night sky on the way to Belgrade https://i.imgur.com/SjyQcIgl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/v3bgVF1l.jpg I have tomorrow and the day after in Belgrade then I will be continuing to push North Wayne |
Day 37 Balkans Trip
Day 37 Balkans Trip
Local in Belgrade Set off from the hotel at about 0900hrs. Day 37 Belgrade |
I went to do a recce of where I was going to be staying for the next two nights. Once I had found it I went deeper in to the city centre.
Had a good ride around and found a nice square filled with cafe bars. Sat and had a coffee whilst I waited to hear that my Airbnb place was ready. Not a bad place to stay. The price is good, two nights for a price cheaper than my hotel last night. Some of the Architecture is nice https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgrade https://i.imgur.com/h6ibHfNl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lSzgkwfl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/u9RIs20l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/kiWW8KRl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/SnebSjCl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ZyrPlWAl.jpg The apartment https://i.imgur.com/dIqLONDl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/DCDNnrWl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/mBw7nisl.jpg Tomorrow I am going into the city for a walkabout and hopefully go and have a look at the Fortress Wayne |
Day 38 Balkans Trip
Day 38 Balkans Trip
Had a good few hours out today and walked about 4 miles. I got the bus in to the city centre and went and had a look around Belgrade Fortress, it’s very big, there is a lot to see and the inner of the Fortress is a park. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgrade_Fortress https://i.imgur.com/YilGDJol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/vgCHcIsl.jpg [https://i.imgur.com/ZjgJdiEl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/gWfLRVYl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/gtCHdjbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FTRke3Yl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/jpi6sDxl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5QqPi9sl.jpg |
From there I went back in to the main shopping area for a look around and then instead of getting the bus back I walked back to where I am staying. I had a few Coffee and Slivo stops on the route.
https://i.imgur.com/4VN8YqWl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/3oN5jVBl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/IKnTaMnl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/c3UNR0Il.jpg https://i.imgur.com/qgzBecYl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/pNUNZjUl.jpg Tomorrow I am going further north and into Hungary Wayne |
Hi Wayne,
Happy to see that you are doing well and enjoying the adventure. It was very nice meeting you at Petre's house. We had fairly good discussion what actually an adventure rider is and what code of conduct is expected from one. You certainly are one. Keep calm, keep on riding and hopefully we will meet again. :thumbup1: Zlatko |
Great write up Wayne.
I must ad the weather is great this year, dry and sunny :Beach: ride on Dooby |
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Great to hear from you. Yeah I had a very nice evening, drink, food and talking bikes/adventure. What more did we need! You ride safe and yes hopefully. The invitation stands All the best Wayne |
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Yes it has been super. Although I might catch it over the weekend as there is a front coming in Wayne |
Day 39 Balkans Trip
Day 39 Balkans Trip
The route today was from Belgrade in Serbia to Szeged in Hungary. Day 39 Belgrade to Szeged |
It was a good trek today with most of the route being long straight roads and flat farm land. But it was still a good day in the saddle.
https://i.imgur.com/d4CHGNJl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/2PfEgotl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Hj1ZXXtl.jpg |
First off from Belgrade was the town of Novi Sad and the Petrovaradin Fortress. The Fortress was ok but not a good as the one in Belgrade. Although it was very bike. You could ride about inside it. But that made me lazy haha and I didn’t get off the bike except to take a couple of photos.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrovaradin_Fortress https://i.imgur.com/BRq5OFrl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/WyoVtG6l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/oQtNDZZl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/bO6Opo1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/inYOXNTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/izpx2Vrl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FUP1rHNl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/F0Gy908l.jpg |
From there I drove into the town and parked up and had a coffee. It had a nice town square with some nice old buildings to view.
https://i.imgur.com/quQRYBOl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Uai2aLql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hwakZGkl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/oYwUSTXl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/8KqAtxbl.jpg |
Once I left Novi Sad I was on my way to a Manor House on the outskirts of Becej. It was quite an impressive place to see, a very grand old house. I couldn’t make my mind up if it was still lived in. There is a restaurant there if you fancy food and drink but I wanted to push on and get over the border into Hungary, as I was expecting it to be teeming with refugees.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantast https://i.imgur.com/xxPBYsjl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/p80y8VZl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Xjkg46fl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/VPibjogl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/SmKJjcBl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/giOSzOIl.jpg |
Thankfully there wasn’t any refugees.
I crossed at a quiet crossing on a back road just through a small town called Djala at N46.15826 E20.11626. It was a breeze crossing both the points. I spent 10 minutes talking to the Hungarian border guard about my travels. https://i.imgur.com/9V1HBdQl.jpg The Border Crossing From there is was a very short trip in to the centre of Szeged. I sat in the town square and had a brew before looking for somewhere to sleep for the night. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Szeged https://i.imgur.com/bfSHyHAl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/TLgPIiUl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lpjWP8dl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Iw7JGDjl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ThuCSxkl.jpg Hotel was found...Art Hotel Szeged, N46.24962 E20.14810, underground garage for Arrunya. Not cheap though. https://i.imgur.com/5eBAW4il.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xTUCkOIl.jpg |
I struck lucky picking this place, the town is very nice and they have a bit of a winter market going on. I went out for some food but saw the Gluwëin first so I had to have one with a double shot of rum in it. Then after some food I had to have 2 more. So all in all a good evening was had after a good few miles in the saddle.
https://i.imgur.com/YeEq8TVl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/fhQeQ79l.jpg Food https://i.imgur.com/kkILkqOl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/isaiaoAl.jpg Gluwëin and double rum https://i.imgur.com/ttMLwCol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/sOVsewnl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9xG3bwrl.jpg My favourite place :D https://i.imgur.com/GDRKBwvl.jpg Tomorrow off to Lake Balaton Wayne |
Day 40 Balkans Trip
Day 40 Balkans Trip
Didn’t achieve anything today. Very cold and very wet. All I saw for nearly a 100 miles was rain on my visor. Cancelled the trip to the Lake due to the weather as I didn’t much see the point of visiting something like that in the cold rain. So I came straight to the outskirts of Budapest and looked for a room in a hotel. Book into my Airbnb tomorrow. Wayne |
Day 41 Balkans Trip
Day 41 Balkans Trip
Had a short trip in to Airbnb place today. I found the place I was going to be staying at and then parked up and had some Glühwein, not too many as I still had to ride to the apartment. But it warmed me up. Just before it was time to go check in it started to rain hard again, but I was only out in it for an hour or so. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budapest https://i.imgur.com/0OTHnWjl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Z8PGhCMl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Cag7xV1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1wsPRsal.jpg Nice place once to get through the door but I am on the 3rd floor and the block of apartment is very old and it reminds me of something out of a good old fashion cold war spy film. https://i.imgur.com/rVAK1vpl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/DETyQPrl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GTD1PK1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/bm4TYqxl.jpg Got most of my gear dry now so thats a bonus. Got the next few days in here and tomorrow I will go for a good look around Budapest. Wayne |
Day 42 Balkans Trip
Had a great day out in Budapest today. It is a really nice city with lots of sights to see. I walked miles rather than take tour buses or taxi’s as the weather has improved dramatically. Got another day here tomorrow and then the following day i am moving on. But I don’t know where yet, except it will be further north. https://i.imgur.com/FyExbb9l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xC3oMlVl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/EerMRI2l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/cLrIPKsl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/6X8Ro5tl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/IFFQ2oOl.jpg I went up to the top of Castle Hill and had a look around there https://i.imgur.com/QWJDQ3ol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/baAhiTfl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/44vlbA9l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/4ANuclkl.jpg A great view of the city from the top https://i.imgur.com/HPohGTOl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/LaG12d6l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/X4CsrpEl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/rgysChgl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GIfRf1Jl.jpg |
The Matthias Church and surrounding area is nice to see. There were still tourist groups walking around with their guides. In most of the areas I have been to but it was not that busy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthias_Church https://i.imgur.com/DAzaAkil.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ztkKkyEl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/yREfkLPl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/h3CkL2vl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/clv89AHl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/TJmf0M0l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/azU3O1Dl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xVkU1Mul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/85neNpel.jpg https://i.imgur.com/uHoM5ILl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/EZKCC6vl.jpg Out again later to visit the winter market Wayne |
Gotta admit Wayne , i tend to avoid places with more than 3 people !!! but you've inspiered me to have a look at the odd town.
Great pics mate and not a cloud in the sky ................looks chilly though Phil |
WOW.....loving the architecture, cheers LR :thumbup1:
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After the couple of days of rain I have just had, it is back to blue skies, long may it last, at least until I am back in the uK. It is very chilly Wayne |
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Glad you are still enjoying it Wayne |
Day 43 Balkans Trip
Day 43 Balkans Trip
Last night I went to the Winter Market for a look around and some Glühwein https://i.imgur.com/1yEzS4hl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9syb492l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ld5q7c9l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/IIwKMOzl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zE1TxZLl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/dlWrE1Ll.jpg Then out again this morning to look at some more sights. https://i.imgur.com/NWGiQqol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/jSo5PU0l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/v5KHddul.jpg This (according to a tourist guide I overheard) is the last Soviet monument to be built before they pulled out of the country https://i.imgur.com/jcqFGYil.jpg |
Next up was the Parliament Buildings. Big and spectacular
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungar...ament_Building https://i.imgur.com/4v5Rkgxl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/f4kvCpJl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/aoul8ddl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/r9ppY8Sl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/mjxfRUxl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/s39CaOFl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/7CwVIgYl.jpg Across from the Parliament Building https://i.imgur.com/AJQwZlhl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/f9Z95VSl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/o1T9lRhl.jpg |
Then I went to look at the largest Synagogue in Europe
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dohány_Street_Synagogue https://i.imgur.com/2elZBcIl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/P8Ye5gXl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/r9crUbYl.jpg |
On my walkabout today I found an Authentic Thai Cuisine Restaurant so I just had to go there as I am missing the food from home.
https://i.imgur.com/C4x2kDBl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/A0nSOIwl.jpg Pad Thai Gai (Chicken with noodles) https://i.imgur.com/xemsYYWl.jpg Panang Gai (Chicken Curry) Very tasty it was indeed. Tomorrow I am heading towards Brno in the Czech Republic via Bratislava in Slovakia Wayne |
Day 44 Balkans Trip
Day 44 Balkans Trip
I rode over 200 miles today to get to Brno via Bratislava. Day 44 Budapest to Brno |
When I set off this morning there was frost all over and ice in places. So I had to make a decision. The route I had plotted on Basecamp was going to take me 1hr 20 more from Budapest to Bratislava and an hour more from Bratislava to Brno then if I went on the motorway…..Decision time….Take the longer route and go slower using a road less trodden, ice and frost, but don’t get as cold, but still about 0 degrees c with the wind factor….Or take the motorway, go faster, road better, no ice or frost due to more trodden, but get colder due to the speed?
I decided to take the motorway, I have not been this cold on a bike since I rode from Osnabrück to Rotterdam in a blizzard back in 2000 on my R1100s. I was bloody freezing even though the sun eventually pushed through. My hands got that cold I started to loose the feeling in them, I have some Gortex overmitts so I but them on over the top of my gloves and that did the trick, not hot but with the heated grips on they were comfortable. |
The stop at Bratislava was only for about an hour but I wanted to go and see the Castle on the hill and also find a cafe to thaw out a bit.
The Castle is a grand building but not what I would call a Castle, nice all the same. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bratislava_Castle https://i.imgur.com/PvqSnbWl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/wZFC7pel.jpg https://i.imgur.com/LB8st2fl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lR8mTeOl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/pmPDRWHl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FwIZgkXl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/gFLHmMml.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hqnZkQml.jpg https://i.imgur.com/gYNtGSzl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/cJ9qsdql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CZI3rVZl.jpg |
From there I went to Brno, not for any real reason except it is quite a large place on the way to Prague. The town centre is quite nice and once I had booked into my hotel and thawed out again I went for a walk about before it got too dark. I also need feeding, as I had not had owt since breakfast.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brno https://i.imgur.com/9O6A8fal.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ngbNZhbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Oc8kJuzl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lOuCN5Gl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/dfpojqZl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/XpoOIZbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/yeOAjmSl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/jQCj7qxl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/8AJdKz0l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FHFNdBDl.jpg My trip is pretty much coming to an end as I make my way north but there are still things I want to see and do. So I will keep updating the RR and I will do a summary once I am back in the UK. I am going to Prague tomorrow and I am spending 4 nights there with hopefully a day trip out in the middle, if the weather is ok. From there it will be Dresden to meet a mate, staying there for a few days and going to the winter markets to drink copious amounts of Glühwein hopefully! Also a trip out to Colditz Castle is planned. Wayne |
A heads up on weather conditions further north on your journey. There's snow on the Erzgebirge mountains between the Czech Republic and Dresden, might be wise to follow the Elbe Valley for lower ground on this stretch of the journey.
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Where did you get that info so I can keep an eye on it. Or did you just google it? I don't cross into Germany till the 30th Wayne |
I took it from reports of the training runs at the Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cup week at Altenberg and then by looking at live webcams for the area.
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Thanks, will have a look Wayne |
Day 45 Balkans Trip
Day 45 Balkans Trip
What a day I had today. The route was going to be a nice steady back road ride to Prague from Brno Day 45 Brno to Prague |
That didn’t materialise. When I came out of my room there were light snow flakes coming down. By the time I had eaten my breakfast and packed Arrunya it was coming down a little harder.
So it was on with the romper suit and the gortex overmitts. I had to stop and get fuel on the way out of Brno and the snow was coming down even harder and staring to settle. So I decided to use the motorway which also took over an hour off my journey. I was to be a wise decision and by thee time I had done about 10 miles I was riding in a blizzard, so much for me mentioning blizzards in my report yesterday….. It stayed like that for about 75 miles, by the time I had wiped the snow from my visor it was thick with it again. But on the plus side it was a bit warmer than it was yesterday, so it true what they say….ever cloud has a silver lining! https://i.imgur.com/mM9UNQol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/E9y1nOTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/wNJLBnIl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/349UKcXl.jpg |
Once I got into Prague I found my Airbnb place and sorted my stuff out.
Then it was out in to the city. I am only 4 stops on the tram to Wenceslas Square. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wenceslas_Square So I went and had a walk around and bought some stuff from the supermarket before going back to my room to cook tea and have a look at what I am going to try and visit over the next few days. Wayne |
Day 46 Balkans Trip
Day 46 Balkans Trip
Had a good day out and used the public system, I got a ticket for 3 days of travel and it works on time rather than trips so you can get on and off as many times as you like. You can use it on the Trams, Underground and the Buses. not bad for 310 CZK which is about £8 https://i.imgur.com/8KoQI4rl.jpg My modum onerariis for the day If you like old artictecture then you will like Prague I wanted to go across the river today and see the stuff on the otherside then I can do my side of the river for the remainder of my time |
First up was the Pražsky Hrad ( Prague Castle). Quite a big place and still busy with the tourists. In fact 3 coaches pulled up as I got off the tram. Worth a look, although I didn’t go inside. For me I prefer looking at the buildings and besides it was rammed with tourists, haha.
There was a great view of the city from the Castle walls. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prague_Castle https://i.imgur.com/9YOac4zl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FhKUmsHl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/t83OFfGl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/iaaNaK5l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/6Tos6nal.jpg [https://i.imgur.com/lzIXPbTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/2VMxrkbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/jabtngbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/LjQnQNol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/m25wF0Ql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/epIoDIhl.jpg The Church of St Nicholas in the background https://i.imgur.com/X3542yGl.jpg [https://i.imgur.com/jObnzVql.jpg |
Then I went to see the Church of St Nicholas at Malostranké námestí. Nice old church and it is a nice area with lots of other buildings to see. As well as some restaurants and cafe bars.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Ni..._(Malá_Strana) https://i.imgur.com/B8FuBtOl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/MuYnH3sl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/iYbbFFIl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xqm4K9ll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/gPsaopHl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/at8QdSNl.jpg |
Came across these when walking about
https://i.imgur.com/XeeelWFl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/vMkNFCil.jpg https://i.imgur.com/pwZVMOfl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/E7eleEal.jpg |
I also went across the Karluv Most (Charles Bridge)
A very old historic bridge lined with statues on both sides as you go across. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bridge https://i.imgur.com/sUTygAzl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/I2gMqfZl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1DZjYndl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/l1EWSDKl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/jvGPEhQl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/647aQe4l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/sf8H98El.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zTkqE40l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hGO7lyTl.jpg I am sure the Winter Market opens tonight at Wenceslas Square so I am off for a look and maybe some Glühweins will be in order Wayne |
Day 47 Balkans Trip
Day 47 Balkans Trip
I stayed on my side of the river today and went into the Old Town and Jewish Area Still some great architecture to be seen I got on the tram to ride to my furthest point and then zig zaged my way back through the bits I wanted to see |
First up was the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, The Rudolfinum. A very large nice old building
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolfinum https://i.imgur.com/mUdXgrhl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/aj3xdB5l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/K23gcibl.jpg |
From there I want to go see the Old Jewish Cemetery in the Jewish Quarter, but it is closed on Saturdays so I might try and get tomorrow, depending on what I am doing. But I managed to take a couple of shots through the gate. You cant see much as its all enclosed
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Je...metery,_Prague https://i.imgur.com/eWHgIsCl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/vgPBY1ml.jpg https://i.imgur.com/YoLbJ8Tl.jpg |
Just down from the Cemetery is the Old-New Synagogue. It is believed to be the oldest working Synagogue in Europe still serving its purpose.
I noticed when I was walking around the outside that they had men stood around the building in civilian clothes like sort of guards and there was also a bloke on the door https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_New_Synagogue Old - New Synagogue in Prague https://i.imgur.com/cKUBFA7l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/DOby4lol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/zIgBRhXl.jpg |
Some shots from the Jewish Quarter
https://i.imgur.com/0ShKFprl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/biR2DHfl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hut1gFJl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/rKMtoi8l.jpg |
I then walked to the Old Town Square, where I sat and had a brew and a relax before continuing my walk around. The whole Square is now a winter market.
There is loads to see in the Square. https://i.imgur.com/XSQ7fvgl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/EkiJx44l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/QlSnDudl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NFDZXXkl.jpg |
A different Church of St Nicholas
http://i.imgur.com/5uYCxv7l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/szmjVfWl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ZBXkXC6l.jpg |
The Old Town hall with a weird kind of clock
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Town_Hall_(Prague) https://i.imgur.com/rZcg80Il.jpg https://i.imgur.com/JZtvDqPl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/PXYUXqXl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/QRZgDH8l.jpg |
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https://i.imgur.com/6uDBkl7l.jpg
The Jan Hus Memorial https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Hus_Memorial There are a lot of other interesting stuff in the Square. Worth a visit |
After the Old Square I walked to the Nám Republiky (Republic Square) to see the Powder Tower. Which is one of the old gates in to the city.
Powder Tower | Prague Wiki https://i.imgur.com/P48GFbDl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/qwIf3del.jpg Next to the Powder Gate is the Municipal House and it stands on the site of the former Royal Palace, the Kings Residence between 1383 and 1485 https://i.imgur.com/XCvjHu9l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xEK79kQl.jpg The mosaic is a 'Homage to Prague' https://i.imgur.com/dCaUSaQl.jpg I also found a Cinema so I went back in the evening and watched the new Hunger Games. |
I don’t know what I am doing tomorrow (now today) as the weather is meant to be closing in again.
Wayne |
Day 48 Balkans Trip
Well I was going out on the bike today, but it is bouncing it down so I am sat in the Old Square drinking alcoholic coffees watching the wet world go by Hope it clears up for tomorrow when I ride to Dresden in Germany. There is also a Concentration Camp I want to visit. Wayne Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk while having a cold beer |
cutting it fine with the weather now Wayne , but you've had a good one so far realy :thumbup1:
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If you mean Terezin beware the old town is cobbled, might be fun in this weather! There was steady light snow and temperatures just below zero all through the last two days of the Bobsleigh racing at Altenberg. I think your trip was just one week too late, although you've had a good run judging by the photo's.
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Yes I am going to try and look around Terezin before trying to to get over the top via Teplice and Dubi. We will see how it pans out. Wayne |
Day 49 Balkans Trip
Day 49 Balkans Trip
Had a great day out on the bike today, it was good to be back riding after having a few days off The route today was from Prague to Graupzig which is to the north west of Dresden where I was goingt to meet a mate who I used to work with in Iraq. Day 49 Prague to Graupzig |
When I set of from Prague it was raining, not very heavy thankfully but enough for me to put on my romper suit. I was glad I did because even though it had stopped raining about 20 mile down the road the wind was pretty bad in places and all in one suit kept the wind out.
https://i.imgur.com/CPLz3ajl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/oIUPpNkl.jpg The mountains in the distance was where I was eventually heading https://i.imgur.com/Wpyyx5Jl.jpg |
From there I headed towards Teplice and Dubi and then across the Erzgebirge mountains and on towards Graupzig. The road was a bit wet but no snow, there was a lot os snow still on the ground and when I got into Germany and on to the plateau it was extremely windy and I was having to lean the bike into it, which is all well and good until the wind suddenly drops, it made for an interesting yet great ride today
https://i.imgur.com/nIRxeeRl.jpg Getting closer https://i.imgur.com/qcRb0DIl.jpg Going up https://i.imgur.com/8yFDvKul.jpg Looking Down https://i.imgur.com/YD1EX1wl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FA0LhhUl.jpg Finally into Germany https://i.imgur.com/QaL5O3Kl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/S2DQ0ktl.jpg |
Spending a few days with my mate and hopefully a visit into Dresden and a visit to Colditz Castle is on the cards.
Wayne |
Day 50 Balkans Trip
Day 50 Balkans Trip
Had a day out in Dresden. Looked at some of the sights, shops and then looked at the winter markets. There was about 4 of them within close proximity of each other. So Glühwein with Amaretto was consumed at them all. Then we found an outside bar to have a couple of beers, some food and a good natter. https://www.britannica.com/place/Dresden-Germany https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dresden https://i.imgur.com/EkeEoDql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9MCqPjvl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/unIoKdEl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CaKrI1Dl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/oONRK72l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9HsbWpRl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/OmmkaCkl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GeOAaCMl.jpg |
The Night Market next to the Alt Stadt Square
https://i.imgur.com/86dHehwl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/84WmZdJl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/nJFFW3dl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/LtQIIjDl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/eCRfZK8l.jpg Tomorrow hopefully going to Colditz Wayne |
Day 51 Balkans Trip
Day 51 Balkans Trip
Went to visit Colditz Castle today. The place is really big…bigger than what I thought it was going to be. They have 2 museums which are not very big and you can walk round them in about 45 mins. The price was 4 Euro to get in which I thought wasn’t too bad. Glad I went to see it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colditz_Castle https://i.imgur.com/XinNvdsl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/VMOCA4Xl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/emkjVcul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Gai389ll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/AtJkEnEl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/rotwhB7l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ePNqldxl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/oTojT1ul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NYkmf5nl.jpg |
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Day 52 Balkans Trip
Day 52 Balkans Trip
Didn’t do a lot today. Went in to Dresden for some food and just relaxed. I have a long journey ahead, starting tomorrow. About 540 miles to get to my ferry. But I am doing it over two days and more than likely stay on the Autobahn due to the unpredictable weather. Wayne |
Cheers Wayne realy enjoyed this , have a safe run home :D
Phil |
Day 53 Balkans Trip
Day 53 Balkans Trip
Not a lot happened today, just a lot of miles on the autobahn. Covered over 300 miles. But I am glad I choose to use it because between the 100 and 250 mile points it pretty much bounced it down all the time. But that is only 6 days in just under 8 week at this time of year so I can not complain. :nono: Got a hotel for the night on the outskirts of Dortmund, on the map it is called All Seasons Hotel but it is an Ibis Styles N51.49632 E7.32861, quite expensive for what you get, but breakfast is included. Tomorrow is the last leg on the mainland, about 200 more miles to cover to the ferry. Day 53 Graupzig to Dortmund area Wayne |
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Wayne |
If you ever get downSW France 46350 give us a shout :thumbup1:
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Wayne |
Day 54 Balkans Trip
Day 54 Balkans Trip
Not really an awe inspiring day sat on the autobahn but a dry one at least. The weather was really nice, the sun was out but it was a bit chilly. The roads weren't too bad but I did hit a tail back around Essen which I was able to carve my way through with ease apart from one German in his Merc who saw me and closed the gap! T@@ser. On the ferry now waiting to leave Belgium. I have a short journey tomorrow and I am expecting :rain: :rofl: Day 54 Dortmund to Zeebrugge https://i.imgur.com/sxm5DHnl.jpg Waiting for Check-in to open Wayne |
Excellent RR.
We are expecting more reports to read. So, its time to start planing, isn't? :) Have a safe trip to home. Petre |
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Haha, thanks Petre, glad you have enjoyed it Wayne Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk while having a cold beer |
Day 55 (Final Day) Balkans Trip
Day 55 (Final Day) Balkans Trip
Horrible night on the ferry, rough sea crossing, felt crap. Docked 45 mins late due to high winds, had to get the tugs to push us into the berth. Once off the ship it was a quick 45 mins home and the mundane practice of unpacking….don't you love it! I will work on a summery and post shortly Wayne |
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