September 22, 2018
Out of the Czech Republic into Austria
Along the Moldau
There were really no very suitable bike routes around Cesky Kromlov so we decided to take the main road towards Linz and bail if the traffic was too bad. A very good decision it was too as although the traffic was trying at times the gradient was more manageable most of the time and the views were superb.
We left Cesky Kromlov along the Vltava (Moldau) in traffic that made us nervous but after about 5km it had mostly got to where it wanted to be or had turned off. Now we felt free to enjoy the river we have been along side on and off since Melnik. We knew we were on the right track because most of the rest of the traffic consisted of tour buses finding the most attractive way to take their passengers to Cesky Kromlov. We were rolling along going up and down on acceptable gradients enjoying the fun the river was bringing to so many. All along it are camp sights used largely by canoers or rafters who are floating leisurely down then setting up their home each night - much of it being through tranquil forests. We saw too fly fishermen up to their waists in water as they hunted that elusive trout. This always makes me think of Dad and the delight he got in doing just this.
Then we came to a loop in the river and up above us was a castle at Rozmaberk. It sat high above the river but at river level were two things, a group just getting ready to go out for the days rafting and a small town with an excellent cafe. We sat drinking our cappuccinos watching a tour bus discourge its passengers who started to trudge up the route to the castle. We were happy to watch them from the comfort of the cafe.
At Vyssi Brod we left the river, and the 160, and started our climb to the border. An interesting thing about this small town is the number of dentists and the advertisements for them. From the look of it I think it must be much cheaper to have dental work done in the Czech Republic rather than Austria. In the other couple of little places we came to before the border there were endless duty free outlets just as we had seen as we entered Poland from Germany - and once more some of them were selling those very strange looking wooden bird feeders
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Austria looks so immaculate it gives you the feeling that the cows have even been trained to eat just the right blade of grass to get the look. Our hotel is a place that in a similar way is immaculate and comfortable.
Today's ride: 46 km (29 miles)
Total: 1,757 km (1,091 miles)
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