Distance: 84 km
Time: 4 hrs 30 min.
Speed: 18.4 km/hr
Climbed: 455 ft
AHR (Average Heart Rate) 88 bts/min
Cum Distance: 1318 km
Cum Climbed: 22,106 ft.
Punctures:0.
An easy-going day as evidenced by the Average Heart Rate in the data above. Overcast all day but no rain and flat terrain from start to finish.
Left Targoviste at 7.30 as people were on their way to work. Passed by a remains of the old city wall and then joined by a Sisk cyclist on his way to the site; he was in our pace line for a good 4 km.
For the first 12 km it was busy streets or busy suburban highway. No chat just concentrate on the line ahead and keep an eye on the mirror.
Before we entered Baleni both sides of the road was devoted to market gardening and poly-tunnels. Today Michael dropped into our care (OK by you, Sarge and Steve?) so we’d expanded to 6. And we took good care of him. With Graham and now Michael the group is completed by the three ladies, Susie, Cathy and Judy.
Generally the day was uneventful and easy on everyone. No hills to climb or descend and no dogs to contend with.
In Bilcuresti at 34 km we pulled in for a coffee two warm us up (rather than a cold drink for a change). Other groups were on the same mission and that particular establishment had a good mornings takings.
At Cajasca we pulled off to the left and immediately cycled through a distinctive Roma settlement. Kids gave us a great wave but we felt like keeping on the move. May not have been sinister but once stopped a crowd tends to gather quickly. Dwellings were basic here and new ones seemed less stable than others we’d seen.
Immediately after Cajasca we were onto a dirt road for 2 km, one that challenged us. In fact, today we had two stretches of such roads with perfect surfaces in between. These roads twisted and turned as they crossed the level countryside. Graham with front suspension revelled in these roads and just smiled at our brave endeavours.
Before Samurcasi we entered a tall shady hardwood. Left within the trees stood our lunch stop, a most scenic location. We were well ahead of time and no heat to rush us on. A relaxing break.
As Bucharest drew nearer roads got busier but carts were found on even the busiest thoroughfares. As traffic got heavier, concentration needed to be heightened and finally we pulled into the agreed meeting point on the outskirts just after Mogosoaia. There would be a convoy for the last 14 km into our hotel. Waiting for all to assemble I relaxed by the nearby lake reflecting on how the trip has panned out so far. Every bit as fulfilling as I had expected with a few extras thrown in for good measure. Everyone relaxed in different ways.
Tour leader took us through the traffic on a rather direct route to our hotel passing by buildings that were of the grand type one time. Tram tracks running parallel to our direction needed attention but nobody slipped up. After 12 km we pulled around the corner to our Ibis hotel just beside the grand Parliament building erected by Ceaucescu...second only to the Pentagon on size. And what you see...there’s as much below ground. I intend to revisit it tomorrow if weather is favourable.
The Bradys
Judith
Matt
Today was the last day riding for some sectional cyclists who signed on for the Vienna to Bucharest section. They’ve enjoyed it and we’ll miss them over the next two weeks. So Slan to John and Marian Brady of Canada, to Rinda of South Africa, to Matt of Canada, to Josine of the Netherlands and to Judith of UK. Safe travelling as ye move on.
So not a very extraordinary day but a satisfying day on the saddle.
No comments:
Post a Comment