Day 2. Wed. August 5

Day 2. Wed.   Aug 5.  Bratislava (Slovakia) to Komarom (Hungary)

Distance: 117 km

Time: 4 hrs 41 min.

Speed: 25.1 km/hr

Climbed: 465 ft

AHR (Average Heart Rate) 116 bts/min

Cum Distance: 184 km

Cum Climbed: 1008 ft.

Punctures: 0

The night on the boat was a hot one, especially in the cabins. We had the window off the hinges and the fan on full blast and still it felt so warm. In spite of that , I had a better sleep than either of the two previous nights. We had the odd heave in the boat from the wash of a barge passing by.

Still, after breakfast at 7 and the loading of the bags we were all keen to get on the road for another adventure and for a new country.

All day we had great heat with the mercury hitting 34. Cycling in those conditions is no problem at all; it’s the stopping that is uncomfortable. Still stops were necessary to replenish sunscreen and lip-balm. At least there were no hills today and nothing but a neutral cooling breeze when moving.

We pulled out of Bratislava in convoy for the first 10 km. It was tricky and twisting cutting through industrial areas in order to pick up the bike path. We moved briskly as a group; the only danger was from those whizzing by in a rush on their way to work.

The flag was dropped at 10 km and each then moved at their own pace. The couple on the recumbents disappeared into the distance like two who were on a mission or with an interesting detour in mind.

Once we got onto the bike-path by the water, Cathy and I pushed on at a brisk constant 30 km/hr. Not a sinner in sight. It was glorious beside the expanse of water....the river was dammed up ahead so it was very broad just here.

At one point our way was blocked by a flock of seagulls who were loth to vacate their space. Eventually they did but landed again immediately we had passed by. Seagulls as a species seem to be getting very assertive.

At the 51 km mark we came to the dam at Gabchikova that was built in 1977. A crowd had gathered; a promise of excitement but it was just a tourist barge negotiating the lock.

After 60 km we ran out of dedicated bike-path and the route continued on minor roads. No problem with the low volume of traffic. We still moved at 30 km/hr through Medvedov and arrived at Lunch where Oskur had all in readiness. Very welcome.

Only another 42 km....the last 20 km from Okanikovo  to Komarno on Highway 63 (with a safe space inside the white line). For this stretch we fell in with 7 others and pushed on with all taking turns in the front and maintaining a 27 km/hr pace.

It’s principally maize and grain (with the odd field of what looks like cabbage) that’s on either side with the odd field of stubble being tilled for the next crop.
Villages (houses and street furniture) also look different to Germany and Austria. Plenty of more time to observe these differences. 

My Garmin packed in (out of charge) after 65 km. Must ensure to plug it in for a longer period tonight and a refresher in the morning. However plenty of data from the other cyclists.

At 114 km we had arrived into the city of Komarno/ Komarom. It’s Komarno on the Slovakia side and Komarom on the Hungary side across the bridge. Not a sign of a border to be seen. 

So we’re in our third country in 2 days. No bad. And a new currency to deal with. A throw-back to the old days of European travel. Now it’s the forint ( 1 Euro =300 forint approx). Stores take Euros at a leases favourable rate with change in forint. But can withdraw Euro equivalents in forint from ATM machines.

A left turn just after the bridge and within 1 km we were at Thermal Hotel and Camping. (We’re in the camping portion). The girl at the gate was checking us through with her list of the group. She officiously asked each for their name. I was at the end and announced my name as “Cruise, Tom Cruise”. Down her head goes searching for the name and finally the penny (forint) dropped and looked up with a beaming smile. (I would have a serious problem trying to pass myself off as Tom Cruise !!)

Our luggage had already arrived and all set about upping tents. Doesn’t take long but the heat was still in the 30’s. Spots under trees were at a premium forgetting that the sun moves about.

Camping here entitles us to free passes to the Spa and Thermal pool nextdoor. In time I went up and had a few lengths of the open-air (thermal) pool at 23-28 deg. Then for some ridiculous reason I went to the sauna. Why on earth should do that after the sauna of a cabin last night and over-30 all day today and sweating bricks as I put up the tent?? A spell in the plunge pool was more refreshing, and enjoyable.

Lovely dinner al fresco tonight prepared by Vilma and a birthday celebration afterwards. Actually 2 birthdays, Matt (US) and Thrond (Norway) Colette with cards signed by all and birthday cake.

Here now at 9 pm in the open, it’s more comfortable than last night. Perfectly calm but still might sleep under the stars rather than in the hot tent. We’ll see how things progress. Anyone sleeping under the stars at home tonight ??!?

An enjoyable day in the saddle and every reason that tomorrow should be something the same.

Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.