Day 8. Wed. August 12. Brad (Romania) to Alba Iulia (Romania)

Distance: 107 km

Time: 5 hrs 15 min.

Speed: 20.3 km/hr

Climbed:  3639 ft

AHR (Average Heart Rate) 114 bts/min

Cum Distance:  829 km

Cum Climbed: 9874 ft.

Punctures: 0

We knew today would be one of climbing in the Metaliferi mountains. All were ready to go at 7.20 after a less than satisfying breakfast.

First we passed through downtown Brad and turned to cycle on Highway 74. It was still a pleasant cool 13 deg with the sun rising in the sky. 

We had 19 km to warm up and sights along the road were much the same as yesterday....carts of hay, people hailing us and villages with their well appointed churches and churchyards.

The first climb started at Michaleni and signs warned us of what was to come. In fact the early rises were at 10% and then most of the other 12 km was around 7%. Our group broke up (as arranged) and ploughed along at their own pace. A good number of switch-backs and at times had some animal company. 

We regrouped at the top (Buches Vulcan 2392 ft) and others were regrouping also. Lots of high-fives all around and the close bonding of the group was evident. Each celebrated the arrival of the next at his 2476 ft elevation point. 

As we waited I observed hay being saved in a nearby field...a little mechanisation with Dad behind with the rake. I saw plenty of these motorised mowing bars on sale in coops and the like in these parts.Here in the hills, it’s the old way and at one stage I saw the women off to work in the meadow. Equality!!!

A 6 km descent followed with some more switchbacks and a rest for the legs. Once down we moved along in usual formation towards Abrud, swung right at Cerbo to stay on Highway 74 and faced into the second climb. 

This was just a 6 km climb but with the same type of gradients as before but now a bit hotter (thankfully not the hottest part of the day). Not as many switchbacks and mostly through wooded surrounds. Just near the top were a few large loops where you could see other riders following on.

The summit at Buciuri (3019 ft) appeared in time but better still was the sight of the lunch stop by the roadside. With no more climbs for the day we could take on as many calories/fuel as we wished. However the wasps had also selected this spot as their picnic spot and most of us didn’t hang around too long.

All together again it was freewheel down to Izvoru Ampoiului at the 56 km mark and from there on (51 km) we had it flat of just a slight decline till we hit day's end at Alba Iulia. Great satisfaction in the group with scaling those passes together.

But progress at one point (near Zlatna) was halted by what we at first thought was a few sheep crossing the road. It turned to be a flock nearer to 500 along with goats and a donkey and (not our type of) sheepdogs calmly following at the rear. I believe we’ll meet more and more of this type of movement as we go deeper into the mountains. Beautiful scenery around all along the way.

We made our last cold-drink stop of the day in Fenes as the heat was beginning to kick in seriously now. Searched the cabinet to get your name, Helen, but this was the nearest I could get. Slainte, Helen.

Looking at fodder being brought in, it looks not just like hay. I’ll get a closer shot the next day and the crop people will enlighten us. 

On the final few km into Alba Iulia there were plenty of roadside stalls selling tomatoes, red onions and garlic. And tomatoes are keenly priced in fruit stalls about. I noticed throughout towns and villages that all the houses (detached) are joined by high walls, railings and closed gates. Security?

Alba Iulia is an important city (pop 63,000) in the history and culture of Romania. The old city is in a stellar Vauban fortification and well preserved. It's history goes back to Roman times...called Apulum then.

Checked into Parc Hotel in the centre and relieved to get into the AC and the shower.

And tomorrow is a Rest Day to look forward to.

The bikes in our group:

Graham uses a Merida hybrid with front suspension, 32 mm tyres; triple chainring and 9 speed cassette.

Cathy has a Trek with 23 mm tyres. Triple chainring and 9 speed cassette.

Susie uses a Surly steel frame bike; 26 inch wheels and 30 mm tyres. 

Judy has a Co-Motion which is collapsible (it breaks on the top-tube and the down-tube) and can be transported in a box a little bigger than the wheels.

I have my trusty Specialised TriCross, 28 mm tyres, triple chainring and 9 speed cassette and it’s performing admirably.

 A wonderful day’s cycling and a start of the climbing. Our biggest climb will be next Sunday as Tipp take on Galway. Will get the result at the top.

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