EV6 day 16

The doom mongers were wrong. The aircraft taking off overhead and the adjacent train track did not stop us having a decent sleep. Up and away at a civilised hour we forgot to factor in getting back to the start point through the rush hour! By the time we got to the city bridge and ready to go it was 0945 and fashionably pouring down. Getting out of the city was well mapped but twisty and turns and time consuming. First trick was past the statues of ladies with umbrellas – topical- and the route past over cobbles- very wet and very slippery!
As is usual at the moment, I was feeling soaked, cold, and miserable- then I cycled past some poor bloke sleeping in a bus shelter- puts things in perspective!

At the first stop with Passepartout, I decided something had to change as the trip was just not enjoyable. Amazing how things can turn. I found – thanks to Dr Google and outdoor sports shop within 2 kms. It turned out to be an outlet- in the most unlikely of places next to a builders merchant. Inside it was like Aladdin’s cave. I found waterproof socks, mittens, and a North Face top. Result! On stage 2 I was dry.

I saw a lot more EV6 cyclist today. Some were geared up for bad weather, Many, like me, had expected the traditional hot spell and were wrapped up in a variety of plastic covers. I was stopped by my new friend, Abraham, from the local police on the river bank. He jabbered at me in foreign and I just had to say that I didn’t understand- he immediately switched to perfect English – amazing. He was turning people back from the cycle track that runs low and close to the river, due to the torrential rain the river level was rising and flooding the path. He was very kind and said I could get through but I had to be quick before it became impassable. He also let me have a photo with him and his police car for my grandson. Nice one Abraham.

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I met a load of these little fellows today. This one bet me he would get to Bratislava before me. Ladbrookes have him down as favourite!

There are some beautiful villages along the river all geared for tourism. They are like resorts along the river front and all have restaurants and cafes with tables and chairs laid out- but with no one in them. Weather is appalling. In one village the coach park was almost empty and as I cycled along the front past a small group of hardy tourists a squall hit and blew al their brollys inside out!

Look at that low cloud on the opposite bank.

How about this for a big place in a small village?

enough was enough today. I had a long stage of 126 kms to do. I was 12 kms short and decided to treat myself to a dry room so I rented an apartment for the night in Komaron for the night. It is another great little place but we get there late and 8 am too tired to explore it. We get a decent meal and I get a warm room to try to dry all my kit off overnight!

I didn’t quite make the end but I am on track and on course!