On most of our cycle tours, we have camped in our tent. As well as being much cheaper, it allows a lot of flexibility on how far we ride each day. This time, we are staying in a range of accommodation, from Yurts to Spa Hotels! Although this can be booked day by day, we’ve opted to plan and book the trip before departure, so that we’ve got a place to aim for each day and to reduce the amount of time spent on phones trying to book stuff while we are on tour. There are pros and cons to each method. This morning when we woke up (after a solid 11 hours of sleep!), we both wished that we could have an extra day here in Budapest. Partly because we didn’t quite feel ready to embark on the journey, but mostly because it was pouring down with rain! However, we were already committed to moving on…
We had to pick up the bikes just after 10am, so after a quick breakfast, we walked out in to the city to find our bikes.
The bike store had opened up especially for us as they are still closed until the summer season. They were super friendly though and gave us a bit of reassurance as well as some decent kit.
We discussed the option of taking the train nearer to our next nights accommodation in the town of Rackeve, but there was disruption on the line due to some sort of repairs. I looked like we’d just have to zip up our waterproofs and get going. We stopped by the Liberty Bridge for a photo, then the camera got packed away to stay dry. As if the pouring rain wasn’t enough, while waiting to cross a road, I almost got knocked over by a tidal wave of water that a passing lorry kicked up from a huge puddle we were stood by. It must have looked really funny if anyone had seen it happen and even we had to laugh at the craziness of our current state.
The trail was a mix of cycle track, back roads, tiny footpaths and riverside walkways. We didn’t stop for much, except under the odd bridge to get respite from the rain. Our waterproofs did a great job of keeping us dry, but our feet suffered terribly as the water migrated down us and into our shoes. A clay/mud dirt track was the crux of the day. The pot holes and puddles caused wheel spins, skids and the constant threat of grinding to a halt mid-puddle. Our speed was reduced to that of almost walking! We both breathed a sight of relief when the tarmac returned. In the next village, we spotted a churchyard with an undercover area that looked like it had been made for two sodden nomads to shelter under while they had lunch.
The shelter gave chance to hang up our soaking jackets and put on our duvets and dry gloves. That and some food really perked things up - as well as discovering that we’d only got another 15km to go!
The final section to Rackeve was along a fairly busy road, so not the most pleasant bit of riding, but it meant that we got to the town quickly! After pausing to change into dry socks, (a good moral boost!) and later to pick up some food, we arrived at our farmyard destination!
The farmer was keen to show us around and while tripping over chickens, we got introduced to the piglets, ducks, chicks and rabbits!
Finally, we were shown to our yurt! The rain had stopped but very strong winds have picked up.
Inside was a warm haven of tranquility. The place feels like it might take off in the wind at any moment, but we are now showered, changed and enjoying a brew in warm clothes on a comfy sofa.
While hanging up the kit to dry we discovered some of our cash had been accidentally left in a coat pocket. This gives you an idea of how wet it’s been!
One of the fun things about travel is buying food in a foreign supermarket. Our Google translate app refused to work, but I think we’ve got milk and porridge oats for the morning?!
A tough way to start a tour and the wettest day of riding we’ve ever done. Considering we’ve spent months in the saddle over the years, I guess we’ve done pretty well in the past! Blue skies are forecast for the morning and hopefully I’ll have dry socks to put on by then too!
Total Ride: 45km
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