The morning struggle (Again)
I’m really, really not a morning person. I was ready at 7 but started after 8:00 in the morning. I had breakfast at 7:30, which I was supposed to skip, but when you’re facing another day of cycling, sometimes the body overrules the schedule.
Navigation nightmare
After starting, there were some issues with the route, and I realized after around 10 kilometers that my navigation was being weird. Checking the route, I discovered that day six was planned in reverse! So I had to backtrack and do the route differently. That took a while and actually increased a few kilometers, but yeah, nothing to write home about. Just one of those things that tests your patience when you’re already questioning your life choices.
Heat wave reality
Not much stood out today other than it was extremely hot, 32-33 degrees in the sun very quickly and throughout the whole day. So I took it a bit slower, just not to burn myself too quickly. When the thermometer hits those numbers, speed becomes secondary to survival.
Border games and water crisis
After the first border, I almost missed it! If I didn’t know which village to expect the border crossing, I would have completely missed the transition between Czech Republic and Austria. I quickly ran out of water, and the shops were working very weird weekend hours. I had to stop and ask people for water, which gave me a chance to practice my German, much better than I actually expected! I’ve been using it quite a lot in Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria, and now I’m using it again in Hungary.
Austria’s flat surprise
Considering I was in Austria, which is quite famous for its mountains, it was extremely flat and very nice to ride. Sometimes geography surprises you in the best way possible.
Vienna – Always a joy
I crossed through Vienna, one of my favorite cities that I love to visit. It was extremely bike-friendly and took much less time than expected. Usually, I always add one to one and a half hours if I have to go through a bigger city, but Vienna didn’t take that long, which was very surprising. I even took a little detour through the middle of the city just to see a few familiar sights.
Border reality check
Exiting Vienna, it was just a chill afternoon ride, still quite hot, around 32 degrees at 5 in the afternoon. I couldn’t miss the border between Austria and Hungary because, as always, it was not that bike-friendly. Normal thing between two countries, except Czech Republic and Austria, I guess.
The mathematics of progress
This is day 6, covering 1,200 kilometers total. Day 7 tomorrow gets me through three countries again, Hungary, Slovenia, and then my home country, Croatia! That will put me at 1,400 kilometers, and I’m taking my first day off.
Tomorrow’s special journey
Then I need to plan the last three days: going through Croatia, Bosnia, and back to Croatia to reach the end goal in Cavtat. Tomorrow is going to be extremely hot again, over 30 degrees, but it’s going to be very flat, so I’m going to take it easier.
I’m especially excited about going through Slovenia, which has a special place in my heart , not just because it has “love” in the name, but because I spent 5 years there and met some awesome people. It’s going to be emotional cycling through those familiar landscapes.
It doesn’t matter when I finish because I have a rest day after, and actually, I’m going home! No check-in times, no check-out times, just the sweet freedom of familiar territory and meaningful memories.
Day 6: Three countries conquered. Home and beloved Slovenia are calling.
Every border crossed, every degree of heat endured, every kilometer closer to home brings us nearer to supporting children through SOS Children’s Villages Croatia. Almost there! donate.wheres-marin.com
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