Bobbling around between sun drenched valleys and high peaks has been incredible this past few weeks – temperatures have ranged from the low 30s to 2.5c at altitude and “dressing for the occasion” has been a challenge – rain has been a feature but so has laying on my back in alpine meadows watching clouds skit overhead. I have ridden some of the finest mountain roads, come through unlit unused mountain tunnels on the border back roads and squashed snow underfoot only to be half an hour later drinking coffee under the shade of a tree – a series of contrasts linked with just the bike as a constant companion.
Staller Saddle Racing
Stumbled across some long boat racing in the Alps this week – the Staller Saddle at 2052 meters is a is a high mountain pass in the mountains on the border between the Tyrol in Austria and South Tyrol in Italy and adjacent the road is a large lake used for traditional boat racing – the pass is stunning and connects the Defereggen valley in Tyrol with the Antholz valley in South Tyrol, is very narrow but a great ride – recommended.
Kávé kérjük
Sometimes you just need to stop and take a break – it could be anywhere and the universal language of coffee or tea is the same worldwide – kávé kérjük.
Bovec
Rode past the military cemetery east of Bovec last week. During he First World War the whole areas, despite its tranquil beauty, was the location for the determined and bloody Battles of the Isonzo which were fought between Austro-Hungarian forces and the Italian Army between June 1915 and November 1917.Over 600 soldiers are buried in the cemetery, the graves cover the entire cemetery area but only the south quarter has grave markers. It is a somber place giving shade in the midday sun and a constant reminder of the historic actions that took place all over the European frontiers – now I simply ride from county to country with no restraints or checks.
View from the bunker
The deeper I go into Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary the more old cold war bunkers and military outposts I find. Wish I had more time to explore some of the remnants which are both fascinating but also exceptionally “creepy”. Without exception they seem to be in excellent preserved condition with little signs of vandalism and just succumbing to the ravages of nature with tree roots growing through feet think concrete walls enhancing the dereliction. I could spend weeks in these areas alone, just meandering through the countryside and borders, looking at these historic sites but sadly time in limited – and the west is calling me again.