Today's ride was a true morale tester. It was shorter than previous rides, but from the very beginning I didn't feel up to it. My calves were fine, but my thighs were wrecked and I could barely make it up the inclines. I wasn't sure what was wrong, I double checked my brakes weren't accidentally … Continue reading EU Day 10: Riding Prague (CZE) to Tabor (CZE)
Europe Tour: Jul 2015 – Oct 2015
EU Day 08-09: Prague
Prague is the sixth most visited city in Europe and during peak season it's hectic. I've combined the two days into one post because at the end of the first day, my phone died and I had to reset it and lose all of my photos. On the second day I went on a walking … Continue reading EU Day 08-09: Prague
EU Day 07: Riding Usti Nad Labem (CZE) to Prague (CZE)
This was a big ride, although luckily my hotel had brochures for the Elbe River cycle ways, which covered the first 100km. The day started off nicely, with breakfast ready in the dining room and overcast skies outside. It was easy to navigate on this trip because there were signs at every turn for the … Continue reading EU Day 07: Riding Usti Nad Labem (CZE) to Prague (CZE)
EU Day 06: Dresden, Calling in Sick
I woke up this morning feeling much worse, I had gone through two packets of tissues and couldn't go for more than 15 minutes without coughing or needing water. The train to Usti Nad Labem would take an hour and cost 19 Euros, so I planned a day of non-strenuous sightseeing. First off was Zwinger … Continue reading EU Day 06: Dresden, Calling in Sick
EU Day 05: Riding Jessen (DEU) to Dresden (DEU)
According to my itinerary, this journey would only be 90km, however that was the Google Maps most direct route. So 130km was slightly further, but it happened to be the Gran Fondo challenge (a monthly challenge to ride x number of km in one ride). Luckily parts of it followed the Elbe River, so at … Continue reading EU Day 05: Riding Jessen (DEU) to Dresden (DEU)
EU Day 04: Riding Berlin (DEU) to Jessen (DEU)
This was a rough ride, sure it was flat, but my sore throat didn’t appreciate the hours I spent cycling. I had some offline maps loaded onto my phone, but my navigation wouldn't work without data, so I struggled a bit. At one point I took a wrong turn and didn't realise for a long … Continue reading EU Day 04: Riding Berlin (DEU) to Jessen (DEU)
EU Day 02: Berlin Walkabout
It was such a beautiful day, so I went on two walking tours, which was a great way to get a feel of the city and get some good advice on things to check out tomorrow. The first tour was free and touched on 800 years of history in about three hours and the second … Continue reading EU Day 02: Berlin Walkabout
EU Day 01: Arriving in Berlin
After 20 hours in transit, I arrived in Berlin at 7am. The flights were quite pleasant, it was my first time flying with Etihad and I was impressed by their service. The cardboard box containing my bicycle was still in mint condition and waiting patiently for me at the luggage carousel. Unfortunately none of my … Continue reading EU Day 01: Arriving in Berlin
EU Day 03: Berlin Cycling
The weather ended up being lovely today, so I planned a morning of cycling to some further sites and an afternoon of museums. First on the list was Charlottenburg Palace, built for the first Prussian royal couple around 1700. It was still being restored and it was massive. Along the way I took photos of … Continue reading EU Day 03: Berlin Cycling
Packing for Europe
With only ten days in Australia before my departure, my packing was left to the last minute. I kept most of the same stuff I used in New Zealand except for three main things. 1. Switching winter gear to summer gear: out with the thermals and in with the bathers and shorts. It's just a … Continue reading Packing for Europe