Over the Mountain
Krakow to Budapest Stage 12 – Esztergom to Budapest 51 Km (Mon 1 Oct 2018)
Weather: 6⁰C min – 16⁰C max, overcast, icy breeze
“Veni, vidi, vici” ~ Julius Caesar
It was hard to say farewell to Gardenia Apartman, possibly the best apartment I have ever had the pleasure of staying in. Not only were the facilities excellent, the host went the extra mile to make my stay an enjoyable one. He even bought some breakfast provisions for me at Aldi and refused to take a single Forint in payment.
Over breakfast I was struggling with a decision – should I stick with my planned 73 Km route that follows the Danube path or do I switch to my 51 Km Plan B road route that follows Route 1111 over a mountain 600 m high. My host made my decision easier when he told me that the Danube path between Esztergom and Budapest was only good in parts (a bit like the curate’s egg). Not wishing to find myself riding on rough gravel (not having any spare tube left) I decided against the scenic route and opted for the road ride. It meant less photo opportunities, but it was a dull grey day anyway.
Climbing started at the 10 Km mark and lasted for about 5 Km. Steadily I grinded my way upwards, keeping my eyes fixed on the road in front of my front wheel. What kept me going was the knowledge that once I reached the summit it would be all downhill for the 35 Km to Budapest.
The descent was exhilarating … but icy cold. My fingers and toes were numb and all I could think about was wrapping my fingers around a nice hot mug of coffee. Imagine how good it was when I came to the town of Pomáz and found a bakery that sold coffee. It might not have been the best coffee I have ever had but it was warm!
While riding along I saw a coin on the road, so slammed the brakes on and picked it up. My lucky day … a 5 Forent coin. But later I looked at my ANZ converter app and found it was only worth 2 cents. Monopoly money here in Hungary!
The final day of my tour was not without drama. Approaching Budapest I couldn’t resist stopping for another coffee. Big mistake! When I went to unchain my bicycle from the metal railing, my $10 Aldi chain lock refused to unlock. I cut the plastic encasing the wire chain and hacked away with the knife but, credit to Aldi, it was too strong. In desperation I found a rock and started bashing the lock, hoping nobody would report me for attempted bicycle theft. One last almighty bash with the rock and thankfully the lock sprung open!
Budapest has blown me away already and I have only seen a fraction of it so far. My accommodation for the next three nights is an unbelievable bohemian apartment right in the heart of Budapest … click the Apartment button above and you will see what I mean. If it rains I will just sit here and admire the paintings and read the library of books.
And so ends another fabulous tour in Europe, through four wonderful countries I have not seen before. Translating the quote from Julius Caeser above, “I came, I saw, I conquered”.
You were lucky that no one saw you bashing the lock of your bike.It would have taken you hours to prove it’s your bike . Well at last you broke the chain or you would still be there in the cold waiting to be unlocked Anyway don’t expect smooth sailing all the time. Let’s hope there are no more dramas!!!!
Hi Kevin, that apartment looked very cosy and comfortable. We also loved Budapest and enjoy reading your travel diary and stunning photos. What a small world seeing a Lyn and Alan, hope you enjoyed meeting Aussie friends. We had a nice Wednesday ride today, Cammeray to Balmain. 31 people came on a lovely sunny day. Have fun and more good cycling, warm regards Judy
Hi Judy.
Yes I have loved my couple of days in Budapest, an amazing city. Looking forward to catching up with the gang back in Sydney. Glad you managed to get a ride in this week, as I have heard there is much needed rain on the way.