24 to Kalvarija

Route: 81 kilometers, total: 2,098 kilometers | Elevation: 320, total elevation: 7,610 meters, distance from home: 1,333 kilometers (as-the-crow-flies)

Getting out of Kaunas by bicycle isn't easy at all if you're unfamiliar with the circumstances. Without such knowledge, the only option is to take the path as it comes. Thus, with caution on one side and a bit of courage on the other. With this mix, it worked out well, and I even crossed the bridge where I was pushing the e-bike just yesterday. However, it took a while since the city is quite large.

Then there was a bike path alongside the federal road until it ended and I had to join this heavily trafficked road. After a quick glance at the map, I found a good alternative. It was just too bad that my option was closed. But there was still a way to cross the tracks near the train station. They tried to deter me with a sign, but the respect and fear of the federal road were too significant, and it would have also meant a detour of at least 2 kilometers. Despite the many tracks, I didn't see a single train while crossing nor at any other time. I wondered how the residents from that side get to the station if there’s no way to reach it.

I had to walk on the federal road only at the very end, during less traffic, but 20 kilometers against a strong headwind. This wind deserves admiration; it is so flexible at any time, changing direction so that it mostly comes from the front. In yesterday's planning, I still considered riding about 130 kilometers today and then already being in Poland. Fortunately, I found this accommodation in Kalvarija in time, as my battery wouldn’t have managed more than an additional 20 kilometers.

Along the way, I discovered a funny open-air museum by the roadside. Please check out the photos; someone has built something entertaining with a lot of imagination. I love experiencing moments like these that cannot be planned or foreseen.

I took a longer break in Marijampolé. I was amazed by the beautiful buildings and places to see there. But then I felt the urge to move on so as not to arrive late at my accommodation.

I was warmly welcomed by my host and, to my surprise, in German. Although she is from here, she had learned German in school and had also worked in Germany. Her husband doesn't speak German as well, but he speaks very good English. And I had very nice conversations with him; he has done many large bicycle tours. And that worldwide with a normal touring bike without motor support. He is now helping me outline the further route to Prague. He knows Poland very well, having lived his whole life only 20 kilometers from the border.

In the photos, you can also see what a beautiful house with a garden they live in. And here I can also stay for a night and feel comfortable.

https://www.komoot.com/de-DE/tour/2211054269?ref=itd

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**Español:**

Salir de Kaunas en bicicleta no es tan fácil si no se conocen las circunstancias. Si uno no tiene este conocimiento, solo queda tomar el camino como venga. Entonces, con precaución por un lado y un poco de valentía por el otro. Con esta mezcla, todo salió bien, incluso crucé el puente donde ayer todavía estaba empujando la bicicleta eléctrica. Sin embargo, tomó un tiempo, ya que la ciudad es muy grande.

Luego, un carril bici iba a lo largo de la carretera federal hasta que se terminó y yo también debería entrar en esta carretera muy transitada. Después de echar un vistazo rápido al mapa, encontré una buena alternativa. Pero solo era tonto que mi opción estuviera cerrada. Sin embargo, había otra posibilidad de cruzar las vías cerca de la estación. Con un cartel intentaron detenerme, pero el respeto y el miedo a la carretera federal eran demasiado grandes, además habría sido un desvío de al menos 2 kilómetros. A pesar de que había muchas vías, no vi ningún tren ni al cruzar ni en ningún otro momento. Me pregunté cómo llegan los residentes a la estación si no hay posibilidad de llegar allí.

Tuve que entrar en la carretera federal solo al final, con menos tráfico, pero 20 kilómetros contra un viento fuerte. Este viento merece ser admirado, es tan flexible en todo momento que cambia de dirección de tal manera que generalmente viene de frente. En la planificación de ayer, todavía planeaba recorrer aproximadamente 130 kilómetros hoy y ya estar en Polonia. Afortunadamente, encontré esta alojamiento en Kalvarija a tiempo, porque mi batería no habría soportado más de 20 kilómetros adicionales.

En el camino, descubrí un divertido museo al aire libre al lado de la carretera. Por favor, mira las fotos, alguien ha construido algo divertido con mucha imaginación. Me encanta vivir momentos así, que no se pueden planear ni prever.

Hice una pausa más larga en Marijampolé. Me sorprendió ver los hermosos edificios y espacios que había allí. Pero luego me sentí impulsado a seguir, para no llegar tarde a mi alojamiento.

Fui recibido muy amablemente por la anfitriona y, para mi sorpresa, en alemán. Aunque es de aquí, ya había aprendido alemán en la escuela y también había trabajado en Alemania. Su marido no habla tan bien alemán, pero sí muy bien inglés. Y tuve conversaciones muy agradables con él, ha hecho ya muchos grandes viajes en bicicleta. Y eso a nivel mundial con una bicicleta de turismo normal sin apoyo motorizado. Ahora me está ayudando a trazar la ruta hacia Praga. Conoce Polonia muy bien, ya que ha vivido toda su vida a solo 20 kilómetros de la frontera.

En las fotos también puedes ver en qué bonita casa con jardín viven. Y aquí también puedo quedarme una noche y sentirme a gusto.

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**English:**

Getting out of Kaunas by bicycle is not so easy if you don't know the circumstances. If you don't have this knowledge, there's only the option of taking the way as it comes. So, with caution on one hand and a bit of courage on the other. With this mix, it went well, and I even crossed the bridge where I was pushing the e-bike yesterday. Still, it took a while since the city is very large.

Then, a bike path ran alongside the federal road until it ended, and I had to enter this heavily trafficked road. After a quick glance at the map, I found a good alternative. The only problem was that my option was closed. However, there was still a way to cross the tracks near the train station. They tried to stop me with a sign, but the respect and fear of the federal road were too great, and it would have meant a detour of at least 2 kilometers. Although there were many tracks, I didn't see a single train either while crossing or at any other time. I wondered how the residents get to the train station when there's no way to get there.

I had to walk on the federal road only at the very end, with less traffic, but for 20 kilometers against a strong headwind. This wind deserves admiration; it's flexible at all times, changing direction so that it mostly comes from the front. In yesterday's planning, I still planned to ride about 130 kilometers today and already be in Poland. Fortunately, I found this accommodation in Kalvarija in time, as my battery wouldn't have managed more than 20 additional kilometers.

On the way, I discovered a funny open-air museum by the roadside. Please check out the photos; someone created something fun with a lot of imagination. I love experiencing such moments that cannot be planned or foreseen.

I took a longer break in Marijampolé. I was amazed by the beautiful buildings and squares there. But then I was drawn to move on, to not arrive late at my accommodation.

I was warmly welcomed by my host and, to my surprise, in German. Although she is from here, she learned German in school and had also worked in Germany. Her husband doesn't speak German so well, but he speaks very good English. And I had very nice conversations with him; he has done many large cycling tours. And that worldwide with a normal touring bike without motor assistance. He is now helping me outline the further route to Prague. He knows Poland very well, having lived only 20 kilometers from the border his entire life.

In the photos, you can also see what a beautiful house with a garden they live in. And here I can also stay for a night and feel comfortable.