2 Premieres

Day #20

Wednesday, May 20th

From Studenec to Petrova Ves

The rising sun casts a reddish light on my collection of trees, and as I slowly wake up and check the upcoming route on my phone, I decide to head towards Slovakia today. Just do what feels right.

I've already traveled through Austria, and I would otherwise miss out on a lot of distance in Slovakia.

In between, the song of the day suddenly comes to mind. Sometimes it just happens that way.

Once my GPS accepts that there is a new direction, we can get going.

That way, I also leave the EuroVelo 9, which I have been following up to this point.

The air is a bit humid, and according to the information I have, it is supposed to rain from the north starting in the afternoon.

So let's hope it stays dry, or at least I can get wet as late as possible if it must be.

What beautiful paths, marked bike paths that continue to exist, and the sun can achieve. In a good mood, I make fitting progress.

Passing picturesque lakes, populated by flocks of birds that announce their presence loudly.

I included the Morava cycling route in my route planning, which was a good decision. For kilometers, I ride along the river.

Just lay comfortably in the aerobars, and the speed comes almost by itself.

At some point, I realize that I am on EuroVelo 4. It's going well.

At least for a while, or eventually the signage ends.

It doesn't matter, my route is ahead of me.

In Otrokovice, I find an opportunity to go shopping and get all the groceries for the day so that I'm stocked up until tomorrow.

Full load, I continue. On the flat, the weight only becomes noticeable when starting ... in the weight.

The wind picks up, and the sky becomes overcast.

Nevertheless, I need to take a lunch break first and I find a nice spot by the river.

Whether I will manage the entire distance to Slovakia today, or if I will stay another night in the Czech Republic. It is so beautiful that it is irrelevant.

Everything I need on my tour is with me, and something always comes up.

At a construction site that blocks the river path, I stop to orient myself. Left or right along the road. There are no detour signs.

In that moment, I meet 2 bikepackers who point the way, and after a friendly greeting, I get back in motion.

What surprised me yesterday is that there are loudspeakers hanging in the villages. And today, I experience once again that there are announcements over loudspeakers at various times, accompanied by music.

As I don't understand a word, it remains a source of irritation for me.

It is becoming apparent that I will reach the border of Slovakia. Today I am prepared and enjoy the transition into the first completely new country on my journey.

However, it remains very agricultural, and I still have kilometers to go. All just fields as far as the eye can see. And since it has become hilly again, I can see far.

At some point, I see a patch of woods or something, which seems to consist of more than just bushes, although the hunting stands bother me.

Later, shots are fired, and I am happy about my decision to be in a small strip of thicket next to the country road.

Since suitable trees are lacking here, I pitch my tent for the first time on such a cycling journey.

As you make your bed, so you lie on it, which for me means a bit slanted, yet warm and soft.

By the time I finish, it is dark, and I quickly fall asleep.

Conclusion Czech Republic:

It was a short intermezzo with correspondingly few impressions.

At least the part I saw is recommended for cycling vacations.

Beautiful paths and a great landscape.

Less old building substance than in Poland, which makes it look more modern in many places.

That I will return is certain.

Song of the day:

Windrose - Diggy Diggy Hole (you know why)