Contrast programme

Day #28

Thursday, May 28.

From Oradea to Cluj Napoca

Country: Hungary

After the short stop, we continue on a relaxed note today.

First stop: shopping. And since I want to ensure self-sufficiency, I'm getting enough groceries to last until tomorrow.

Water points that are indicated in the app have been included in my route, so I am also prepared in that regard.

Theoretically.

Hopefully, there are some functioning ones among them.

With 5 liters, I am well equipped for the start.

I am looking forward to the elevation gain, taking everything as it comes.

And that means constant uphill today.

Much of it is on country roads, sharing space with other traffic participants.

Or they zoom past while I look for a comfortable space for myself.

Mostly right on the edge of the narrow shoulder, as it seems frowned upon to brake.

Of course, it also makes the rims dirty.

After Oradea, it quickly becomes very rural, and I only pass through a few villages.

There are some rundown buildings, but also very well-kept or modern houses.

Some are in a state somewhere in between.

It’s somehow a hilly lowland.

Everything gets a bit more undulating; otherwise, it’s just like in Hungary.

I realize at some point that there are no forests along the way.

It was interesting to pass through a Roma settlement.

Passing by children and free herds of horses.

The inclines are particularly unpleasant due to the passing trucks, and I would definitely advise against a family vacation at this point, especially if you want to let kids ride on their own.

Going downhill is fine for me to merge into traffic; I am faster than the others there, at least on curvy stretches.

And uphill... eyes open and hands firmly on the handlebars.

What I also notice is that seemingly every village has its own police station.

Even if it’s just a police car in a ramshackle shelter and a sign on the house across the street.

Then the exciting moment arrives: the drinking water station is coming up, and beneath a church, a bit off the main road, I find it.

And it works.

So, first, I take a lunch break and fill up the bottles.

I’m making reasonably good progress, and the conviction is growing that I can make it to Cluj Napoca today.

A thought I had this morning as a vague idea and now solidify by booking accommodation.

Which is also a novelty—staying in accommodations for consecutive nights.

So at different locations.

Looking for a night camp 40 km before the city just feels wrong.

Especially since the selection of options is limited; I’ve been driving through a valley all day.

And finally, the time change is in my favor since it’s an hour 'longer' light.

Or is it the music I'm listening to? Inspired by the concert Jenni attended yesterday?

Anyway, what counts is the result.

Transylvania, here I come.

Three huge dogs barking loudly and rushing across the vast meadows in my direction provide extra motivation.

It helps me get through the last climb of the day.

It's also reassuring that there is a road boundary.

But after reaching the highest point, it’s all downhill to Cluj Napoca.

Yeeha, what a descent.

And with the darkness setting in, I’m approaching my destination at full speed.

Reassuring that my bike shines like a Christmas tree.

What I'm missing is a blinking light for the front.

The oncoming traffic should see me before they execute their sometimes crazy maneuvers.

Late in the evening, I arrive in the city, and once I have my key and all my things are in the apartment, I enjoy a well-deserved shower and dinner.

I have enough provisions with me and can skip going out again, as I can smoke on the balcony.

Perfect, and the last trip leads me only to bed.

Song of the day:

Waking the Cadaver - Suffering Upon Revenge