What a 1Live

Day #22

Friday, 22nd of May.

From Bratislava to Kravany nad Dunajom

After a half rest day yesterday, with the second part being on foot and thus not counted, I am motivated and excited for the Danube bike path, about which I have heard a lot.

But first, I need to take advantage of the capital's offerings and do some shopping. The supplies are quite low, and I need a base to get through the day.

Unfortunately, I realize only afterwards that I left two water bottles at the apartment.

And then I also lose a donut.

It is what it is, and after a detour to the blue church, I cross Stary most to the bike path, and everything is forgotten.

A last glance at the skyline, and I am already out of the city.

The Danube stretches incredibly wide, and (kite) surfers are taking advantage of the nice weather and the wind.

It’s well-known that tailwind is a myth; today it mostly comes from the side. Sometimes it is calm when I ride in the right direction.

There is a designated path, with no turns, no traffic, everything is flat, and the wind is with me, so I can gain some speed.

3 hours - 60 km including shopping. That's what bicycles are made for.

As I stop to adjust the solar panel, of course, clouds roll in. Typical.

If I am already standing, I might as well inflate the tires a bit.

Comprehensive care and a break will happen in Budapest, that’s the plan.

On an unavoidable stretch of unpleasant gravel path, I meet Dirk and Klaus from Hamburg. They just retired and started a bike trip at the same time. A day earlier than me, they also head to Istanbul first. Let’s see if we will meet again; they plan to stick to the Danube bike path all the way to the Black Sea, unlike me.

Lunch happens when I’m back by the Danube.

Indescribably beautiful, sitting on the beach and letting the sun warm me.

My wish for warmer days has definitely come true, and my warm clothes ended up in the bags below.

By the way, it's the EuroVelo 6 that I will follow to Budapest, and when I find gummy bears on the bike path, I wonder if Dave was recently here and has already left his mark.

Speaking of gummy bears, my food bag on the handlebar has accumulated so many different sweets and dates that it’s always a surprise to reach in.

In the afternoon and evening, I see more and more people driving their cars over the dike and disappearing into the woods. Tents are also being set up, and it dawns on me that I don’t have to worry about accommodation. Wild camping, according to my information, is tolerated as long as it is done respectfully, and is regularly practiced by the locals.

Given today's route, I could be in Budapest tomorrow.

Slowly it's okay to entertain the thought; I resisted it a bit throughout the day. Praise the day before the evening and all that.

Now I can praise myself and comfortably set up my camp on the beach after today’s performance.

I found a great way to the river, which is blocked by a fallen tree. No problem lifting my bike over it, which gives me a high chance; people, in my experience, are easygoing, so there’s a high chance I will have my peace.

I enjoy my dinner in the sand as the sun bids farewell and the moon provides me with light.

On the menu, there’s banana with Twix as a starter, and for the main course, I choose wild garlic tofu on a layer of spicy hummus, nestled in a baguette.

And for dessert, a pudding pastry.

A campfire on the other side of the Danube, in Hungary, shows me that there are others enjoying the place too.

Well-fed, I lay down in the hammock and listen to the gentle lapping of the waves, enjoying the light breeze brushing over my face as I drift off to sleep.

The hammock is unbeatable.

Song of the day:

Moop Mama - The Invention of the Wheel