Through Slovakia to Budapest

Today we arrived in Budapest after a long and exhausting journey. In Slovakia, the roads are often very bad and consist mainly of gravel and many potholes. Directions are very scarce, and since the Danube cycle path does not always follow the Danube, we are luckily able to rely on our GPS tracks. Unfortunately, the ferry service has already been discontinued, which is why we sometimes have problems crossing the Danube and have to ride back a distance. In addition, Jakob has a flat tire. Fortunately, we packed a spare tube and with the help of a YouTube tutorial, we repair a bicycle for the first time and it actually works relatively smoothly, and we can continue our journey. Our luck, because the next bicycle shop is over 160 km away. There are also parts where there is no supermarket for over 80 km, so we have to ask for water at houses. Furthermore, we are threatened by an angry bull and attacked by mosquitoes. Nevertheless, it is an experience to cross Slovakia with its small, rural villages, encounter many animals, and discover hidden spots along the Danube. Often the people cannot speak English, which makes it somehow exciting.

After three days of wild camping, we will stay in Budapest for three nights. We urgently need to rest our heavy legs, sore knees, and buttocks. Sometimes a break from cycling is quite pleasant: even though it is nice to make progress so quickly and still feel the whole distance, it is nice to walk and be able to rest again from time to time.