European trip day 9, bike day 4: Steyr to Freistadt, 53 mi. 3600 vert. The most climbing in one day, but with cooler weather that made it easier. The day started off with a descent and climb up to (photo 1) Enns, Austrias oldest city with a beautiful clock tower (2+3) celebrating its founding in 1212. Then a long descent to the Danube (4) which is larger than all the rivers in Colorado combined. This was followed by an 18 mile long hill. (5) Erwin, Adele, Tim, James and Betty Ann along the way. Nancy and I rented bikes from Pedaltours which were serviceable, but at least 1/2 of the people brought their own. James and Betty Ann ride a Comotion tandem which demands a lot of dynamic fusion missing in some married couples who may function more like loving but none the less herded cats. Erwin and Adele have Ritcheys, the gold standard of travel bikes that break down to fit in their own suitcase but require a modicum of mechanical skill not found in every retired internist. Others had Bike Fridays a small wheeled fold-up. Rumor has it that because of the wheel size that on long descents the brakes can cause the tubes to blow out from overheating. Also they require that you bring extra tubes, tires, brake pads and cables as they dont use conventional sizes. One of the Bike Friday owners carried with him a veritable bike repair shop in a pannier that weighed about 15 lbs. and almost touched the ground. The fact that he was faster up the hill than me was a source of great annoyance. (6). The town of Reichenau near the top of the climb (about 10 riders sagged this). and (7+8) Freistadt with the famous Linz Gate and a town square dating back to the early 1200s. Again, with a picnic set up by the outfitter and many riders sagging at least part of the ride, we got to the hotel ahead of the luggage. Like Streyr, this meant exploring the old city in sweaty bike clothes while walking on cobblestones in cleated bike shoes which gives the experience a banana peel effect. But when ya gotta find gelato, ya gotta take risks.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 12:44:12 +0000
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