Lets Go Biking.

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So here we are on our boat and all ready to tackle our riding. It is a very easy format for every one with everyone being supplied with maps for the cycle paths and a packed lunch. On the Monday morning we awoke to find that it was raining and was very misty. But after breakfast we got our selves ready to tackle the first leg of our bike ride. Today we were going to bike 42km. Over night the boat had moved down stream from Passau to a place called Engelhartszell. This was our starting point were we had to ride upstream to a small ferry that would take us and our bikes across the Danube. We were already very wet and a little nervous, but off we peddled. We don't ride as a group with all the other people, every body does their own thing, but Warwick Pam Di and I just take our time and cruise along. Everyone just does their own thing with some wanting to go and look at sites of interest along the way. The day did improve and by the end of the day we arrived back at the boat, which was waiting for us in Aschach. We had traveled through some beautiful country side and through small villages, always beside the Danube and watching the boats coming and going. We stopped and ate our lunch in various places along the way as well as stopping for coffee to revive ourselves. A good day, and although slightly sore from sitting on bike seats for so long, it was great. We get passed by others and on the odd occasion, very odd, we pass someone, but most of the time we are by ourselves but quite often seeing the other bikers. We had 3 ferry trips across the river. We all felt pretty proud of ourselves after returning to the boat as 42 km's is a long ride for us when we haven't been riding much lately.

Carry on Biking.

Tuesdays ride was done in fine weather and was a very nice ride through some very pretty areas. Lots of orchards, crops and a lot of history sites. The old castle where Richard the Lionheart was held captive was above a nice village so Warwick and I climbed up to have a look , very steep and rough, and exhausting, but worth the views. There is an old church, St Michaels , were inside through a window you can see bones of those past. I felt a bit intrusive but we are told that everyone comes to see and take photos. Another good ride and very very pretty. Always good to get back to the boat though. .Pip/Rod

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Photos

Lets Go.
Setting out into the mist and rain. Ready for a few hours of biking.

Ferry Across the Danube.
All huddled up on our first ferry ride.

On the Other side.
Save crossing and ready to roll.

Pedal Pedal Pedal.
Very good cycle paths to follow.

Typical View.
Every now and then you come across a beautiful view.

The Mighty Danube.
One of the big cruise ships in the back ground.

There's Our Boat.
Di pointing out the" My Story" as it moves down river.

Lunch Break.
Filled rolls beside the Danube.

The End Of the Day.
Pam and Warwick at our destination.

Finished.
Pleased to get back to the boat.

Carry on Biking.
All ready to take off on the second day.

Grape Vines.
Our first encounter with the cherrished wine vines.

Vineyards Calore.
Some lovely settings.

Magic Settings
There are some beautiful villages and settings along the bike paths.

Old Castle.
Way up on the ridge is the old castle were Richard the Lion Heart was held captive.

A Bit Of History.
Hope you can read this.

Way Up High.
Warwick and I climbed up to the old castle and enjoyed the views.

Not much Left.
The site gives a good idea of the castle but is very worn. But the views of the river valley were spectacular.

Beautiful Buildings
Along the way some great buildings to stop at.

St Michaels.
Bones inside the church.

Wonderful Valleys.
Just another of the valleys with grape vines clinging to the cliffs.

Apricots.
Di and Pam pick Apricots on the side of the cycle path.

Richards Castle of Confinement
Taken from across the river on our way back to the boat.

Leaving Aschach.
A beautiful night and beautiful lights.

Comments

[Home and Away]

Back in the 80's I knew someone in the German Ministry of Defense who alternated vacation planning each year with his wife...
they wouldn't tell their spouse where they were going until departing...perhaps a few clues as to what to pack. One year he planned the Danube River cruise just like you are doing...sleeping on the boat and riding their bikes from place to place. It sounded fun then and it does now. Thanks for sharing your journey...I can now picture in more detail what my friend and his wife experiences. I hope she like bike riding.

[Steve Case]

Splendid
You've been to many places I haven't seen. But these recent ones looks amazingly familiar!