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Published: September 11th 2013
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Slovenia
Day 3We arrived at Pension Bohinj at 6.30 resembling drowned rats and since we were just able to speak we were not put on a skewer for roast dinner. Seven of our bikes arrived in Preddvor overnight and were assembled after breakfast. Unfortunately one bike was stripped to its most basic and took some time to assemble so 11am was the start time. This was not a problem since cats and dogs were falling out of the sky in large quantities and were bouncing back upwards again. The weather was mixed all day with bits of sunshine and raised hopes only for another deluge to appear. We climbed 300 metres and dropped down the other side another 300 when the rain started again so we took cover in a sawmill to put on our coats. Three set off and it became torrential so 4 of us held back whilst the gutters belched out copious amounts of the wet stuff. Eventually setting off 15 minutes later in lighter rain we caught up the three musketeers in a bus shelter. Two kilometres later at 1.30 we spied a bar which served food only
to find the famous five who had set off at 9.30 just about to set off after their meal. After a good recommendation we had Slovenian stew made with veal and other goodies to be finished off with plum strudel of the highest order. Again we were off to sample more rain heading west once more towards Bohinj. After half an hour the rain stopped (temporarily) and we came to the bottom of the 1300m hill with a 700m climb. We wondered what the sign was across the road written in Slovene but carried on upwards regardless only to find workmen rebuilding the road which had been washed away. The gravel road was soft and boggy so pushing was in order for several hairpins of over 1/2 mile of roadway. Fortunately Tarmac resumed and we were able to grind up again reaching the ski station in pouring rain. We went into the restaurant for a brew and to regroup only to find the Famous Five just finishing their snack. Apparently they had taken the wrong route this morning and had taken advice from a local bike shop to avoid the first big hill. What sort of cyclists are these in
the shop avoiding hills? Also they jibbed out of much of the second major climb where the roadworks were taking place. They ended with over 60 miles to our 46. The descent after the ski station was very cold and I put on my lycra jacket as well as my rain jacket plus my waterproof gloves - a pair of Tesco food bags - magic. The road was a bit lumpy and grooved, but no potholes, so a bit of caution was in order, especially since I was still suffering with a sore shoulder following a minor fall this morning after turning round to check if everyone was following. A very modern sawmill was at the bottom on Bohinj ?????? but it was getting late and wet, otherwise I would have stopped to have a good look at their debarker and log sorter. After parking our bikes and having a welcome shower we had another excellent meal of veal, fried potato, sausage, salad and other delights followed by Slovene Roll and ice cream. A beer or two with some interesting fellow travellers and off to bed at 10.30. On reflection, some beautiful places visited with picture post card views, enhanced
by hanging cloud. First class. Roll on tomorrow with its better forecast. Dare we trust it
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