6 September 2017: Furstenfeld to Orth, Austria
Mileage: Today-32; Total-426
Train Route
Approximate Cycling Route
Then a walk across the street to the train station. Could not have been easier. The train cars and platforms were nearly at the same level, every train had a space for bicycles, and our single transfer was simple. Every single RR person was courteous and helpful.
Waiting for the train to Vienna.
Our Train Companions. Mom grandma, and 4 children, with the bored older sister tolerating her siblings. As they were hoping to spot a bear, Stuart called out Bear which caused great excitement.
Stuart was confused on the Vienna arrival, as they had replaced the Sud station and renamed it. We found the elevators, no need to take bike on the escalators, and found the Information office where we were given a Vienna bike map and advised to ride to the bike trail.
Getting Guidance in Vienna. OK, we did not manage to follow the advice or map.
Crossing the Danube Canal. Pretty narrow, but passable.
And then, it fell apart. We promptly were off course and asking everyone we could find, repeatedly getting conflicting directions. My Garmin was showing the river and canal, so following it would lead in the right direction, but perhaps not to the preferred bridge. Stuart did not trust the Garmin, so we kept asking. I finally got us to a bridge, but it was signed no bikes. However, a nice gentleman cyclist said bikes were fine on the bridge. So we crossed, and then several policemen gave us directions, then came by again a few minutes later and said we were on the right street.
Dog of the Day. Not in a cage, just crouching under an outside table with his master.
Actually getting to the Danube Bike Trail involves crossing a canal, a narrow island, and then the Danube River. We had lots of backtracking, but eventually got on the trail. The trail is flawless riding, smooth surface, and an 8 mph tailwind (when we were not backtracking). The Danube Bike Trail in this location has multiple route options.
Wrong Bridge. We kept trying to find a way onto the bridge, only to discover that it only went half way, connecting to an island.
The right bridge.
Bridge Bike Path.
Danube Bike Trail
Bridge that Stuart swore did not exist. In fairness, it did not appear to be on the Danube Bike Trail Map, so we backtracked unnecessarily.
About 15 miles south of Vienna, we started looking for possible lodging, which requires riding off-trail to nearby villages. We spotted a Zimmer sign in Orth, our third village. Stuart showered, I shopped, then we walked to an excellent nearby restaurant.
How about a Goat of the Day?
I liked the wall art.
Typical Danube Trail roadside establishment.
Our Orth Lodging, back patio.
Orth Lodging Entrance
My Austrian Salad. Excellent. Potatoes, sweet picked cucumbers, cabbage and carrot slaw.
Oops. I ate about two-thirds before I remembered to take a photo. Grilled turkey schnitzel, parsley boiled potatoes.
Random Ruminations
John and Stephen will be delighted to know that Stuart and The
Donald have something in common, Coke. Seems Stuart has a 4 Coke a day habit,
often drinking doubles. I swear the local beer is healthier.
Barbara of Barbara’s B & B informed us that the Styrian
pumpkin oil is quite special, It’s good
for the boys. Wink. Her father brought out some for us to try. It’s very
dark green and has a pleasant nutty taste. She recommends it on salads and
vanilla ice cream.
Lots of perfectly arranged fire wood piles throughout the Balkans,
but the largest seem to be in Austria. All are perfectly stacked, a source of
pride.
On my April Mobile to St. Louis ride with John K, I forgot
sunglasses, so John loaned me an extra pair of his Walmart polarized fishing
glasses. I brought them to Spain in our September 2016 trip, placed them in
John’s bag several times, only to find them in mine when I got home. Stuart
lost his sunglasses, so he is now sporting John’s Walmart specials. Thanks,
John.
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