Austria is beautiful. I realise I mentioned this before, but the scenery has just got better and better as we have progressed westwards. Quite spectacular.

And, sadly, it’s become wetter too. It’s decidedly damp this morning and the satellite pictures show heavy showers all along our planned route. Six hours in the rain over roads slick with oily deposits? No thanks. So, citing safety as the main reason, we opted (wimped??) out and as I write, are cosy and warm on a train from Attnang to Salzburg and on to Pittenhart. When it is dryer outside, we feel guilty but then as the rain streams down the windows – vindication! We have promised ourselves we will go out for a solid ride when we get there. Yeah, yeah. Whatever!

It does give an opportunity to give some thought to the past two stages. Which just wasn’t possible in the day. Late arrival, logistical issues with the luggage and general malaise getting in the way.

Klosterneuberg to Wieselburg

On the banks of the Danube with Jakes

Berries abound! Clearly a regional speciality, there are fields (very neat of course) under various berries and cherry trees casually dotted in gardens. Strawberries, cherries, raspberries, mulberries. Pick your own or stop at a stall and buy some. Delicious.

After a long day we again found our luggage was delayed and only arrived about 7pm. Fortunately the weather has been good (at least until today) so sitting around waiting is not too much of a hardship.

Wieselburg to Attnang

The big day. 191km with 2500m of climbing. There was one longish climb (8km, 8.5% average) but mostly it was like being surprised by a Suikerbossie or Glen leg buster around each bend. We crossed lines of hills (many), followed the valleys alongside rivers (not enough) and through small villages (some just a few houses). Sometimes with the stream (fast going) and sometimes contra-flow (rather slower!).

These are the hills that Julie Andrews immortalized in the Sound Of Music. It was a religious public holiday and in many villages were out in full processions, following behind brass bands heading to church services. Mostly on hilltops so the bells rang out across the valleys around. Picturesque indeed and I would have really enjoyed it more had I not busted a gut to get up to said hilltop.

Albert (Julie Andrews) Finsterwalder

Ended up riding for 7h30 which was less that expected. With an hour stop for a good lunch in Styer, we arrived at about 5.30pm and our luggage was there to greet us!

(*)
….with the sound of the blood rushing through my ears and exploding out through my eye sockets! Sucks to you Julie. Tell the truth next time! Your hills may me nice to frolic over singing a merry tune, but they are tough going on a bike!