After another great sleep and a roadside bike-fix I was back in the saddle.
There are no yellow signs at the junction in Hnizdo, but there is a blue Austrian track sign to follow, which soon joins up with #48.
I zoomed through the wonderfully named village of Slup before stopping in Jaraslovice to look at the baroque chateau. If I had the money…
I missed turns at Hrádek and then again at Hevlín, costing me several Kms and an unnecessary climb. When I found the trail again it was maybe 10 kilometres of deserted road going through vast, freshly planted fields. At one point it all felt very lunar. No vineyards yet!
The headwind was strong but the road was mostly flat. I made it to Nový Přerov in time to have a feed of goulash and dumplings for lunch.
Outside Nový Přerov I saw the first significant vineyards as well as signs for Eurovelo 9 which goes from the Baltic to Southern Italy. I might pass this spot again someday…
It was then steady going over dedicated cycle track, passing Brezi towards Mikulov. Though by now the wind had picked up and was proving quite a challenge, both head- and cross- gusts nearly stopped me in my tracks, even downhill!
The trail surface varied from excellent to life-threatengly treacherous. Care was needed, especially downhill, to avoid the many crater-like potholes and enormous cracks into which a wheel could easily jam. Plenty of sections with rough gravel and rocks – I can’t see a road bike surviving it. I deflated the tyres a bit at one point, which seemed to improve traction.
Soon enough Mikulov came into view, and impressive looking it was, with the castle and church looming over the town.
Though recommended, I decided not to investigate the centre but keep moving. Another day.
Despite the strengthening wind and first spots of rain, I kept my head low and got to the outskirts of Valtice well before I expected.
Also avoiding it’s town centre I swung south to finally cross the border after tickling it for two days.
Austria greeted me with a spell of dazzling sunshine and little wind, but not for long as storm clouds gathered.
Never mind, I was game to continue. Two steep climbs later, and finally with the wind at my back I sailed into Poysdorf after a jaunt through it’s surrounding vineyards.
I passed a small hotel and decided to treat myself to a room for the night. I had no problems sleeping in the woods, but I didn’t find any safe swimming spots along the way.
So a hot shower was a very welcome luxury, as was the pizza and beer I had in town.
GPS says 92 km. Who am I to argue?
Vienna tomorrow!