Day 21 Budapest to Esztergom

I took the longer scenic route along the Danube today instead of trying to make time, and it was one of the easiest and most enjoyable days of the trip. Cool weather, smooth bike paths, quiet villages and long stretches along the river. It almost felt like a rest day on my bike. I met two Hungarian ambulance guys taking a break by the Danube. I showed them a picture of my firefighter/paramedic son and told them I hoped I wouldn’t need their services. I’m also starting to see a lot more cycle tourists now, almost all headed the other way. Two days to Vierna, 135 miles, need to be there before Elubia makes it.

Coming into Esztergom was entertaining. I was climbing on cobblestones with a line of cars behind me revving their engines and wondering what the hell was going on. Then I realized I had ridden into a car-show procession—finished the hard climb and almost road onto tbe finish chute of a 1/2 marathon. 😊Esztergom turned out to be a really nice town. Nice old town, Basilica is spectacular. Fish soup for dinner, Then walked up the old stone steps to the Basilica for 6:00 Mass. Told the hotel clerk I would not need breakfast, came back to my room and there was a bag with 2 sandwiches, water, fruit and cinnamon roll. Nice surprise. What a great day, the route was very nice today, keeps getting better.Read more