Riding the length of Korcula

We had breakfast and got our bags in the van and geared up for a big day in the saddle. Today, we're riding the length of Korcula Island, from Vela Luka to Korcula town via a winery for lunch, a total of 70km.

The ancient Greeks called the island Kerkyra Melaina, or Black Korcula, for its dense forests. We rolled through lots of small towns, olive groves, and vines before hitting the first of seven hill climbs. I love how the hills are referred to by their average gradient, which were 5 to 6 percent; however, there were some parts where the gradient was over 11 percent!

The views across the island and along the coast were fantastic, and we were 35km into the ride before stopping for morning tea. The weather is cool and breezy, the coldest day we've had on tour, so I had my sleeves on and even used my full finger gloves for the first time. I slammed down a coke, an apple, banana, and some little cakes at morning tea - it's amazing how much energy you burn! Dario fixed my broken spoke on my rear tire while I ate.

Then it was a 26km to Vitis winery in Lumbarda for lunch. We just had to climb a very large hill to get close; about 10km of climbing at an average of 5% gradient! The views down to the sea and across to other islands in the Adriatic did make the climb all worthwhile. I had a puncture about 10km out from the winery, my first of the tour, but my hero, Dario, was on hand to fix it!

It was chilly by the time we'd had our lunch and wine tasting outside overlooking the countryside, sea below, and mountains in the background. I've gotta say most people did not cope with the cool weather - us tough Canberrans were the exception of course 😅🤣

A short 9km ride into Korcula town for a hot shower to refresh ourselves.

We met up for apero at the hotel bar before walking into the old town. We met up with a local guide, Ivan, who walked us around the old town, explaining its long and interesting history. It seems, like many towns of its time, they lived inside thick and high stone walls as everyone was trying to attack them. Korcula was a successful town on the trading routes between Asia and Europe, but this also made them a target. They were prosperous under the Venetian empire.

Ivan walked us past Marco Polo's house, and we heard about his life, both fact and myth.

Dinner was on a lovely rooftop terrace, although it was quite chilly. Lots of great food, wine, and conversation. I chatted with Dario, my bike saviour today, who will be heading back home a day early for his daughters 9th birthday. It's getting near the end of our tour and we've met so many lovely people.もっと詳しく