Coastal way to Piran

A cyclist in Vipava had told me about a cool route through the Istrian peninsula. A historic railway track that was now a thematic cycling track. He looked at Schopper and said "you have the right tires for it at least".

I had dithered and delayed on descending down to the coast, but decided to join the Parenzana trail which starts near Trieste. I freewheeled down from the Karst plateau through the forested hills (wheeeee) to arrive at my first view of the Adriatic sea. It was surprisingly warm and made for a relaxing swim.

I followed the coastal bicycle route, marveling at all these buildings and highway overpasses. I had not seen any urban area in a while now, and I was fascinated at the change. Well, for the first half hour anyway before I remembered that's where traffic is heavy.

I rode all through - what is still left of - the Slovenian coast thanks to the EV8 path. I stopped off for swims and drinks in Koper, in Izola and other little locations. Finally I reached Piran, a beautiful and historic town and rode through tiny alleys to the lighthouse at the very tip of a peninsula. As I sat sipping a spritzer to admire the open sea, the sky closed up and got dark. The Adriatic had put together a thunderstorm for my arrival.

I rode off towards Sicciole to find shelter under some trees. I had to find safety from wild life - a swarm of mosquitoes hung about the tent colliding against the mesh. As I sat and ate an 'indoor' dinner, I realized I had just crossed over the border from Slovenia.Læs mere