"Is Don, Is NOT so Good"

Statistics experts tell us that 99.9% of accidents occur within sight of your own front door (or something like that). Today we have just experienced this unfortunate statistic being demonstrated.

With our ride rapidly approaching its inevitable conclusion, I suggested that maybe couples might like to ride together, instead of being with the large group. The idea was that it could be some sort of "romantic Sunday ride".

We have tried such ideas in the past, and found that it can work both ways. In most cases it can prove to be a lovely way for couples to spend some quality time together - a sort of "date day". On the other hand, sometimes being confined in close proximity for an extended time can lead to a monumental row. I hoped that, for today's couples, it would be the former.

The original plan had been to ride from Krems to Tulln, however we had been informed that the bike path beyond Zwentenberg was still impassable. Thus an alternative plan had been formulated, whereby we could ride for around 32km to a cafe, and then be transferred to our hotel in Tulln. This actually turned out to be incredibly important.

We headed out of Krems under a blue sky and sunshine. That was a pleasant surprise, although it did not last for long. Since it was a Sunday morning, the streets were quiet, apart from the tolling of the church bells. I was riding in a small group with Ken Lister leading the way out of the city. We had not ridden more than about a km before Mei insisted that we all stop so that she could take a picture of the bells ringing. (I am not kidding, although I wish I was).

We soon joined a lovely smooth path on the top of a levee bank. With a steady wind blowing from behind, it truly was effortless riding. It would have actually been perfect if it had not been for the fact that the meteorological thermostat had been turned down. The sun was hidden by thick clouds and the temperature plummeted dramatically. It was a reminder that the seasons can change quickly in Europe.

About 15 km into the ride, we stopped at a nice cafe by the track for some morning tea (and cake). It also gave us a chance to put on every scrap of clothing we had with us. So, on went balaclavas, coats, jackets, hats, etc. It really felt freezing, probably because it was.

The coffee was so good I actually ordered two cups, although for some reason, the second cup was not as good as the first one. The apricot strudel was excellent all the way through.

With only another 17 or so km to go, we were feeling that we would enjoy one of the easiest rides of the entire trip. That turned out to be somewhat premature,

Our group got their bikes and proceeded to leave the cafe. So far so good. What happened next was not so good. It was only after we had ridden for 10 minutes or so, that we realised that half of our group was missing. We waited. And we waited. There was still no sign of them. How could they have possibly got lost when there was only a single path to follow?

After numerous attempts to call them, I finally got the message that no group leader ever wants to hear. Don Dower had taken a serious fall while mounting his bike and had suffered numerous deep cuts to his legs. It was here that Heather's skills as a doctor were put to good use. By utilising items from several first aid kits, she was able to patch his legs sufficiently to get him back on the bike. It was however evident that he would need a visit to the nearest hospital.

We were finally able to continue the ride and soon witnessed the massive amounts of damage that had been caused by the recent flood. The track had been mostly cleared, but it was clear to see that it would have been impassable just a few days earlier.

Don managed to reach the pickup point at Zwentenberg, where Heather further patched up his numerous wounds. Considering the severity of the situation, it was decided to take Don direct to the hospital, while another 7 were taken to the hotel. The two vans then had to return to pick up the remaining ten riders.

I am now writing this at 4.30 pm in my lovely hotel room. Don has already been treated at the hospital, and is looking a little better. I suspect that, if this had have happened in Australia, he might have still been waiting the following morning.

It was an unfortunate event to happen so close to the finish of our ride, and we are all hoping that he will be able to complete our ride with us into Vienna tomorrow.Read more