Cycling The Elbe

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Trip start
July 22, 2024
Cycling The Elbe Traveler
A day of trains
July 22, 2024 in Czech Republic ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
Well, I have one week before my job officially begins. So what should I do? That’s right, hop on a train (or two or three or four…) to Prague so that I can cycle back home along the Elbe. I’ve been to Prague once before with some sweet friends while I was on exchange in Edinburgh in 2019. I remember the red roofs and endlessly impressive spires and points jutting up along the city skyline. It’s different though, to cycle through a city. Not known for being particularly cycling friendly, the bumpidy-bumpidy cobbles coupled with the speedy drivers made for a heart racing ride from the train station (while absolutely knackered after 12hours of transit). As always, I was happy to end the day cozied up in my tent and excited for the day to come.Read more
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Cycling The Elbe Traveler
From city to countryside
July 23, 2024 in Czech Republic ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C
A beautiful day of bopping about. After riding through some lovely gardens, I stumbled across a busy neighbourhood cafe that enticed me in for a flat white. I then met a couple and their young child, we chatted for ages and they passed along some nice cycling-sightseeing recommendations. The morning’s route thus organized, I meandered until the midday sun hit and I found my way to the river. Fish jumping, smiling families, day racers in their flashy Lycra. Exploring the countryside is an exciting mix of small towns that, from their blooming centres and ancient churches, are clearly well loved yet always there are fantastically textured crumbling walls or a windowless husk of a building as a reminder of the effects of time. Monumental estates from aristocrats of the past are now tourist attractions and outdoor cafes. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.Read more
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Cycling The Elbe Traveler
Free Camping by the Lake
July 24, 2024 in Czech Republic ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
A rather thrilling start to the day. Not wanting to back track to the Elbe, I made my way off the countryside via farm roads and single track. Fluctuating from gravel to soft pine earth and suddenly to sand, I wasn’t moving all too fast. I particularly enjoyed my slow sandy slog alongside a stretching field of weeping sunflowers.

Back along the Elbe, my ride was ambling and straightforward. I frog hopped with some German riders I’d met the night before. I also spent much of the day battling with a stripped screw on my back rack, stopping every 5km or so to tighten things up. Eventually made use of a handy zip tie.

I ended up camping at one of the few free campsites in the Czech Republic. After a quick dip in the lake and easy pasta dinner, I fell fast to sleep.Read more
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Cycling The Elbe Traveler
A Happy Encounter
July 25, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
A happy encounter with two cyclists Richard and I hosted through Warmshowers only a week prior. They were on an epic 6 week tour from their home in the Netherlands to Kraków, Poland. In fact, it was their tales about the beautiful Elbe cycle path that spurred my own impromptu trip. We crossed paths and sat in the sun together before parting ways.

It was really beautiful riding towards the German border and the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Gradually the hills stretched closer to the sky and the rocks began thrusting out in ever more peculiar formations.

Back in Germany, I pushed dear Frankie up a terribly steep hill and fell asleep in my tent looking forward to the morning’s hiking adventures.Read more
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Cycling The Elbe Traveler
Flexing some other muscles
July 26, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Let Frankie have the day off so I could get some hiking in. Visited the famous Bastei Bridge and marvelled at those rock wonders up close and personal. I made use of the local public transport too, including a ferry crossing, a train, and a local bus (which I ran to catch as they only arrived once every four hours!).

The campsite was busy with a local scouts group and travellers of all kinds. Many nice conversations (with a fellow solo bikepacker too). Also had some time for painting :)Read more
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Cycling The Elbe Traveler
The Last Hurrah
July 27, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
One last day of riding brought me to Dresden city. I had a bit of time for sight seeing, gape mouthed at the awesome architecture. I also treated myself to the best vegan meal I’ve had in all of Germany (see that next level cheesecake croissant!).

A sweaty afternoon of trains brought me back home safely to Jena, just in time to celebrate my 27th birthday with Richard the following day.

All in all, a most exciting way to call in my new year!Read more
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Trip end
July 27, 2024

A day of trains

From city to countryside

Free Camping by the Lake

A Happy Encounter

Flexing some other muscles

The Last Hurrah