Garmin Activity: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1067106704
236km, 9h57, elevation gain 3487 Trip rating 70%
Chinese summary, English story below
Chinese summary, English story below
2月27日禮拜六凌晨五點我開始騎車。我一站在外面覺得格外寒冷，儘管穿了好幾件衣服，但風流依然彷彿咬著我的臉。騎沒多久發現溫度零下八點多，還降到零下九度。我從來沒有在這麼寒冷的條件下騎過車，更不要說240公里的爬坡路線。我有這麼一瞬間告訴自己還是回家比較好，這種溫度遲早會遇到結冰路面的問題。但說回去沒有那麼簡單，我是那種必須要親眼看到問題才願意承認有問題存在的人。所以繼續騎著。
騎了五十公里之後我發現路並不滑，天空沒有云端，是不會下雪的。所以繼續面對這相似南極的溫度。幸好路線在丘陵區，爬坡量綽綽有餘，每次看到上昇路段就進攻，讓身體變熱。只要沒有停下腳步，這個溫度勉強可以接受。再說這麼冷的日子許多人不敢出門，在那剎那整個捷克專署於我一個人。半台車也沒有看到。這股安心的感覺好爽，有稍微彌補溫度的部分。
沿途有一個比較特別的地方，是捷克的某個女王的故鄉。這個城市還有古老的城堡在。在那裡我花了一陣子看到這些壯觀的建築。
因為冷所以沒有常常停車，大概是一口氣騎規劃好的路線，結果進度非常好。 220公里加上3500公尺的丘陵可以在冬季黑暗前搞定，是非常強的成績。當我抵達訂的民宿時，我好高興。只可惜這股興高采烈的情緒立刻被惡劣的捷克臭婊子破壞。人家不僅對我非常凶悍，還莫名其妙趕我走。那瞬間我突然在陌生的地方沒有辦法過夜，而且快黑暗了。我先控制情緒，這他媽的民宿回家在修理，現在是緊要關頭。我騎到比較熱鬧的Cesky Krumlov，距離我現在的位置約20公里。一路尬車有回報：黑暗前到了。我找到了台幣1300多元的民宿。人家不僅很友善，還幫我找飯館。那天晚上我洗澡洗很久了。可惜數小時的零下九度不能在幾分鐘的熱水刷清。我出門吃飯，充電電燈，做一個報告，還跟 徐子懷打電話。
對了，禮拜一我正式向那家民宿投訴了，已經從飯店的網站消失了。原來被趕走的客人不只我一個人。幸好她以後不要這麼麻煩了，生意乾脆不要做比較好。
When I stepped outside on Saturday morning, I noticed it was extremely cold, may I even say aggressively cold. I had checked the internet for the weather and I had already understood it would be wise to dress up. But even with so many layers of clothing, double gloves, two trousers, a balaclave etc. it was still cold. Nevertheless, I began my crusade in darkness.
The first section of the route was familiar to me. I have come to interpret it as the southern exit of Prague. It goes from Cakovice to Satalice, further down to Dobrejovice and eventually outside of the city, into the Praha-Vychod area of the province Stredocesky Kraj. My geography is already coming along quite nicely.
I like this area, it descends for a few km under a rooftop of trees. Strangely enough, this section is called Cakovice, just like the part of Prague where I live.
This descend eventually leads to the small town of Tynic nad Sasavou, which is near a river. There, I noticed the temperature was dropping big time
MINUS NINE!!!!!! Never have I experienced such bitter coldness. I had to keep up my cadence or I would freeze to the bike. Luckily this route provided me with plenty of elevation gain.
From Tynac nad Sazavou it went further south, going next to the city of Benesov. This is the 10 km section I already visited a few times. Repetitions are starting to occur in my Czech rides.
This is how the world looks early in the morning at minus nine. Not a living soul outside, the roads were mine. It made this moment all the more glorious.
By the side of the road there was a deer. I tried to approach it for a picture. Unfortunately this was the best I could do.
The sun was greeting me already, but it would take a few more hours before I could feel its presence.
There is a little road behind me. I was sent there on Jan 2 on my MTB. It leads back to Prague. Today, I went further south.
Frozen solid drinks!
I had to watch out that I found a place to buy a drink before I was dry
With some 80 km in the saddle, I decided to stop for a snack. I ate two sandwiches I prepared myself. Honestly speaking, they tasted great. It is a much better snack compared to all these bars. It made me feel recovered a lot more. This is definitely a precedent for future rides.
Originally colored pizza place
As you can see, I was dressed up for full winter mode. Even that was not enough for today's Antarctic ride
A fine selection of tiny field roads was presented to me by my GPS. The choice of roads is always fantastic in the Czech Republic. These views are amazing.
Combined with the total absence of motor vehicles
The Czech Republic has some serious bicycle signs infrastructure. These yellow signs are consistent and everywhere. That deserves a big plus
Sedlcany was the next point on my map.
Notice the frozen solid grass
19% hill ahead. I managed to cycle up there without having to get off the bike. I did get out of the saddle.
There were a lot of forest roads here. Stunning views everywhere
Just this little road in the middle of this artwork presented by Mother Nature. It is perfect for cyclists
A longer climb brought me to elevation 600, the highest point up till now for this ride.
The official marking of the Southern Bohemia region. For cyclists also known as the land of many hills. That's right, it does not matter where you go. As long as you cycle within this region, you will get plenty of elevation gain. That's why I like this area so much. It puts my physical abilities to a test.
Natural park
This road filled me with Christmas atmosphere
Funny fact, I was just thinking that I could use a potraviny since my drinks were frozen...
...and then it popped up right in front of me. Perfect timing. A quick visit and I was stocked for more mileage.
The small town of Chysecko. A few moments to see how much I can grasp of this Czech explanation
Elevation started playing around after leaving this village. I made a good drop of 200 meters down. For a moment I even felt as if I was back in the Taiwanese mountains of Nantou.
Perfect panorama of the Czech hills with my bike
Close up
You know that song from Venga Boys? It goes like this: up and down and up, and down, and up... This was exactly what this area was doing. I enjoyed it big time, because every hill gave me a brief moment during which the glacial minus nine head winds could be forgotten.
Something I had not calculated: arriving in Okres Tabor. It seemed impossible for me to pass through the city of Tabor for this ride.
29, the age I will have in only two months
More forest roads, this time quite bumpy and with potholes
The good thing about this minus nine is that I am having a paradise for myself
I arrived in a little town of which I did not know its existence. Its name is Bechyne and Czechs must know it.
This town had every reason for a little sight seeing. I could not just cycle through this one.
What an adorable Czech village, it looks like an image of a book you would buy
There was also a big castle here with authentic walls
This part went downhill and neared a bridge over a river.
The watch out tower, so that intruders can be shot on sight
Notice the blue bridge down the hill
This Bechyne was a very welcome discovery
Hail to Queen Jana and her bridge that enables me to travel further down south in this mythical land
More snapshots of this medieval setting
The yellow rider also known as Bartman or Bikeman
A yellow house, this must be where Aneta lived
I saw a little bench here, just at the time I was very hungry. I stopped here for lunch.
Self made sandwiches, so much better than these little baguettes you buy at the gas stations.
Honestly, it was TOO cold to sit down for five minutes. I only sat for ten minutes, but when I got back on the bike I was shaking and freezing. What a crazy temperature.
Village council
In the late afternoon it did get less cold, thank god
More Czech hinterland. I just cannot get enough of this.
Today I was pretty relaxed. Progress was great and I would def. make it before sunset
Miles and miles between deserted Czech hills feels one with joy. Escaping society for the weekend was already successful
Working in the office for a full week, staring at the computer is inevitable. So I need this weekend to let my pupils enjoy the beauty of nature and real life. Only this gives me the energy to carry on in Prague.
When I saw this Dutch camping, I realized I had once before cycled here, in Kostelec. Indeed, I was sent through an area I already explored during my previous ride to Cesky Krumlov.
So I did not take many pictures here.
This is somewhere south from Ceske Budejovice
Careful for a steep descent
By now I was sure I would collect 3000 m of elevation gain. This was 18 km from my destination, Chvalsiny
Jesus Christ, INRI. There are a lot of these statues in the fields
It was noticeable that the daylight time was increasing. The sun would need a few more hours to be completely gone.
A Czech imitation of stonehenge
Suddenly I found myself within the region of Cesky Krumlov. This is usually the moment I realize I have gone a far way from Prague.
Wauw
A small farm
10 km from my destination I saw this Potraviny. I decided to buy some foods and drinks because I was not sure there would be a shop in this Chvalsiny town
The last 10 km were pretty intensive, there was a LOT of climbing
Cows in the hills. Really something else
Mind the elevation 740 meters. That is how high the road was getting. Crazy
But after that there was also a long descent which led to Chvalsiny.
Chalvsiny, here we are. Well before darkness. 217 km in the pocket, good job!
Oh no! Another Dutch camping
The town of Chvalsiny. I was very happy to be here so early
I first checked out the village and made some pictures
We are here, over and out
These were my stats for today, but...
When I went to my pension, that women was super rude to me, shouting at me RAUS> I did not understand. I tried to reason with here and she kept yelling. That is when I decided I had enough of it and fucked that place. I decided to find another place to stay. I went to Cesky Krumlov.
I saw a little sign indicating Pension Hubert. I thought it was close so I went for it. It turned out to be a very long climb which brought me back to elevation 750m. I climbed for quite some time and still did not see a hostel. I decided to head back and just go to Cesky Krumlov.
Luckily there was still a pension with a free room. It cost me 800 crowns, but better than that shithole in Chalvasiny.
I went to the nearby restaurant for a good meal. The next day would be 220 km back to Prague.
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