Garmin activity: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1167269820
125 km, 4h50, elevation gain 1179m. Trip rating 85%
I got up early today, as I had a pretty tight schedule. Good thing the staff was kind enough to prepare my breakfast already yesterday. I ate it and hit the road right away
125 km to Prague, that would take me between five and six hours of cycling
Early morning in my Zlutice hotel, let section of this 1000 km ride has begun
It was still somewhat chilly and dark but there were almost no cars
The first 20 km or so where these smaller roads, the elevation gain was less than the days before and head winds also seemed a lot less fierce.
Average speed was actually pretty good, above 25kmph. At this point, I would make it to Prague in five hours
Ustecky region, district of Louny, 100 km from home
All of the sudden I recognized it all! When I cycled from Cheb to Prague a few months ago, I also came here. Apparently I was gonna cycle along the same road nr 6. The good part is that this road is straight and allows me to develop speeds, the bad news is that there might be heavy traffic. That was only concern.
I took a right here
Route 6 still had many hills, it kept hopping between 300 and 400 meters.
The average speed was really good though. The descents let me easily go over 40kmph and on the ascents I could keep it above 20kmph.
It did not take me long to arrive in the Stredocesky region. This region borders with Prague, that's how close I am
Surroundings still packed with yellow fields, beautiful sight
There were some construction works at this route 6 and at some places, only one lane was open. This made me lose some time.
Early morning, I think this was around 7 am. I really hit the road extra early today
A few snapshots while I was waiting at a red light
The further I proceeded and starting counting, the more it seemed I would be home at a very acceptable moment. I would even be there before noon.
One stop for drinks and a snack. This is right on top of the hill after passing by Krusovice. The elevation here is a bit higher; 460 meters.
Then route 6 ended for me and I was sent along nr. 16
Nr 16 was a bit calmer, also pretty straight with minor elevation gain. It was a good setting for keeping that speed high. Exactly what I needed today...
Unlike last time I came here, I rode this thing to the end. It sent me from my current location Rakovnik to Kladno. Kladno is a district that borders with Prague.
I liked the fact this road was pretty smooth. It contributed to making a steady pace
Kladno, it was less than 40 km from this spot and it was around nine am only.
Route 16 passed through a village called Slany, there I started following smaller roads. This picture is taken at 30 km from home. That's right, 1000 km reduced to a mere 30. Hold your horses, not there yet. Still more than a full hour ahead of me...
There were several small streets and what I noticed is that elevation was low. It was bouncing between 150 and 200 here.
Then I realized where I was: Veltrusy and Kralupy nad Vltavou. A special area to me, I came here on my first ride ever in Czechia. I also passed this point when I went to Belgium. Now I was truly close
A feeling of victory and pride was surging within me
The good old Vltava river, take me home baby! Cakovice is waiting for me
Even the last 20 km were different from the usual. This was a flat section along the Vltava
It is a beautiful day, it truly is...
Of course the good old occasional road block. Good thing I could pass by
I could lift the bike and walk past it, no sweat
Then it was only fifteen km from my doorstep. Yellow beds of flowers as far as the eye can reach
I was enjoying these last miles, they were my round of honor
Hi there Prague! How have you been these two weeks?
The last ten km through the tiny villages of Klicany and Bast
When I saw this road sign, I felt very mighty: Capital city Prague! I am HERE!!!
Four and a half days of intense pedaling and I am here. It means that I covered every inch between my doorstep and home in Belgium. And all the way back. 2000 km in the pocket, over nine days. Excellent statistics as well
I went to Cakovice and got ready to go to work.
This little sign indicates Cakovice, the part of Prague where I live. It is a suburb on the northern edge.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!
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