Bratislava to Pudapest and Return

Kay and I had a few dates to spare before slalom training started in earnest so we took our bikes and headed east along the Danube River from Bratislava Slovakia to Budapest Hungary, some 200+ kms. For the most park it was cycling on sealed cycleways of the roads, reasonably flat and along the banks of the Danube River. The first day was 75+ kms. We spent the night in the old Slavak town of Komarno. Next day we headed across the bridge to Hungary and the town of Komarnom before the 55km trek to Eszergom in the rain and predominantly biking on the road verge. Another beautiful historical town. I had my ironed chicken meal. The meal was delivered with the chicken half cookes and a hot old iron on top of the chicken to cook the other half. A very tasty meal. The last day was 70+kms and saw us cycle into the heart of Budapest. Stayed the night, did so sightseeing on the bikes then tried to organise our train trip back to Brat with our bikes.Leaving Bratislava for the 2 00+ kms to Budapest Hungary along the banks of the Danube.  

The great bike adventure continues.

We made it to our accomodation in Komarno Slavakia. A pretty ritzy hotel, magnificant room at a very affordable price. The cold beer was much deserved.  Komarno is a border town. Across the river is Komarnom in Hungary and a change of currency. 

The bridge to Hungary.

Even the cycleway had its own barrier arm for the tthe train crossings.

Sightseeing in Eszergom Hungary.

Waiting for the car ferry with the other cyclist doing the trek. I was expecting a bridge.

Heading into Budapest. The pace of life has certainly picked up.

Sightseeing around Budapest.

The leisurely ride along the banks of the danube.

The beautiful gardens on Margit Island in the middle of the Danube Central Budapest.

Partway from Esztergom to Budapest we noticed that several of our fellow cyclists had left their bikes and trained or ferried to Budapest. When we tried to get on our train back to Brat we realised the reason. Bikes are not allowed on the trains in Hungary. We did hoever managed to get the bikes on board but only after some serious haggling and more than a few euros for someones back pocket although it did get us only to the Slavak border. There we had to change trains, officially pay for our bikes and head of again. One further change of train and a few hours later we were sipping a cold beer and wine in an outdoor restuarant in Brat on the banks on the Danube before a much deserved children salad at the Football Pub with Mike, Luuka and Lou. A great  adventure highly recommended for anyone who can ride a bike.