Sedlcany to Jindrichuv Hradec

June 5

Today was the  longest 98 kms and hilliest 893 m of climb of the tour. In addition rain was forecast for most of the day with quite heavy rain forecast for the afternoon.  Fortunately it had not started raining yet. So we were on our bike and riding before 8:00 am.  The first section of the ride was on a very nice newly paved bike path. unfortunately it followed wht was probably 14th century goat paths as it was had a lot of quite steep hill.  Ken reported 13% on his Garmin.  I didn't look down as I was too busy hanging on to the handle bars.  In any case it was darn hard work pedaling these 50-75 pound bikes up these hills.  

When we got to the top of the very first hill which was about 5 kms into the ride Marlene decided to bail out and went back to Sedlcany to catch a train.  The rest of us soldiered on.

As we rolled through one village after another we could see the sky getting darker and darker.  Bt now the path had given over to the road and we on some busy raods and some single lane back roads.  The main roads had much lower grades than the back lanes but the hills were incessant. 

No coffee stop to day as we were on a mission.  Get down to Tabor, which was at kms 45, before the rain started and then evaluate the train situation. When ever there was a down hill it was pour the steam on to make time and get a run at the next hill.  You never made the top of the next hill with out down shifting into close the bottom.  

Just as we rolled into Tabor it started to rain.  We ducked into a cafe to get a coffee. I found an extra large Americano which was about 6 oz.. and treated myself to a slice of chocolate mousse cake which was only B. After the cake was done it was really hammering down, so we decided to take the traino rean as well. 

It was about 4 km to the station and a wet ride.  Just before I got to the station I heard a sharp click and suddenly I had no rear brakes.  Yikes.  

In the station Bob went straight to  the wicket and purchased four tickets to our destination.  Out on the platform I set to looking at my brakes.  A little diagnose showed that the rear brake cable had let go from the rear brake and was not broken.  Ken helped me reset it and tighten it down. Talk about getting lucky.

About 45 minutes later our train appeared and we clamored on.  The first leg of our journey was about 25 minutes and we were all jammed into a little compartment with our bikes.  The second leg of our journey was on a much more modern and comfortable train.  

While on the train I figured out the route to the hotel and from the station we rolled down the last 1.5 kms to the hotel.  By now the rain had let up and while still very cloudy not raining.    

What a day managed to get  good ride in, got lucky with my brakes, had a fun train adventure, and avoided getting soaked in the rain.

Terry