Danube - Komarom to Esztergom

Wow, one of the more ‘challenging’ days we’ve had!  You always think, ‘Oh, it’s only 32 miles, no problem’.  Hmm, that is seldom the case now that we think about it.

Had coffee by the Danube which was lovely! Interesting bike rack at our stop - tire-sized slots cut into a huge log!

Still on the EuroVelo 6, but today was a combination of bumpy bike paths and bumpy busy roads.  Not sure that the person who selected this route has ever ridden it!  Saw lots of derelict buildings which looked to be left from the Communist era along with the bumpy, bumpy paths and roads. 8 miles along one busy section - surprised Liz didn’t jump on a train after that!

Made it to Esztergom before 1:00 and found a lovely, shady restaurant for beers, wine and (Liz's new favorite) limoncello spritzers, along with a hearty lunch. Very relaxing!

Another very nice apartment tonight.  They have been a real treat.  Typically, two bedrooms, small kitchen / dining area and sometimes a small lounge.  Plenty of room to spread out.

Nice evening out in the Old Town.  Snacks and ice cream for dinner.  We did not have the New England IPA.  Love these historic village centres!

Tomorrow is the last pedalling day of the tour!

Comments:

1. Stephen HodgsonJune 22, 2025 at 6:29 PM

   So the route today on Komoot said “expert”, we couldn’t understand why, 32 miles and pretty much no climbing, easy ….. Then we rode it …… I think the definition of “expert” actually translates as “fearless” or maybe “crazy people only”. One section was the worst 8 miles ever on the tandem and we have ridden thousands of miles in Italy, France, Germany, USA, UK. Anyway we lived to tell the tale, tandem is still in one piece with no broken spokes, everyone is still smiling. I would not recommend the section of Eurovelo 6 from Vienna to Budapest unless you do it on a mountain bike… . Tomorrow’s top temp in Budapest is 96F, we plan to be pedals turning at 6 am and done before noon, 40 odd miles. All that said, the towns and people have been absolutely lovely. Check in tomorrow for the report on the final day of pedalling….
2. 
   Kelley BeerbowerJune 22, 2025 at 6:42 PM

   Always time for ice cream! 
3. 
   LizJune 23, 2025 at 3:40 AM

   .. but the food has been fantastic. The bright spot of Vienna to Budapest!
4. 
   BrianJune 23, 2025 at 1:07 PM

   Do they make a fully-suspended tandem? Shocks might be a great addition to your next tandem build from the sound of it. That beer list looked amazing!

   1. 
      Stephen HodgsonJune 23, 2025 at 7:34 PM

      They do a “mountain bike”version of tandems though they are less common. Getting one with couplers (so you can break it down and put it on an airplane) and the suspension might be tricky, weight limit for an oversize, over weight bag on most airlines is 70 lbs, the one we have just about complies if you put the pedals and chains in a different bag. I think the experience of the last week or so (Hungary roads and bike paths vs “developed world” experience) needs to be reflected on in the consideration of where to go next, upgrade the Santana (the one with the couplers) or “start again”. Thinking about that should keep me out of trouble for a bit 😁😁