It’s not all monuments, rivers, trees, and wildflowers in Europe, despite what many of our pictures show. We bicycle past power plants, river dams and locks, and industrial areas.
Today, if we choose, we can visit the Mauthausen concentration camp memorial 20 KM east of Linz. Some of us go, some don’t. It’s an emotionally disturbing place.
I went there to climb the hill, but did not go inside.
I rode at various times today with Asrun and Donna. I enjoy taking pictures of the people I ride with, so here are their pictures.
I didn’t take the following picture of Kathleen climbing down a wall. Wayne G. did. However, Donna and I reached the same point in our ride. We are on the correct track, but new construction makes it impassible (except for Kathleen and Wayne). Donna and I turn around and find another way.
Today is HOT. When we arrive in Meld we spend the afternoon searching for shade, drinks and ice cream. The explorers among us walk up to the abbey looking over the town.
Our hotel room has no air conditioning and opens over the street. The night is hot (84F, 34C at 9pm) and noisy. A band plays loudly until 10pm. Diners and partiers are up even later. We don’t sleep well.
Early next morning the street is quiet and peaceful. I’m tempted to run down it yelling and beating pots and pans together.
Strava analysis of today’s ride: https://strava.app.link/5R3LKePTGY
Relive 3D representation of today’s ride: https://www.relive.cc/view/g38001128938
Orient Express 2019 