Day 28:- Fri 24 Jun - Baykal to Svishtov

Ride: 104km

Av Speed: 18.9km/h

Weather: fine and sunny

Last night's dinner of grilled chicken & mushrooms, veggies, chips, pancakes & ice-cream + 500ml beer and Nestea cost a total of $24.50. Bed & breakfast cost $13.83.  

First 20km today was on a brand new billiard table smooth road, cyclist heaven. A cheeky 3.5km climb at Somovit was more than paid back by a 7.4km decent. The custard éclair and coffee we had at Nikopol refueled us all for the 50km ahead and a rather steep climb out of the town. The remainder of the ride today was hot (32-38deg) and rather uninteresting except for the wheat harvesting which has finally commenced. The crop looks a bumper one and the last couple of weeks of dry hot weather should ensure that the quality is excellent. 

I struck out on my own after Nikopol as I wanted the hot day in the saddle to end quickly. Apart from a stop for a feed of yummy wild mulberries and drink I rode the last 50km non-stop. This had me arriving at the hotel by 1445h feeling surprisingly fresh. 

The hotel is situated on top of a high bluff (just what you need after 104km) overlooking the Danube and across to Romania. It's not flash but it's very neat and immaculately clean. The restaurant and the seating area for the bar are on a large wrap around balcony. An excellent location to write these notes and enjoy a refreshing ale.  Do we really need to ride away tomorrow?

The view from the restaurant

Svishtov Cathedral