Vienna, Austria - August 4, 2018

Parting Meal - Vienna, Austria

I woke this morning with the knowing feeling that all good things must finally come to an end.
The packing routine has become systematic, everything has its right place. Kelley may be a bit faster, but we generally finish, and are ready to cycle, at approximately the same time.

Power for Vienna

Not more than a few pedal strokes down the EV6, we spotted a bakery in Zwentendorf an der Donau. It has been quite nice that the German and Austrian bakeries have offered inside seating. This is contrary to the French boulangeries in which we had to consistently sit curbside.

Wanting to enter Vienna early, we cycled nearly nonstop into the city. At one notable pause, I lifted the iPhone speaker to the roof vent of a portable toilet Kelley was using. The music selection was Berlin’s "Take My Breath Away" from the Top Gun soundtrack. I think it helped.

Cycling on a man-made island in the middle of the Danube, I was surprised to see a naked male sunning himself on a park bench to my immediate left. A short distance further, two nude men sauntered out of the woods and walked across the paved bike route just in front of me. I passed several more men seated at park benches, totally relaxed. I couldn’t help but smile. Should we embrace differences, or build walls?

The bicycle ride into Vienna was extremely comfortable due to the infrastructure the city government has prioritized for bicyclists. We were able to travel separate lanes into the heavily urban area. Stopping for lunch, we had a picture taken for memory; our tour from the west coast of France, finished. There were high fives and hugs (emotional).

Kelley, it was so very memorable. I’ll never forget this one. Let’s continue to the Black Sea next summer.

To those who have followed us vicariously through the blog, how about it? We’ll cycle from Vienna, Austria, to Constanța, Romania (on the Black Sea), next summer. I’ll be leaving around the 20th of June, 2019. I’ll have the maps. You know where to find me.

Here’s the Wikipedia site for the EV6:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/EV6_The_Rivers_Route

Looking Out (Private Garden) - Hostel Ruthensteiner

Free Refills - Hostel Ruthensteiner

Lastly, I have to mention an act of kindness offered me by Erin and Walter Ruthensteiner. This year, I was lucky enough to have their grandson, Sol, in my 8th grade Social Studies class. He connected me with Erin and Walter, who run a most wonderful hostel in Vienna. Upon arrival, they treated me to their finest room as well as treated Kelley, his partner Paulina and I to dinner and a personal tour of Vienna at night. I so much enjoyed our conversation and find it difficult to find the words to thank the two of you for your generosity. I’ve already had a chance to speak with several travelers in the common areas of the hostel and would recommend this experience to anyone visiting Vienna. Follow the website below for more information about Hostel Ruthensteiner:

https://www.hostelruthensteiner.com

In closing, I would encourage anyone who loves bicycles and adventure to find plenty of both on the EuroVelo 6. The most difficult step is the one out the door.

Sincerely,
Nels Bergquist

PS - Erin and Walter have allowed me to store the Batavus at Hostel Ruthensteiner until my return in June. Amazing!