Bikecation in Hungary: Part 2

Day 4 Larisa & Robert

Setting off from our hotel, with a larger peloton, today was to be a day of twisting roads, climbing and history, as  we took a long flat road towards the rising countryside, passing a series of wildfowl protected lakes for birds, where it was time to do a little work, as Erika and Laszlo took photos and video for the tourist board, and we did our best to look like competent cyclists.

For part of the  70km ride, Tamas  took a rural gravel path, introducing a new experience for me on a road bike, and having new Pirelli tyres to test on my bike, they handled the mixed terrain well, giving good grip and rolling smoothly with no flats.  It was certainly fun, as I  ride both road and mountain bike … but not at the same time usually!

After the mornings short ride and adventures,  we arrived at the spa resort of Heviz, where coffee and cake was enjoyed. Heviz is a match for anywhere around the world,  and so the only difficulty was in choosing which of the chocolate and creamy delights to eat first – after all, as cyclists, we are bound to burn off the calories… aren’t  we ? Following this worthwhile stop, we set off on the bikes again, to a famous medieval castle on a high point at Sümeg, near the border of Hungary. The roads were winding and descending more steeply as we approached the area, and I was able to speed along and open up my bike on the sweeping descents, testing the tyres too.  Once at the castle and admiring the history and views, we took time to explore, as Tamas told us of the history, and we made friends with the donkeys in the courtyard.

Then it was back to Heviz and our 4 star hotel, where we would be staying for 2 nights, and having dinner tonight with a senior minister from the Hungarian government, responsible for developing cycling tourism in the area.

Day 5 Larisa & Robert

 It’s day 5 of our cycling tour, and we’re in Heviz, an amazing spa resort with thermal pools to match any around the world. Tamas has arranged to start the day with a swim in the pools, and so here we are, in water that is 35 degrees, and beautiful sun shining down on us. The team are busy, with Erika our photographer, taking images and Lazslo our videographer, drone flying above the pools, creating superb film footage. With more riding planned for later in the day, I’m sitting under a shaded tree on a sun lounger, catching up on writing, and making sure that you, our readers get a taste for what Hungary has to offer as a bikecation location. Dinner last night was wonderful, and the hotel really is first class all the way, making sure that when off the bike we get to relax and totally chill out. Larisa is sunbathing nearby, and enjoying the spa waters. I’ve only cycled one day so far, and it’s only right then that’s do a share of the writing work.

On our way back to the hotel, we stop for more superb Heviz cake, and then it’s time to change and cycle in the afternoon with the Secretary of State – wow!  Our peloton speeds along in the sun and heat to a famous Gingerbread House, where a local lady greets the politician with water drawn from a well in the garden, before we all sample the gingerbread, which is beautifully ornate and decorated, as well as full of deliciousness.

We then follow a series of roads and cycling lanes, along the shores of Lake Balaton and the surrounding villages, before we are climbing to a hilltop with a spectacular panoramic view of the lake and surrounding hills and greenery. Both Larisa and I are feeling very special to be part of this amazing tour, riding in such company, in such a beautiful place, and wearing our custom G4 #helloHungary kit of course!

Our final etape of the day takes the cycle lanes close to the shoreline, and back to Heviz, with a short stop at a shoreline deck for ice creams and more images. Arriving at our hotel with 80km covered, we shower and change quickly, before heading to a nearby winery and restaurant for some great local food and wines. The wine testing is very welcome, and both Larisa and I are unable to remember how many toasts we celebrate with clinking glasses.

It’s a relaxed scene, as our group of weary cyclists walk downhill and back to the hotel and bed – but everyone is excited about the final days cycling tomorrow.

Day 6 Larisa and Robert

 So it is our last day cycling, and I was both excited and sad at the same time. We had all become great friends during our tour, led by Tamas, with Peter and Laszlo keeping us supplied with water, coke and lots and lots of humour. Having a small group had met that we had all bonded and got to know each other, and everybody was slightly sad to be leaving.

The ride today was set to be about 80km, and included some some hills for us to climb along the way.. Thee were of course lots of descents too, which allowed us to have some fun, as we raced each other in windless sunshine,,simply speeding down like real racers, on the smooth  asphalt. Everywhere there were cycle paths too, with cyclists to be seen all day long, on these traffic free cycle highways.

After a short time cycling, Tamas stopped our peloton for lemonade by the roadside, with deck chairs for us to relax in the sun. Then we made several short interviews, with each of us interviewed by Laszlo, talking about how we had found the week and our cycling tour in Hungary. For me, and for Robert, it had been a very special experience that will live with both of us. Hungary now has a place in my heart, and my week had been wonderful.

After our refreshments break, we cycled on, to an old volcano and quarry, with superb views over the open landscape. However, in order to enjoy the view, we had to first climb up the steep slopes.

Lunch was a treat of local fish from the Lake, with chips and beer, and everyone thought I needed more too eat … or just wanted to make a funny photograph of a hungry cyclist … in Hungary! Then it wasn’t easy take to the roads again, finishing off our tan lines and taking the last few photographs of the tour.

The ride finished at the historic town of Veszprém, where after dinner we walked together and saw the medieval sights, including the fortified walls where I sat dangling my legs and took in the lights of the town below. While I was walking, I was thinking about the fun I’d had and wanting to visit again, being totally chilled and relaxed – not least from the great company. It also felt nice to all walk together and not to have to concentrate on cycling, instead just enjoying the historic gothic architecture.

Flying out of Budapest the next day was sad, leaving behind happy memories and new friends. I was however sure that we would all see each other again, in this amazing country where cycling is becoming a passion?

Before flying, Robert and I sat together in the garden at Tamas’s house, doing some necessary writing, as we remembered that this was working trip too! It was lovely just sitting and chatty and talking, and sharing the adventures, and our thoughts on Hungary too. The cycling here is well developed, with lots of bike lanes, used by the locals as well as the tourists. It really is a pleasure to cycle in Hungary, with the high sun and the beautiful historic landscapes … and of course, the spas, which were very welcome after cycling each day. And, our G4 custom kit had stood the test well, being used throughout the week, in intense heat and at a good pace. I’d stayed comfortable in the saddle, which of course makes every ride just that little bit better!

If you missed the first article, you can read it here !