Day Seven was our last biking day. We knew the routine well by now, and were anxious to head out on what would be our last adventure on the Danube. The weather forecast was bleak - heavy rain was expected to arrive in the early afternoon. We packed lunch, water bottles, and rain gear. The race was on!
The ride from Rossatz through Dürnstein and into Pöchlarn would cover over 50 km, and take us through villages, apricot orchards, and vineyards. We would glide past castles, monasteries, and ruins.
We ate a quick picnic lunch and then were back on the bikes. Here is a taste. No, not of our lunch, of the ride!
The storm hit when we were about ten kilometers from tiny Pöchlarn, where we were to meet the SE Manon. We stopped to don our rain gear. It was stiff and crinkled. We had carried our rain gear in our saddle bags for years, across two continents and countless trails. But we had never needed it. It had become a running joke - invite us along, and you are guaranteed a rain-free ride! But our luck ran out in Austria, and it was time to learn if our rain gear was worth the space and weight it had occupied all these years.
Another surprise - cycling in the rain isn't so bad! There was no thunder or lightning, just heavy rain and wind. It was actually fun - like playing in mud puddles as a child. I pulled the hood of my jacket up over my helmet, bent my head, and off we went. The other cyclists on the path continued on as well, and we passed and were passed. Ding ding went the bell. Ding ding back to acknowledge.
We reached the mooring spot - but no ship. We had beat it once again! But we found an ice cream stand, serving soft serve ice cream that was the richest, creamiest BEST soft serve ice cream I have ever tasted. An odd treat to cap a rainy ride, but we have learned it helps to be flexible.
By the time we had finished our snack, the ship had arrived.
Tonight was our farewell meal, and our group (the Aussies, Kiwis, Kanucks, and Yankees) agreed that a class photo was in order.
The chef held nothing back
And before serving dessert, the dining room was darkened, and out came a surprise - a birthday cake for Ron, complete with a recognizable (but heavily accented) rendition of "Happy Birthday"
We lingered over the birthday cake, and the coffee, and the banana foster, and the GREAT company, until finally, we retired to the top deck to enjoy our last evening aboard. Ron noticed movement in the wheelhouse - the Captain was motioning to us. We climbed over the barrier (correction: I tripped over it; Ron simply opened the gate) and we were invited onto the bridge - where the captain let the Birthday Boy drive the boat!!!
Godspeed, Ron, on your next lap around the sun. Happy Birthday!
Bike Talk
Rossatz to Pöchlarn - 50 km (31 miles)
Rain - lots!
Rain gear was finally used. Biking in the rain is really fun.