Day 8: Karlstejn to Prague

Hrad Karlstejn - not
much has changed since 2004

Last day of the cycle trip and the day I choose to sleep later than usual. I was woken at 8am by a knock on the door from Hank. Must have been tired. After breakfast, it was on the road again. Hank decided to visit the castle, Stan and I waited in the shade of a tree.

The sun moves round the Linden tree
There is no sign of Henery

Say A Little Prayer For Me

After Hank's visit, it was off to face the last set of climbs. These weren't too bad and generally under the shade on forest tracks. At what was reportedly the highest point of the ride we found a religious statue where we took the opportunity to pray for no more assents. Once we got onto roads the ride was easier. The day was quite hot, around 30 degrees. 

Live Streaming in
the Wop-wops

Late morning we decided it was time for a break and a refreshment at Jinocany. As this was a short ride we had plenty of time to goof off. After a couple of beers, we headed to the reservoir just out of the township and it was good enough for a swim. This is the same place we went swimming on the last day in 2014. So, we goofed off for a couple of hours swimming, played some cards and snoozed in the sun.

Day 8 Marker

After a short ride from Jinocany we reached the outskirts of Prague and headed home via cycleways. We arrived home at 3.30. Today's distance was ~35kms with a top speed of ~40kph. A short trip but at a leisurely pace. Today's marker is from the dinner table at Hrad Kavale.

But wait. As usual, there's more. There was one last act. Tennis. Stan and I headed off for the traditional clash of the titans in the early evening heat. However, as this is the last blog, dear reader, you'll never know the result as we'll complete the match tomorrow morning before I fly to London. However, it is fair to say, it would have been a close, hard fought contest played in a fierce and competitive manner with a few laughs.

As mentioned, this is the last blog of the cycle trip. We've cycled ~450kms over 8 days. Whilst it seems leisurely there have been some challenging hills. However, to enjoy the good times, you have to expect a few challenges. This year's top speed was ~62kph. With all that's been written, the trip has been another success but all I got from it was this t-shirt.

This has been my trip. Here's today's map.