Sobótka, Poland to Králíky, Czech Republic

One of the reasons I decided to do this ride was because I wanted a challenge, and today I got what I asked for in the form of heat and hills. This part of Europe is experiencing a heat wave that may break all-time records.  

I don’t mind riding in the heat, but on a fully loaded touring bike over hilly terrain, it certainly made for an honest day of work. It was also a gorgeous day cycling through the rolling foothills of the Western Carpathian mountains. My day began on a promising note as the friendly owner of the bed and breakfast where I stayed, a red cheeked and round woman with a quick smile, woke up at 5:30 to feed me a breakfast of eggs, coffee, bread and cheese, oatmeal and a slice of chocolate cake. The breakfast of champions! And another reminder of the incredible hospitality and friendliness of the Polish people I have met. The early morning hours were quiet, peaceful and painted with an orange glow. 

  

  
As I coasted by a field of corn, I noticed a red fox watching me curiously, before disappearing silently into the tall stalks. As the sun rose higher in the sky, warming the air, the perfumed smell of ripe summer fruit hung in the air. It felt great to be alive. 

By early afternoon, I was a bit less animated and could feel salt crusting on my face and the heat in my lungs. I needed a break. I stopped in a town called Bystrzyca Kłodzca to buy a bottle of cold water and rode right into a Saturday antiques market. I was fascinated to see the beautiful china and silver with old family crests, old tools, Communist era military memorabilia, book collections from an era when books held a more nuanced significance, etc. It was almost like walking through people’s personal museums.  

 
There was some junk too!  

 I continued on into the late afternoon heat, slowly getting closer to the Czech border, before stopping for more water and snacks. I ran in to a little store and just couldn’t tear myself away from the deliciously cold dairy aisle. 

Eventually I did, fearing someone would toss me out, so I spent my last Zloty on two salty sweet sunflower seed cookies and made my way across the border to Králíky reflecting on how welcoming and beautiful my days in Poland were and on how excited I am to see the Czech Republic. 

 

  

9 thoughts on “Sobótka, Poland to Králíky, Czech Republic”

  1. Gabe I’m finally caught up on reading through your amazing posts. Binge reading over coffee. Thanks so much for dedicating the time to sharing your adventure. The best of being on a bike, travel, food, people, life manifest! Love it. Stay strong sir and keep on.

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  3. Wow — you look beat in the frozen foods aisle. You should add Polish Salt to your prepared goods offerings when you start the label.
    It’s trying to rain here at home. Benji and I had breakfast this morning and talked about new babies, the autism spectrum, and the fact that every day we look forward to your updates. We also ate our weight in biscuits, which is harder for me to do than Benji.
    You should pick up some Milan Kundera to read during this leg of your trip.
    Love you, ric

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  4. Rode up Sunrise this afternoon at Mt. Rainier. I thought of you during my effort and then what and how you are racking up the miles on the “friday” collapsable bike with the small wheels with all that gear. I am really love reading your blog: epic and totally entertaining. Thank you you so much for the wonderfully written narrative and pics. Mark

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  5. Holy Krakow! Gabe, selfies are supposed to be flattering. Reminds me of the time in Darrington three or four BR’s ago when I near locked myself in their walk-in dairy cooler. Hope you’re tending to yourself and not letting the goals steer your Friday. Ride as you wish not as you should. Hugs.

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