Day 6
Another damp and cold day. First part is 50km road through a forestry on a 'road' that had more holes then surface and degraded from very poor tarmac,
gravel to mud the further it brought us into the mids of the forest... and then slowly improved while bringing us back to civilization. While ploughing
through a mud pool I discovered a log sticking out the mud... and looked at it just half a second too long... and hit it with the front wheel... pushed me
out of balance and I took a plunge... mud bath!!
One and a half hour standing on the bike riding/diving from one water filled hole to the next... and again I wondered... 'is this supposed to be fun?'. I was bathing in sweat
by the time we finally reached the end.
Beautiful surroundings that didn't get my attention ... had to keep focus on the road / next hole.
tightening things that came loose. Took a plunge in the stream in the background to wash off most of the mud from my gear
A lovely road, paved with brand new tarmac took us up to a mountain top, only to discover that the descending road on the other side was gravel and mud.
I took the point to be able to choose my own lines and pace and with a new firm front mousse I was able to run the Tenere smoothly down the hill.
Again a beautiful narrow valley were the road and the mountain stream seemed to swap places once in a while.
Given the conditions we decided to skip the special: a late afternoon navigation test with some difficult climbs and descents.
The hotel lobby clearly showed the nationality of its guests
Day 7
The briefing promised lovely stretches of sandy country roads through Hungarian hills... and yes we did have a perfect ride... first half of the day..
but after almost a week riding I could start to feel my arms and things were not as smooth as earlier that week.
I managed to drop the bike five times that day! Like said before: I don't mind dropping it but hate to pick it up...
No real damage was done to either the bike (except a broken handguard) or me...
having a break in the 'creapy woods' after another touchdown
'left or right? Rocks or mud?'
too tired to guide the bike through the rutted tracks... picture after yet another touchdown
One last climb and descent and we're done for another day.
looks like I'm crying... but just chewing my candy bar... Sure I'm having fun!
Day 8
Last day. The evening before I tried to loosen the screws of my visor on my helmet... needed both hands!! No strength left in my lower arms.
Knowing we need to pack and start driving home on the motorway in the late afternoon, and also want to give my mate a day riding without me
to watch over, I decide to take the scenic paved route to the finish line.
Again a wise decision: while I'm taking a plunge in small stream...
...my mate struggles with yet another mudpool...
... but as a reward has some great panoramic views...
... still enough for me to enjoy, like a view at the Tatra mountains
At a sun flooded terrace we're having a buffet and awards ceremony.
I've got an immense respect for the guys that actually rode every km of the track... but there were only a handfull that actually did!
As such: the Eastern Europe Rally is not for sissies!!
Would I give it another go? Hmmm... maybe... but only with a much lighter bike!
HJ