Bohemian Rhapsody.

Monday 2nd September 2024. World Coconut Day.

Brystice nad Pernstejnem to Hlinsko – 58km.

I apologies for going over the top on my Slade songs yesterday. Don’t worry, despite today’s title I won’t go off on one!

Last night was so quiet that I watched a video on cycle tyre technology….sad but strangely interesting! If anyone wants more tyre pressure information I am available ‘off blog’. I realised that I had no idea what my tyre pressures are. Note to self, go to a bike shop and borrow a pump.

This morning I awoke in full anticipation of my breakfast. I was down at 7am and here is what was on offer.

I won’t embarrass myself by telling you what I had but it was plenty. I tried to be mindful about being healthy by having cereal and milk because I haven’t had any since I started the tour.

I was on the road before 8am and despite some challenging hills I enjoyed the ride. I was truly in the countryside and I saw a good variety of nature from crop fields, pasture with cows, pine forests and lakes. I only skirted towns as I passed.

Amazingly, after my comment about no signs yesterday….someone must have been out in the night and marked the route to Hlinsko! Also, some new cycle paths had been laid.

I actually saw another touring cyclist (coming the other way). We both stopped and I discovered he was from Brussels and was going from Berlin to Krakow. We talked of what we might expect ahead and he told me that Prague had been very busy with tourists but thought it might be better for me because the Czech holiday period finished today.

I wondered what the stadium was on the other side of the BMX track. It turned out to be a Cross Country Skiing Stadium! Wow, I am amazed that it is such a spectator sport here. A little further on I came across ski lifts too! I believe Ice Hockey is also popular as is Tennis. Martina Navratilova and Ivan Lendl were particular Czech heroes.

I came to some statues that seemed to mark a boundary between Moravia and Bohemia….it sent me into a full scale Rhapsody! I couldn’t resist. The Lion is the symbol of Bohemia.

Being Monday I struggled to find a coffee stop but when I saw somewhere open I stopped for some much needed caffeine. I ordered a kava lungo with confidence. I got a cold coffee in a glass! Of course I drank it without complaint, I am English after all. I’ve had iced coffee before but this was just cold and horrible.

I arrived in Hlinsko at lunchtime. Its outstanding feature is its Betlem village of traditionally built and protected houses. I could walk through but no displays or houses were open for the public….on a Monday. More importantly, a bike shop was open and I checked my tyre pressures. I decided on 75psi (for reasons I won’t bore you with) and actually they were both very close. Now they are spot on. I should ride so much efficiently tomorrow.

My accommodation was central and was very comfortable. Prices are reasonable here. I spent an hour relaxing in the room watching Czech TV. All I can say is that Czech people must all pay for satellite channels because Channel 1 was like ‘Come Dancing’ with Terry Wogan in the 1970’s. Channel 2 was a documentary on Lady Diana and the Sport Channel was a rerun of yesterdays football match between two small Czech town teams I’ve never heard of. It’s no wonder I watched a tyre pressure video last night!

I had another walk…

I’m starting ‘ice cream wars’ with my brothers….this will blow their minds. It will certainly stop them ‘waffling’.

I’m struggling incorporating something for Coconut Day. I went looking for a Bounty Bar but all I could find was a litre of Coconut Milk and I’m not wasting good money on such a stupid Day.

On a positive note, my bike is still going well and even more surprisingly my legs feel good. That’s great because it’s another hilly day tomorrow and about 30km longer.