Cobbles

So in the early days before the invention of the modern road surface all they had were the little stones left over from building the houses. And some bright spark realised that dirt roads were so 17th century and what was needed was geometric patterns and swirls and, of course, general unevenness and he saw all these stones going to waste and spontaneously invented cobbles. These spread infection-like through Germany and Austria and no doubt lots of other countries that only pretend to like cycling. I'm sure it's not an issue on a mountain bike with its big fat tyres but I got a great deal shaken about on my tourer.

We said hello to the Danube again:




And passed through St. Florian which was mostly church:



But did also have a very nice cafe.

1358km. Very late start, indirect and then hilly but eventually got back to Danube, flat fast travel and a slight tail wind.

Joined last night by Adrian, he'll be riding with us for the next few days.

I've booked my journey home despite a growing inclination to tell work I'll be needing more time off. So it's ryanair from Bratislava on Sunday, hotel near London Sun night and then train back up north Monday.

Something I meant to say yesterday - or maybe day before? Really losing track of the days now! - is well done (and about time) to the second member of the Browns - my
brother Jules - for eventually passing his driving test!

Location:Rollfährestraße,Melk,Austria