Dookoła Polski 7 dzień (Zawoja- Louky)

7th day Sunday 10.07.2011

Distance 134.4 km Time 7:09 hours Avg speed 18.78 km/h Max speed 67.97 km/h !!!

In the morning, after breakfast, I drove the girls (this time by car;) to Mosorny Groń. After a short chat with the hostess, I head on my way. The beginning of the route is well known to me from my winter ski trips. So I ride on without unnecessary stops to check the map. A serious climb up to Przysłup and then a descent to Stryszawy, Lachowice and direction Żywiec. I wanted to skip this town, but I couldn’t and I got lost. Finally, with the help of locals, I found the exit to Zwardoń. After a few kilometers, there’s a sign …

no entry for bicycles, tractors, and carts, but I keep going because there’s really nowhere to turn off. The heat, climbs, soundproofing walls, and heavy traffic made me feel as if I were in a microwave after a while. After reaching Węgierska Górka, I escape from the two-lane road. I cool my overheated legs in a stream – a tributary of the Soła. Then along the bank of the river to Milówka, where a historical reconstruction of World War II took place. After watching a fragment, I ride towards Koniaków. I meet again a road sign I am familiar with. I search the map for a detour through the village of Szare. Initially quiet, picturesque, a resident tells me something about an ascent. I say that I’ll manage, thinking of the climb I know to Koniaków. It turns out that at the end of the village there’s a climb that defeated me. The concrete slabs and the angle of incline did not allow me to ride, I had to push all my belongings, with considerable effort too. Another “best”

Later the previously mentioned climb to Koniaków. It wasn’t easy either under the blazing sun. As a reward, a break for pizza and a small cola (0.25l – 2.5 zł!). Descent towards the Jasnowice border crossing. Just after the border, a cold beer 1% Budweiser (0.5l – 1.7 zł!) – yum. I’m heading towards Jablunkova, again a 12% climb, but luckily short. Then heading towards Trinca, along the way a break for knedliky (much better than pizza). The roads are signposted remarkably, I don’t even have to glance at the map. That probably lulled my vigilance, in Český Těšín, a sign points towards “Katowice”. I’m going but the traffic is getting heavier and there’s no exit. More guided by the setting sun than by the map, I find a way towards Karvina. It’s time to look for a place to stay overnight but I didn’t buy anything to eat because I thought I would reach Poland before dusk. On the right side of the road, I notice a sign that says "Pozor hranice" and an exit from the road. There’s a dream spot to camp, by the Olza. On the other side of the river, it’s already Poland. However, I don’t risk crossing the rushing currents. At the water step, a group of youth from Poland and a Czech family are splashing around. A friendly bearded Czech Rumcajs says I can safely set up camp. It’s probably illegal, but nobody will chop my head off for it, and to think that just a dozen years earlier something like this would have been completely impossible. "This world is strange" He also advises me to go the next day to Karvina and the crossing at Godów. After setting up the tent, I enjoy the "river jacuzzi", something fantastic. The water falling from the water step created a small waterfall that wonderfully massaged my tired back and legs. After the bath, a very exquisite meal. I enjoy a packet of "żurek with croutons" paired (small portion) with "mushroom soup with crispy croutons". I munch on all this with bread (from Friday) from Ewa, brought from Łódź (Jagodnica). Not a bad set ;) ! I look wistfully at the "Harnasia" (just 1 also from Ewa) cooling in the water and I’m afraid the river current might sweep it away. A beer like this at home, but here and now what flavor, poetry. Before sleeping, another repeat of the hydromassage.