Central Europe CCCTS Ride 2025 – Prague to Bratislava then onto Budapest
. A wonderfully memorable trip. Many thanks to Maureen Angen and the Sitnica group for creating such an adventurous tour of Central Europe. Castles, culture, cycling and connecting with our local hosts, a great design for a rich and exciting tour.
Photo: (Sitnika Team) (First Dinner)
The Cycling: The Sitnica bikes are excellent for this type of tour. Use of Ride With GPS was critical to navigating each day’s ride route. The terrain was varied, mostly paved with small sections of gravel to keep us on our toes. We rode through rain, wind and heat. We challenged some large climbs and won! The extensive bike paths, many of which have been funded by the EU to support bike transportation in this region were a delight. There were a few stretches of highway almost every day. and some magnificent country roads. For 15 of the 18 day tour, we were on the bikes. The distances and elevation gains required some stamina. The Tour description was accurate. We all dug deep and celebrated our accomplishments.
Photo ((The Bikes) (Lunch Break)(Riding into Ancient Towns)
The Accommodations: The select boutique hotels were such a delight to arrive to. Nearly all were able to provide an early check-in. The hotels were well placed along the journey. The towns offered numerous sites to explore and a local convenience store. Noteworthy: Brewery/Pensione in Telec, the Wine Hotel in Mikulov, Austria and the Devin Hotel (spa, pool, fitness, steam, sauna) in Bratislava. Followed up with a Wine/Golf resort in Poysdorf which included a personalised tasting of local wines. The Visgrad Hotel in Hungary included pools and a spa.
Photos: (Accommodation)(Wine Cellar)
The Landscape: The rural undulating hills, corn fields, tree lines bike paths, broad rivers, canals and expansive grain fields which feed most of Europe, made for a beautiful backdrop for us cyclists. South Bohemia is referred to as Czech Canada as it resembles our deep forest and spotted bodies of water. Moravia, is more pastoral with its rolling hills, immaculate vineyards and quaint towns with red roof tops. Hluboka, CZ was reminiscent of Vancouver Island rides with its large damp forests.
Photos: (Quiet Country Roads, More Country Roads, Country Roads))
The Cities: Prague was an ideal city to gather our group. Some of us were challenged to arrive as scheduled due to the Air Canada strike. A day late but not a penny short! It was the height of summer and the families were out in full force. It is a bustling city. Many of us had a chance to tour the sites: Prague Castle and Astronomical Clock. After setting up our bikes we enjoyed our first of many lovely buffet group dinners, celebrating the local cuisine. . After our first day cycling we arrived at the Bellevue Hotel in Benezov, CZ. Here in the central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic we visited the Konpiste Caste which was the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. One of many renowned Castles we would visit along the way. Next was Tabour, a historic town founded by the Hussites as Alan explained in our morning briefing. Cesky Krumlov, CZ,is a World UNESCO City with its Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
PHOTO (group dinner)(Group Tour)
PHOTO: (Briefing)
Arriving in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, is the most dynamic and developing region in Europe. Is has been described by the Danish fairy tale author Hans Christian Anderson as a fairytale itself! Our guide shared stories of Mozart giving a concert at the Court in Fach Castle at the age of 6, Beethoven composing ‘Moonlight Sonata’ while visiting Court and where Liszt resided for some time. The National Gallery, just next to our hotel in the old town housed numerous masterpieces. We also witnessed the locals celebrating their Slovak National Uprising Anniversary day with a moonlight run through the old town followed by dancing in the square. All were welcome to join.
PHOTO: (Bratislava))
Budapest is the most exciting city to visit, with its history, art and culture. It is a must see! What a great place to spend a few days: the thermal baths, the Danube, the Jewish Quarter, Buda’s old town, 13th-century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, the History Museum and National Art Museum. It will enliven your thirst for knowledge of our forefathers.
We riders orchestrated a very successful tour, finding the endurance required, utilizing RIDE w GPS and thanks to Maureen’s initiative and Alen’s well organized program all 16 riders arrived at the finish line feeling confident and accomplished. I look forward to our next CCCTS tour together!