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| Just to prove we were here! |
It was warm and fine this morning when we set off for the Transfagarasan Highway, and quite easy as we'd deliberately chosen a hotel on the 7c. Although we had been told that the Transfagarasan was uneven in places, with a loose surface, we wern't prepared for just how rough some of it was, particularly the start of the Highway approaching from the south. A 4X4 would be the only vehicle that would cope with it comfortably. It was almost indescribably bad. As we got a few miles into the climb, it just became a tease, because, every now and then, there you across a stretch of brand new, super-smooth tarmac which ends as abruptly as it starts.We stooped to take photos, at just over 1700m, and were debating if had been worth the time money and effort of getting there, but decided to reserve judgement until we'd cleared the summit. In the event as the road surface improved, it did turn into a superb biking road. Unfortunately the surface wasn't so good for our decent and it was a shame, as this is the side that has the most spectacular views of the Highway ribboning out and the whole of the densest was covered in low cloud. This, though, was a minor inconvenience compared to the torrential rain, shit roads and horrendous queues and road works facing us for the next 200 miles or so. Having mentioned, when we first entered Romania, how the speed limits seemed to be a purely notional thing, by the end of today we realised that it is, in fact, any and all rules of the road which are completely ignored. This includes finding on coming overtaking vehicles on your side of the road at any time, being ridiculously carved up by drivers who, for some reason, must be in front of you, complete disregard of vehicles already on roundabouts and indiscriminate U-turns despite your approaching speed or proximity. We arrive, intact, at Hotel Terra in Oradea, absolutely sodden, and with filthy bikes and luggage. It was a relief to sink a few Ursus, the King of Beer in Romania, and have a good dinner. Poland via Slovakia tomorrow, yay! Oh....Weather forecast 96% chance of rain, as opposed today's 99%. Result!
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The Transfagarason meanders it's way through up the valley    |
This is the view we should have seen had it not been obscured by low cloud
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| Filthy bikes 'n luggage |
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