Unbelievable Danube

Arrived in Budapest and what a city it looks. As bad as the weather was when I started this trip, it has been stunning since arriving in Austria. Since leaving Bratislava I have followed the Danube on the extension of cycleway 6 which is the route from the source of this river to its mouth on the Black Sea. For those who like the idea of something different, cycling for social reasons, a bit of fundraising or whatever, the concept of cycling between Vienna and Budapest in a week may be very appealing, 3 countries in a few days, fabulous views, cheap beer, indeed it is a heady combination.

On leaving Bratislava I ran into a group of 17 Brits from London who were doing the above cycle trip. This is something they do annually for fun and do it in different locations. What a bunch, everyone to the man were so interesting, ready to chat. This group has history, one member whose name I have forgotten( My apologies gents, for those who know me, memorising names is not a strong point, so again my apologies.) initiated the whole concept of raising funds for charity, something he started in 1992. Since then he has raised individually just shy of a million , what an effort. Many of the group are activly involved in raising money for the Norwood Trust / Foundation which raises money for those with handicaps. Invariably cash is raised from cycle tours; this year the venue is Sri Lanka. Just a great day riding with these guys who then kindly invited me to join them for dinner. My thanks to you all for your kindness, to James, Dave, Daniel, Phillip the leader of this particular trip and Michael and all the rest of you. May I also express my profound thanks for your generosity in donating to my charity Children with Cancer UK and for those of you who additionally thrust notes into my pocket. Im really grateful to you all, just a real highlight bumping into you.

Up until recently meeting long distance cyclists has been rarer than hens teeth. Until yesterday when quietly cycling along the Danube bank I bumped into a dozen or so Croats who are cycling from Zagreb to London. Of course I stopped and said hi. They swarmed around me, cameras out, not sure how my reputation had spread quite this far so quickly, but I was soon brought down to reality. It was Cynthia who was drawing all the admiring glances! 'its a Thorn', 'wow, never seen one of these', 'steel is real' (a catch phrase used in the companies literature). She was certainly getting the treatment. They think this is the greatest bike on the planet, but Cynthia was the first they had seen in the flesh. Strike one up for British manufacturing.

Last night I laid up short of Budapest in a campsite, and made my way this morning into the city, which unfolds as the river winds. Architecture is amazing, very like the Thames in places. Prior to the city itself you cycle aside waterfront housing, loads of cafes, its a very pleasant environment. Found a hostel, the Wombat, just opened, and very nice. Here for 2 nights, want to explore the city and plan the ongoing route which at this stage I have no idea.

Have a couple photos to upload but cannot do it on this bit of kit. Oh rode into the city with 2 fine Aussies (Gayle and Tom from Canberra). I wondered when the antipodeans would make a showing, there's always some around somewhere. They have done the whole Danube. Ok will say cheers for now, going to explore, 30 degrees outside, so feel a beveridge coming on!!!!!