Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Romania to Belgrade

6\1
70 miles (2385 miles total)

It is June, the fourth month I have cycled in! I cannot believe how fun along I am on my trip. I am now in the train headed to Budapest and feel like I am ending my cycling portion now as I go back to Budapest. Today I returned to Serbia, cycled the same way to Belgrade bypassing the many tractors. I spent my afternoon exploring the city, seeing the national theater, the republic square, the fortress, and cycling through Novi Belgrades recreational park.

My rear rack broke again unfortuntely. I think the third time is the charm. I found one of the three bike shops in Belgrade. After around 1500 km, I needed to adjust my near rear derailler, replace a spoke, and replace my rack. One great thing about Serbia is it is very cheap. The parts and labor are a fraction they are in New Zealand. Cycling in Belgrade is similar to Athens. Very stressful. There are few cyclists, many cars. However, I did meet another cyclist today. A 23 year old law student, soda, showed me to the cycling store. Interested in cycling the danube, I told him of my bikeline maps and I think he is interested in purchasing them.

In reflection, Serbia, Croatia, and Southeastern Hungary have been much more enjoyable than I expected. I thought I would have had to face at least one attempted mugging, a few hundred deceptive gypsies and their children, and maybe have to replace my bike. In fact, I have not had to deal with any of these things. Some day, I hope to come back and finish what I started.

A Romanian Shepard boy! 

Back in Serbia 
In front of some Serbian mountains 


The armada of tractors blocking the highway

Distant view of Belgrade 



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