Today was horrendous. For me.

We started the day off with a big hotel breakfast and a loading of our suitcases into the support van.

The group then headed out on a 15 minute walk to the bus station where we boarded the local bus. 

Destination Bled, a scenic resort town on Lake Bled.

From there, we debriefed, tested our bikes and headed out.

Our itinerary stated:

‘From Bled, you will pedal gradually uphill through the mountains, following the low traffic forest paved road. This route offers plenty to look at – mountain views, scenic stops along the way and a loop around the beautiful Lake Bled’. 

Somewhat true. 

There were quite a few not very gradual uphills. There were no scenic stops – no time for that my friends, therefore just a couple of sneaky photos before desperately trying to catch up with the group – the ride was quite stunning. And the loop around Lake Bled was not to be. They have closed it off.

The first problem for me was stupidly not testing my camel back. I’ve had it for so long and apparently never used it given I had to take the plastic seal off the end.

Water was not flowing.

And it was very hot, in the thirties. 

Those not so gradual hills had me walking my bike and really struggling for breath. MoD of course, being the gentleman that he is, shared his water with me. But still not enough. I fear dehydration was getting close.

To be honest, I hated every single moment. 

And realised that not training up the Port Hills was probably a mistake. 

Annabel did mention tonight she was surprised the usual fluid use of my favourite obscenity did not present itself.

Loudly.

It was there Annabel, but it’s a new group, who may or may not understand my Aussie sense of ‘uma’ and was most defintely being said under my breath.

We did about 30km and to be fair, ending at Lake Bled was pretty spectacular.

Our accomodation was individual ‘apartments’ which were part of a complex of someone’s home. The Matriarch of the family came out to greet us, shaking everyone’s hand and surprisingly giving Annabel a hug.  Just like Nanna used to do.

Once we cleaned the sweat off we decided a walk and swim in the lake was in order. 

A little further walk than anticipated, 7.28km to be precise, it was well worth it to have a dip in the stunning waters. Well, to be fair. Similar to my entrance into the waters of Nha Trang in Vietnam, my ‘dip’ wasn’t very gracious. Slipped on the edge and went barrelling in. Much to Doug’s amusement. Everyone yelled out ‘you will get your hair wet!’ Seems they know me too well.

Then it was onwards and upwards to Doug’s favourite hotel (a memory from 45 years ago). Now a wine bar, if it’s the same place, we refuelled on one or two of the delicious Slovenian beers and sparkling wines. Next door was Promenada Burger. Our wine hostess kindly organised for us to be served from the outdoor table. I probably didn’t have the energy to relocate next door anyway. I can highly recommend the food – absolutely delicious. 

An early night tonight, MoD and I were in bed by 9pm to rest for tomorrow.

Our guide tells us part of our cycle from Lake Bled to Kranjska Gora is an incline of 18%.

Frankly, after today, I am terrified.