Claudiu MOGA

Michel Sardou - dedicatie speciala distinsei doamne Mihaela Rusu - cu multe multumiri si recunostiinta

2012-01-24T21:19:00.001+02:00

Tour of Europe by bike 2011 - Part 12 - The French Alps (SAVOIA)

2012-01-21T14:25:00.013+02:00

By turning down the hotel room offer, I have no choice but to keep peddaling through pitch black darkness, on an deserted road, hey... but I have headlights. Passing by some highway, allof a sudden from above, right, I see the shadow of something that looked like imposant peaks,but in fact, after further scrutiny, it turns out they were just huge bolders; so I end up in dream land behind a rock. How wonderful it was. Next morning I realize I slept right next to a "No tresspassing" sign! What a rush!

I have just a short ride along the Arc creek valley, and I enter the wonderful village of St.Jean de Maurienne. Once here, I start exploring around a bit and in a cathedral, I find the tomb of the founder of Savoia: the count of Maurienne, Humbert aux Blanches Mains.

In the same cathedral I discover an interesting bas-relief, depicting scenes from the glorious history of Savoia.

Once inside, I discover the emblem of this legendary state.

While admiring this sanctuary, I hear sublime organ music and I discover the tomb of a bishop or saint of some sort. Again, I fall into a profound spiritual state.

But soon, the moment comes to attack new alpine passes. After a quick snack, I start the ascent towards Col du Mollard. The ride is very picturesques and the traffic is very light. This road leads towards charming resorts.

After a series of spectacular switchbacks, with an average gradient of 9-10%, I enter the alpine village of Albiez le Jeune.

I continue climbing towards Albiez Montrond resort while the view becomes more and more spectacular, slowly filling me with excitement.

The weather is perfect, still, and after a few more Km of climbing, I take my lunch break in a superb alpine meadow.

Not much left on this climb and I arrive at Col du Mollard where I meet a Belgian family having a picnic. We start chatting and the gentleman is snapping my picture for me.

What follows is a few km of descent, through traditional comunities and villages while the view remains as picuresque.

After St. Jean d'Arves I take one more break at a tourist spot, one more dip in some creek, followed by some sun bathing while I ingurgitate some sweets.

A few more Km, and I arrive at the tourist village of St. Sorlin d'Arves. Here I find a very interesting church, which displayed all kind of wires attached to it. While being puzzled by this peculiar display, I snap a picture of some cyclist with a grizzle goatee.

While leaving this village, I tackle a difficult ascent, full of switchbacks. with great enthusiasm, I find out that the La Mauriene area boasts one of the greatest cycling areas in the world: there are 46 routes, totaling a 1,600 Km length and a 43,000 m vertical drop, a real cyclist's paradise!

The weather is perfect for cycling and taking pictures. The luck is on my side again. I meet a lot of cyclists. Whoops, there goes the cyclist with the grizzle goatee again, I pass him, even though I am carrying 20 more Kg. He does not seem to be in the greatest of forms, or maybe I was in the shape of my life. I am in my element and I am on cloud nine!

After I climb a few more Kilometers, I stop and eat a can a tuna, followed by a cake, while admiring the mountains surrounding me. It is so beautiful!

While continuing my peddaling, I have the chance to spot a marmot, whose den was right by the road. I get close to within a few meters and I manage to snap a picture.

As I gain altitude, the view becomes more and more impressive.

As I stomp on the peddals the village of St. Sorlin d'Arves remains behind.

At around 2000m I come across a small glaciar lake.

Soon, I was to arrive at Col de la Croix de Fer (2067 m). Through here, the Tour de France passed not less than 15 times, starting with the year 1947. This pass remains one of the most beautiful in the Alps.

Once again, I meet a lot of cyclists. Once inside the chalet, a lady of Afican origin treats me to a delicious fruit tart and a juice. What follows is more chatting with an older French cyclist, over a glass of wine, while being caressed by the beneficial "rayons du soleil" and surrounded by a magnificient view. After all said and done I snap a pic of the famous "Croix de Fer"

What follows is a dangerous descent, of about 10 Km, into the village of St. Collomban des Villards, where I had the misshap 4 years ago. Philip Deeker, an English amateur cyclist, of many accomplisments, abandoned me because I could not get ready for the 7 AM start after a night spent in the wet tent. Ahh.. resting, eating, drinking some juice, combing through sad old memories...and comes a fellow, a little bit tipsy, poking me with questions. He is a local shepperd,inviting me to sleep at his place, hmmm people here are either very generous or very perverted! I snap another shot of this establishment, for future reference, of this place, a place that motivated me and saddened me, once upon a time...

After a chat and a beer with the shepperd, I continue on, finishing the 12 Km descent back to the Arc creek valley. Here I unpack and strech out my sleeping bag, in a mowed down pasture or field of some sort, close to the village of La Chambre. I had a great rest here, falling asleep under the full moon and gazing at the stars.

--- Copyright 2011 by Claudiu Moga ---
All rights reserved - No part of this material can be reproduced without permission of the author.

Traiasca campionii! - Vive la gloire au velo!

2012-01-21T14:15:00.001+02:00

The Paschal Tour 2010 - part 6 (cycling in the great Banat Region)

2012-01-17T15:51:00.008+02:00

On my way to Herculane Spa I come across a storage lake.

Then I can admire a lovely karstic zone.

I even spot an interesting cave and on the sheer cliffs I see some gorgeous samples of black pines that can be found only in this region.

7km before entering the spa there is special place under the road where some hot springs flow into a cave. Here the people can enjoy the great beneficial water for free. Of course I made a halt here and bathed a few hours talking to some youngsters.

Then I enter Herculane where I spend 2 days enjoying myself as well as I can.

From here I follow the Danube Defile and then I cross Locvei Mountains and arriving at Oravita, I meet Raul Buhas, a good friend of mine who is a grand cycling champion even if he is very young.
His lovely parents are kind enough to offer me accommodation for 2 nights for free and Raul will be my guide in the region.
We take our bikes and we begin to cycle for he wants to show me the town. Soon we are cought by a pouring rain and we are soaked through in 5 minutes but then the rainbow salutes us.

Not far from the town center we see a very nice tree with spectacular flowers.

Then we visit an old and gorgeous church dating back to XVIII-th century.

We have a long and steady climb till we get out of town and here we find a clear lake.

From here we have to struggle against a very steep slope with gradient up to maybe over 20%. I am very happy to vanquish this climb. I am Pantani Carpaticus, so not quite an usual cyclist. This road gets to a nice chalet where we have a juice and then we return to his flat.

The next day after a fretful night where I could get a poor sleep for I was not used to the bed, we go on another trip, Raul wants to show me the toughest climb of the area and a wonderful monastery. After 10km of cycling we get to a traditional village.

Here we see a lovely orthodox church perched on a rocky hill.

We are entering the Anina Mountains and we begin to climb. Soon we get to an imposing larix tree.

The road narrows down and the landscapes get wilder.

All of a sudden we run into a large colourful and speckled lizard.

I fall in love with the beast, so I take it in my hands and I blow him a kiss. Oh, how cute this salamander is!

Afer setting the reptile free we have to climb a terrible aclivity till we get to Calugara Monastery.

Here there is a waterfall right next to the religious monument.

Then it's time to return home and after one more night in Raul's flat I have to go home.
In a small village not far from Lugoj, in the county of Timisoara, I have the great honour to meet Stefan Hodi and his family, the very best family of cycletourists from all Romania.
He accommodates me one night and makes me feel very good. It is quite a special day for me. The next day I have to take leave of the master Stefan who has such a lovely daughter and cute puppies.

I also have a picture with his son Stefanel who did the tour of Europe by bike when he was still a child accompanied by his wonderful family.

Till home I have to cycle another 130km. This tour lasted 2 weeks and i cycled about 1000km. It was the one of the best Paschal' tours from my entire life.
Long live cycletourism!

Traiasca Romanica noastra si tot poporul sau cel vesel!

2012-01-16T16:45:00.000+02:00

The Paschal Tour 2010 - part 5 (cycling in the glorious Wallachia)

2012-01-14T18:05:00.015+02:00

This Jiu's Valley is an important thoroughfare and besides the road there is a railway, too.

For more then 30km the views are amazing. The road slightly descends following the river's course.
Here there are the historic boundaries between Transylvania and Wallachia.

After pedalling 24km from Petrosani we get to Lainici Monastery. This is one of the best cinobitic communities from Romania.

The old church has glamarous wall painting and dates back to XVII-th century.

I am very happy to find here a suggestive painting epitomizing the ladder of life.

Cycling just another one kilometer we run into an imposing cross. It's here that the outstanding general Ion Dragalina was deadly wounded in the First World War.

As we keep on cycling we get to a panel where we find out that rafting adventures are provided for the tourists on this boisterous river.

Soon we get to the small town of Bumbesti Jiu where the Jiu's Defile ends and we meet another friend of Liviu and it's time for a little break.

We take leave of the Middle Carpathians and we cycle on the worst possible strech of road from our tour.

Soon we get to the municipality of Targu Jiu, the main town of this county of Gorj.

From here we cycle on a tableland type of terrain with numerous ups and downs. Suddenly we are flabbergasted by an awe-inspiring phenomenon of nature. The sky seems to be illuminated by 2 suns.

We get hungry and we come to a stop at an interesting restaurant to have a decent meal.

Then we carry on cycling, the night overtakes us again and we continue cyclling till Baia de Arama where we find a cheap guesthouse that has only one big bed in our room but after a tasty dinner and a few beers and over 150km we manage to sleep very well.

The next day, we have a big climb, we have to beat the Godeanu Pass(1050m). It's a long and tiresome climb but the real obstacle is a steady drizzle that has soaked us through till the pass where we are lucky to find a rustic restaurant.

Here we can dry our wet coats beside a hot stove and we enjoy some good sour tripe soup and tasty red wine. Long live our bike trip!

Soon we have to go and we have to cycle another 36km till Baile Herculane, but it's going to be a long descent.

After a few kilometers we get to a huge rock where we take another picture of us.

The scenery is admirable. It's a pitty the weather is nasty.

But we are thrilled to cycle down the Cerna Valley on such a splendid route.

Soon we get to the county of Caras Severin where we meet fruit trees in bloom.

Here we make a halt at a restaurant for it's time to eat something.
Here we decide to separate for I want to prolong my trip with a few days and Liviu has to hurry to Timisoara for his holiday will be over soon and his office' job is awaiting him.

Thank you Liviu for this magnificent trip together!

Amor Ardiente - Traiasca cicloturismul si prietenia!

2012-01-14T16:27:00.001+02:00

The Paschal Tour 2010 - part 4 (The wonderful county of Hunedoara)

2012-01-13T12:09:00.008+02:00

We reached an elevetion of about 700m high, all around us we can see but rolling hills.

In the distance we can percieve the mighty Retezat mountains.

After a steep and speedy descent we enter the picturesque small town of Hateg.

Only a few kilometers from here, in the next village we meet a very special church dating back to XIII-th century.

The traffic is light and we can admire the snow-capped mountains.

Soon the night overtakes us and we carry on cycling looking for a guesthouse. It is rather chilly, the temperature drops dramatically.

We finally get to Bolestilor Inn, one of the famous guesthouses from the region and after a plentyful feast we rent a room. It's saturday night and it's the Paschal Night. We feel very good. After a lovely evening it's time to go to sleep. Good night kiddo!

The next day we have to climb the Merisor Pass(758m). Crossing a bridge we see Crivadia's Gorges on the left.

This area looks rather desolate and the cold is quite persistent.

Soon we get to the Merisor Pass.

Then we have a nice descent.

We pick up some speed on the hairpins we have to go down.

In the municipality of Petrosani we come across an old plane.

Then we enter Jiu's Defile National Park.

After a few kilometers we also enter the county of Gorj.

The landscapes are quite impressive.

We cycle next to Jiu River who forms some spectacular gorges.

The nature seems dead because of the bare trees and there are some potholes in the road.

Soon it's time for us to have a picture together.

Even if is pretty cold we still enjoy cycling on this touristic road.

Alisa Toma - dedicatie speciala pt. prietenul meu Martin, sensibilul doctor de biciclete din Deva

2012-01-13T12:03:00.001+02:00

The Paschal Tour 2010 - part 3 (The great county of Hunedoara)

2012-01-12T16:39:00.011+02:00

Soon as we go out of Brad we have to pass under an old railway viaduct that is closed down now.

We are crossing The Metalliferous Mountains which belong to the Western Carpathians. The spring has not yet come in this area.

After a few km of steady and easy climb, after Luncoiu de jos village we have to climb a hill and we face some swichbacks.

I am pretty fit and I unsuccessfuly try to outrun a truck on this climb.

To my sheer joy, the incline is a bit hard here and the climb is 2 km long.

I am the first to get to the top but Liviu is indeed a strong cycloclimber. In less then 1 minute he gets to the top, too.

From the top we have a steady and long but easy climb and we cycle a lot next to Fornadia stream.

In another one hour of cycling, near Soimus township we meet the great Mures River that is one of the best rivers from our country. In the distance we can see the Deva's citadel perched on the top of a hill.

After crossing a long bridge we get to a busy road and we have to pedal a few kms. annoyed by the heavy traffic and the horendous noise.

Soon we get to Deva which is the main town in the county of Hunedoara.

Here we meet Sebi, a friend of Liviu and we go together to play billiards and eventually I am a great loser.

Then we pay a visit to Sebi's family and his parents are very kind to us and give us very tasty food.

At about 4 o'clock PM we have to go, heading for Hunedoara, an industrial town that boasts one of the best castles in Romania.

In about half an hour we get to this martyr town that has such a gorgeous coat of arms.

From here we face another great climb on a secondary road with low traffic.

We are feeling so good and especially my I really enjoy this few kilometers of decent climb.

On top of the climb the road is rather winding.

And then after a short strech of false flat we have to struggle against a tough slope again.

All of a sudden we are delighted to run into Adrian Florin, one of the best cyclists from this region. He is happy to meet us and we tell him about our trip.

Then we carry on cycling on this scenic road who gained some altitude now.

Marele si inegalabilul Charles Aznavour - dedicatie speciala criticilor mei

2012-01-12T16:05:00.003+02:00

The Paschal Tour 2010 - part 2 (The county of Hunedoara)

2012-01-11T17:22:00.012+02:00

From here we cycle in a beautiful area full of bare trees. The traffic is low and he have a steady but weak ascent.

After a few kms. before reaching Gura Vaii village we get to a cave that was turned into a museum and hotel.

This is quite unique in Romania and one day I will bring my friends to spend a night here. The inside of this "hotel" is quite queer and interesting.

The landscapes are great, we are cycling in Codru Moma Mountains.

Near Aciuta village me find a large quarry.

And then we enjoy a great winding strech of road with very nice forest.

After another one hour of cycling we get to a nice chalet, on the top of Sortoc Hill near Halmagiu township. The last section of the climb is quite strenuous.

And here it's time for us to have a break and enjoy a beer. In the distance we can see Gaina (Hen) Mountain whose peak is the highest in the county of Arad (1486m).

Here we eat the best sausages from the area. They are quite tasty indeed.

From here we have a tough descent with the gradient of 10%.

Soon we enter the county of Hunenoara and it's rather late.

The night overtakes us and after cycling about 40 minutes in the dark, we decide to spend the night at "Forget me not" Inn where we eat very well and we feel very good.

After an enjoyable evening we withdraw to our room where he have some more fun. Liviu is a very jocular fellow.

The next day we get to Tebea, a very important pantheon of Romania.

Here it's time for us to stop and to pay our respects to the heroes buried here.

Here we have the honour to collect our thoughts before the tomb of the great Avram Iancu, the leader of the Transylvania's insurgents from the Revolution of 1848.

The Oak of Horea, another hero from XVIIIth century from Transylvania is to be found here.

We can find here many memorial plaques with important texts reminding us of the great feats of our forefathers.

It's time to go and against a blue sky, Metaliferi Mountains stand in front of us.

Soon we enter the municipality of Brad, that is the biggest town from "The Highlanders' Country".

It's here that the Peasant Uprising from 1784 was initiated.

Bombonel Cotoc si Briciu - Dedicatie speciala pt. prietenul meu Liviu Marunceac, mare cicloturist si ciclocatarator din Banat

2012-01-11T13:50:00.002+02:00

The Paschal Tour 2010 - part 1 (The county of Arad)

2012-01-10T14:44:00.011+02:00

It's 1st of April, it's an important day for me, the day when I met one of the keenest and the best cycle tourer from all the Banat Region. I knew him from the internet and I was so eager to meet him and to set out on a bike tour together.
Our meeting place was between Siria and Covasant. It's an historic moment for me and it it is an epoch-making event for the romanian cycle tourism's world.
Here we are Carpaticus and Liviu - a dreamy cycle team.

The weather is quite cold but I'm wearing summer outfit. With my Kona Sutra bike I cycled 35km in one hour and a few minutes. Now it's time for us to cycle to Ineu, to the place where I live.

We stop at Siria to have a beer and then we cycle till Ineu where we have a feast and we chat drinking beer till quite late.

Then I give him a room and we go to sleep. Next morning after the breakfast we are ready for the adventure. We take leave of my parents and off we go.

The weather is fine, the road is flawless, and the traffic is light. The denuded trees look so desolate.

Before reaching Bocsig we can see a fishery on the left.

We feel so good. I'm still wearing summer clothing despite the cold outside.

On the left, Codru Moma Mountains loom larger in the distance soon.

I am pretty fit, because during the long winter I trained a lot.

At Buteni, after cycling 28km we make the first halt to eat something. Here we are glad to see a girl riding a bicycle.

From here the relief changes a lot. We enter a hilly region with plenty of forests.

We are quite in a good mood and happy to be in the middle of nature on our bikes.

I am wearing about 25kilos but I'used to this.

Before entering Almas where I used to be a teacher a few years ago, we stopped to drink some water from a spring.

Here it's quite a nice cross and it is said to be the entrance in the Tara Motilor Criseni (The Highlanders' Country from the Crisius River's Valley)

As we carry on cycling we can see in the distance the snow-capped peaks from the Western Carpathians. The winter is still reigning there.

At Gurahont we have to stop to eat and drink something. I know here a restaurant where they have delicious traditional sausages.

It seems we get along just fine so it's time to celebrate our first 100km cycled together. Long live pur passion for cycle tourism!

Then we have a picture together on the bridge crossing the Crisius River that is the river of my childhood.

We cycle some more kms till I come across an interesting tree that I assume it was struck by lightening.

Aparitiile mele in presa scrisa nationala si internationala

2012-01-06T13:54:00.016+02:00

Eu in Glasul Aradului - 2009

Eu in Banateanul - 2008

Eu in Jurnalul National - 2008

Eu in Jurnalul National - 2009

Eu in Revista Mbike - Aprilie 2009

Eu in Revista Mbike: Septembrie - octombrie 2009

Eu in prestagioasa revista Pedalier din Spania - 2009 (sunt primul ciclist roman cu aceasta performanta)

eu in revista clubului Unione Internationale dei Cicloscalatori - 2009 (sunt primul roman cu aceasta performanta)

eu in Revista clubului international BIG Challenge - 2008 (primul roman cu aceasta performanta)

Nu vreau sa ma laud dar adevarul este ca probabil sunt romanul care a facut cele mai multe pasuri si catarari din Carpati si Alpi si cred ca detin si recordul la numarul localitatilor prin care am pedalat prin Romania.

October bike trip in Transylvania (part 4)

2012-01-06T10:32:00.011+02:00

After climbing 2 long hours we get to a holiday complex. Here we are at an elevation of over 1300m and it's time for a break.

While we eat some sour soups we try to dry our clothings. We are lucky that there is a nice fire in the stove.

We stay here about 2 hours and when we get out we are astonished by the amount of snow.

It's quite a wintry atmosphere.

We are very eager to carry on even if I don't have the proper outfit for such a weather but I am lucky because Razvan helps me out giving me some trousers what I really needed.

We start climbing, we have another 13 km to go till Balea Lake.

The more we climb the more snow we get.

We are jumping for joy, the atmosphere is fabulous.

The words can not express the feeling we have cycling under these circumstances.

The more we climb the more I feel the cold biting my feet. I have no winter boots but summer sport shoes so it's going to be hard on me.

We can not believe our eyes to face this weather in mid-october. It's snowing like in fairy tales.

Wow! but Razvan is well prepared and used to this sort of weather. The only problem is he doesn't have a proper cap and the helmet is not efficient to struggle against the vicious cold.

The night overtakes us, our progress is very slow and the layer of snow grows thicker the more we climb. In the last km we have to face a dreadfull smowstorm, but we are lucky to get to Balea Lake in the nick of time before getting hypothermia.
Here we recover in a restaurant eating a great steak and we have to rent a room which is quite expensive, about 50EUR.
During the night I suffer from my toothache again and I hardly can get some sleep, writhing with agony in my bed all the night long. Oh, what a night! Oh what a day! The Saint Parascheva must have punished me for my sins.
The next morning after the breakfast we decide to return to Avrig and to take a train home for we ran out of money.
This time the weather is fabulous but the temperature is bellow 0 centigrade.
We have to go down on ice so in a short time I fall and hit my back against the frozen road. Holly Shit!

The view below us is absolutely magnificent.

The clouds are so white and fluffy!

I am quite delighted to cycle here and I'm happy that my toothache disappeared but our hands are freezing.

On the left we can see Transylvania where autumn still dwells.

Till Balea Waterfall we still can enjoy winter weather with plenty of snow.

As we descend below 1000m the snow begins to decrease.

We are now in deciduous trees' area again.

We cycle another 30 minutes till we get to the main road where we have to head for Avrig.

Here we eat well at a restaurant then we take a train to Arad and then to Ineu where we have some other bike trips but in my region.

For this amaizing adventure on 2 wheels where the temperature varied between + 26 degrees centigrade and - 10 degrees centigrade in just one week, I thank from the bottom of my heart to my generous, trusty and kind friend Razvan Anton.
Dear brother I'm looking forward to you coming back to Romania to have a new bike trip together in the wonderful Transylvania!

Lucretia Ciobanu si Gabriela Tuta - Traiasca inefabila Marginime a Sibiului!

2012-01-06T10:21:00.000+02:00

October bike trip in Transylvania (part 3)

2012-01-05T17:23:00.009+02:00

Soon we get to a busy european road and we cycle 80km stressed out by the heavy traffic till we get to Sibiu, one of the best town in Transylvania.
Here we visit the highlights of the town. Piata Mica (The Small Square) is one of them.

Sibiu is a thriving town with a grand history. It was colonised by the saxons from Rin-Mosela region in the 12th century.
Here we can admire the first bridge made of cast iron from Romania.

The tallest church in town is just a few meters away from this bridge. Its bell tower is 75m high.

Now it's time to celebrate. In this town I used to be a student a few years ago and I have lot of great memories from that period.
We go to a pub where they have good hot wine and my friend Cosmin with whom I went on many cycling trips in the past, joins us.
Long live our friendship!

We feel pretty good here and Razvan likes Sibiu a lot.

We spend the night in a motel after we drink some more beers with Cosmin and Dany, who is a great mechanic and biker.
The next day the weather is bullshits. It's raining cats and dogs. But Razvan is very happy with this kind of weather so we carry on cycling in the rain.
When we get to the first village Cisnadioara we are already soaking wet.

But we carry on till we find a suitable pub after we leave behind the town of Cisnadie.

Here I try to heat my wet feet a bit.

The rain doesn't seem to stop.

After 3 hours of wainting there the rain turned into a drizzle and we can go.
At Podu Olt we have to wait for a train at a railway.

At Avrig we get to the memorial house of Gheorghe Lazar who was an outstanding personality: the founder of the education in the national language.

Across the street we find an interesting orthodox church.

Its mural painting is quite original and well preserved.

Razvan is impressed by this great church dating back to 1762, painted by Ionascu and Pana brothers.

The tomb of the great educator, scholar, theologue and engineer Gheorghe Lazar is situated right here next to the church.

From here we have to cycle another 14km on a main road till we get to a hotel where we spend the night.
The next day it's time for the sheer adventure. The most beautiful and the longest climb in Romania is waiting for us. It's time to tackle the Transfagarasan, the alpine road that crosses the Fagaras Mountains which are the highest in Romania.

The temperature is very low, only 4 degrees centigrade and we have to climb 35km till Balea Lake.

After we cycle a few km we get to Cartisoara where we can admire a gorgeous traditional church.

From here the fun begins, we are in 14th of October and starting at an elevation of about 800m the snow begins to emerge.

Razvan is very happy about that, being a strong cycle tourist.

Dana Ionela Jurjut - Traiasca minunatul Bihor! - cu dedicatie speciala prietenului meu Razvan Anton

2012-01-05T16:49:00.001+02:00

October bike trip in Transylvania (part 2)

2012-01-04T08:03:00.010+02:00

After this religious moment we meet a kind monk who enable us to admire the monastery's household. We are lucky to come across a pack of young hogs and the mother sow. How playful and cheerful they are!

Then we are invited in the dining room and we are offered some tasty fasting food. Later on we attend the vespers'mess which delights our souls.
We spend the night in the xenodochium in a guest chamber that is equipped with 20 beds for the circumstancial pilgrims like we happen to be now.
During the night, me being a heavy sinner I undergo a severe toothache that torments me all the night long preventing me from sleeping.
In the morning a monk helps me with a pill that kills my pain for a while.
It's high time we hit the road again.
A few kms. we have to follow the same road like yesterday passing through 2 localities with solid houses.

After we get out of Izbuc village we have to go down a few kms. till we enter a busy main road in Carpinet township. In Cristioru de Jos we make a stop and Razvan fixes my bike that didn't shift the gears properly.
From here we have a 6kms. long climb with nice hairpins through an afforested region.
After climbing 3km we are lucky to find a spring with very good water.

On top of the Dealu Mare (Big Hill) Pass (698m) we enjoy a beautiful view gazing at the adjoining hills.

On our way down we run into some street vendors that sell us some billberry and plum brandy that will prove very efficient to fight against my toothache.
At Lazuri village where the descent ends we stop at a restaurant to eat something. The tripe sour soup is quite delicious here and I taste a little bit of brandy to kill my pain.

From Varfuri township the road is rather winding and we have 2 tough climbs to cope with.

On top of Sortoc Hill(498m) we stop to drink some water from a famous spring from this area. Above the spring there is a huge jug.

Here we can gaze at Bihorului Mountains and we can see Gaina Peak (1484m). In this village nearby we see some buffaloes.

In this traditional and lovely spot it is time for me to rest a bit and enjoy the fallen leaves. The autumn has set in.

From here we have a dangerous descent with the gradient of 10% till Halmagiu. In a few kms we get to Ionesti wich is the last village from the county of Arad. Here we vist an old wooden church dating back to XVIIIth century.

This tiny church is very charming indeed and we rest here a bit and we also visit its cemetery.

Soon we enter the county of Hunedoara. This road is full of trucks unfortunatelly.

But we pass through interesting villages endowed with lovely churches. And the scenery is pretty nice, too.

It is rather late and we decide to go to a spa which is situated in Vata de Jos village. We spend a great evening in a fancy restaurant and we indulge in delicious food and wine. Then we pitch our tent right at the exit of the village and we sleep well after drinking some brandy.
The next day it's time for us to enjoy the thermal water at the spa and we feel very well here.

Then after we eat well at the same restaurant as the day before it's time for us to continue our journey but it's already quite late. We have to return to the main road. On our way we cross a bridge over a stream.

We hardly cycle one hour till we get at "Forget me not" Inn where we decide to have a feast and rent a room for the night. We had a great evening with tasty food, good drinks, nice music and a lot of cheerfulness.
The next day we stop at a Transylvanian sacred place at Tebea village where many romanian heroes are buried.

Here is an important romanian pantheon where Avram Iancu, a prominent figure of our history is buried.

From here we have quite bad weather, a lot of fog and for the next 60km we take no picture. From Brad we have a nice and constant climb,then we have to climb a big hill, we have 3km of hairpins and then o long and steady descent till Soimus where we turn left on a secondary road leaving the busy road behind us.
We end up spending this night in a room in a mill whose patron was wery kind to us leaving us to spend there the night for free.
The next day we cycle in a traditional area full of interesting villages. We specially like the church from Bobalna village.

The weather is still very foggy with poor visibility.

Soon we get to the small town of Geoagiu and then we turn right having to cross a bridge over the Mures River.

Claudiu Moga la Realitatea TV (2007)

2012-01-03T05:28:00.000+02:00

October bike trip in Transylvania (part 1)

2012-01-02T04:51:00.009+02:00

On 8th of October 2009, me and my good friend Razvan Anton who came from Canada to join me on this wonderful trip, set out on an interesting adventure on 2 wheels in Transylvania.
My father Dan takes a picture of us in my courtyard before we leave.

We start our trip in Ineu where I live. The weather is perfect for cycling, the temperature is OK, the sun is shining, the sky is blue.
Our first stop is at Onyx restaurant in the small town of Sebis where we eat a tripe soup and we drink a beer. The restaurant is situated in a lovely place next to a lake surrounded by some karstic hills.

We cycle another 1okm till we get to Dezna township where we enter the Codru Moma Mountains, the remotest western range of the Western Carpathians.

After we get out of this locality the asphalt ends and we have to cross a mountain pass. This route is quite scenic and wild, but we have a steady climb about 20km long till the pass.

In a few hours the night overtakes us and we get lost on some forestry roads but finally we get to Camp township where we find a pub and have something to eat and to drink. The son of the patron of this pub is very kind-hearted and after we have a nice and long chat, he invites us to sleep in his house, he gives us a room.
We sleep very well and the next day he refuses to accept Razvan's money for the accommodation and for the plum brandy we drank last night. He shows us his courtyard which is quite traditional.
Then we have a picture with Horia, our kind host and we have to say good-bye.

In this village we run into a lot of dogs and the road is in a very bad shape.

From here we have a steep descent, but the road is so bad that we prefer to walk a bit rather than lose our bags while going down.

Razvan is very excited and likes a lot this kind of terrain and this traditional village that reminds us of our innocent childhood.

After we leave the village behind we see a lot of hay stacks.

Soon the road gets very sandy but is still rideable.

After just a few minutes the road gets very grassy. So this route is quite variegated.

In a few minutes we enter another traditional village and we meet asphalt again. We are in the county of Bihor, in quite an interesting region of Romania.

In this village we find a cycling boy that is happy to overtake us.

Now we are heading for Izbuc Monastery. As the weather is quite hot for this period of the year, Razvan takes off his T-shirt as soon as we leave this village behind.

We are cycling in a spectacular hilly region and the trees' hues are quite enchanting.

In a few minutes in the distance we can see the Bihor Mountains which are the highest from Western Charpatians with the highest peak Curcubata Mare (1849m).

Soon we get to the monastary which strikes us with her silent and dignified beauty. The wooden church here is a lofty religious monument dating back to 18th century and this church was moved into this place from the municipality of Beius where my late grandfather was a pupil in olden times.

Here we talk to a monk and we arrange to spend a night here in the xenodochium (monastery's guest chamber).
Now it's time for us to visit this place. We go to the most important spot in this area: the wondrous karstic intermittent spring.

The monastery bears the name of this spring that is presumably responsible for many miraculous healings. Here is time for us to raise prayers to the Almighty One.

Romania is quite a religoius country and here it's quite a blessed haven of peace and contemplation. We feel so happy.
The flowers are still in bloom. It's heaven on earth!

Romania te iubesc! -clip 21 - Descult prin turul Banatului in Podisul Lipovei

2011-12-29T11:31:00.000+02:00

Romania te iubesc -clip 20 - Melci habotnici langa Geogiu

2011-12-29T11:27:00.001+02:00

Romania te iubesc -clip 19 - Vizita la Manastirea Lupsa (de pe Valea Ariesului)

2011-12-29T11:25:00.001+02:00

Romania te iubesc! -clip 18 - acasa la Torok Janos (Joe Indianul)

2011-12-29T11:23:00.001+02:00

Romania te iubesc -clip 17 - O batranica la sapa in Marginimea Sibiului

2011-12-29T11:22:00.000+02:00

Romania te iubesc! -clip 16 - Incoltit de dulai in Mt. Aninei

2011-12-29T11:20:00.001+02:00

Romania te iubesc -clip 15 - Ruinele termelor romane de la Germisara (Geoagiu Bai)

2011-12-29T11:18:00.000+02:00

Romania te iubesc -clip 14 - Fetita in lupta cu catelul din Romanesti (aprilie 2006)

2011-12-29T11:13:00.000+02:00

Romania te iubesc -clip 13 - cetatea Aiudului, sec.XV, judetul Alba

2011-12-28T07:10:00.000+02:00

Romania te iubesc -clip 12 - Cetatea Colti, jud. Hunedoara

2011-12-28T07:06:00.000+02:00

Romania te iubesc -clip 11 - Cetatea din Slimnic, sec XV, jud. Sibiu

2011-12-28T07:01:00.000+02:00

Romania te iubesc -clip 10 - ciocnesc ou cu bitza mea, urcand pasul Vartop(1160m)

2011-12-28T06:58:00.001+02:00

Romania te iubesc -clip 9 - Crisul Stancos, Muntii Bihorului

2011-12-28T06:56:00.000+02:00

Romania te iubesc -clip 8 - cruce staveche langa Doclin, Banat

2011-12-28T06:51:00.000+02:00

Romania te iubesc -clip 7 - Crucea lui Noica de la Paltinis

2011-12-28T06:49:00.002+02:00

Romania te iubesc -clip 6 - drum invadat de parau in MT.Poiana Rusca , jud. Caras-severin

2011-12-28T02:12:00.001+02:00

Romania te iubesc! -clip 5 (bivoli la scalda in Codru Moma, comuna Avram Iancu -judetul Arad)

2011-12-28T02:09:00.001+02:00

Romania te iubesc! - clip 4 ( cazatura in MT. Codru Moma jud Bihor) - aprilie 2006

2011-12-28T02:04:00.001+02:00

Romania te iubesc! - clip 3 (prin Mt. Cindrel la cota 1600m in 13 IV 2006)

2011-12-26T12:03:00.002+02:00

Romania te iubesc! - clip 2 - Pasul Jiu- Cerna (1 mai 2006)

2011-12-26T11:58:00.000+02:00

Romania te iubesc! -clip 1 - Cheile Corcoaia

2011-12-26T11:51:00.002+02:00

Bike trip in the wonderful Western Charpatians with my friend Razvan Anton from Canada (april 2009)

2011-12-20T13:19:00.012+02:00

We set out on a lovely adventure on two wheels in the gorgeous Western Charpatians. In this tour I was lucky enough to cycle with Razvan Anton, a good friend of mine from Canada. He travelled by plane till Bucharest, especially to cycle with me in Romania. We cycled together from Bucharest till Ineu where I live in 11 days and then we embarked upon another trip in the Western Charpatians.
We started our trip at Ineu. At Bocsig we turned left on a secondary road with little traffic. In the first part of the journey the itinerary was just fine, a bit hilly with many short and moderate slopes.
After cycling 40 km we had our first break near Olcea village at a restaurant where we had a tasty lunch.
God bless our friendship and our fancy for cycling tourism!

I was so happy to cycle with a good friend on a road with almost no cars.

From Belfir we turned right heading for the Codru Moma Mountains. On our way we ran into a few carts drawn by horses.

We were cycling in the Bihor district that has lovely vilagges with wonderful churches. We liked a lot the church from Soimi' township.

Soon we were cycling on the Black Crisius Valley and we entered Borz which is a very picturesque village.

Here we stopped to gaze at some goats near some puddles.

Then we cycled near the river on a freshly modernized road.

We set up our tents on a meadow near the river not far from a village. The next morning some cows invaded our space.

From Beius we entered on a new road and we passed through traditional villages. After Rosia village we had o long climb and the asphalt turned into gravel. We cycled through Albioarei Gorges.

After the climb the asphalt turned up again and we were cycling on a tableland in the Padurea Craiului (King's Forest) Mountain.

Soon we entered Damis village where we saw many fruit trees in bloom.

We were crossing Padurea Craiului Mountains. Razvan was cycling for the first time in this region and was very excited.

Then we had a few kilometers of flat terrain and then a long descent in hairpins till Bratca and there after eating in a restaurant we put up out tents in the area.
The next day we had to cycle a bit on a busy road and we had a tough climb of 5km. Then we stayed there and enjoyed a good meal at a tourism complex.
In a few hours we met some cycling friends from Cluj Napoca and we were cycling together on a spectacular route towards Stana de Vale, a well-known ski resort from Bihorului Mountains.

In Remeti village we saw a tiny lake full of fishes.

Here we stopped a bit and we took some pictures.

This village was very traditional and we came across o herd of goats.

We were cycling on the Iada Valley, a very scenic route.

Soon we got to Lesu lake.

A few kilometers we cycled next to this interesting storage lake.

Soon the landscape became wilder and we entered the coniferous tree' forest.

We had a long and steady climb and we met a few waterfalls.

After a few hours of deligthful cycling we finally got to our camping place in the wilderness where we felt very well and we trew a small party. Here I was glad to meet a good friend of mine, Rick who is the best cycling tourist from his town, Buzias. We had quite a good time together.

In the evening, me, Razvan and Rick, we went to a restaurant and we had quite a feast and Rick was very generous and payed the expensive bill. We felt so good that evening. Then we returned to our friends that were having fun around a bonefire.
The next morning we had to separate. We had to go in different directions.

Me and Razvan, we had a 15km long tough descent till Budureasa village and soon we took leave of the mountains.

In Beius we stopped to have a pizza and then we had to cycle another 100km till home.

Chopin - Tristesse (este o zi trista pt. Romania, o sensibila si frumoasa artista si-a luat zborul spre alte orizinturi, speram mai fericite)

2011-12-16T19:53:00.001+02:00

Tour of the Banat Region with my friend Cosmin Rotar(april 2006)

2011-12-13T18:43:00.015+02:00

In april 2006 I had a very nice tour of the Banat Region together with Cosmin who is a good friend of mine.
I am from Ineu and he is from Sibiu so we decided to meet at Slatina-Timis at the very bottom of the Semenic Mountains.
I cycled 250km in 2 days crossing the Western Plain till I got to the meeting place.
We were glad to be again on a bike tour together so we decided to celebrate a bit, we bought the necessary provisions and drinks and after climbing a bit on the Slatina Valley we found a generous camping place where we decided to spend our night.
Here we enjoyed a great time sharing memories and adventures, drinking beers and warming ourselves with a magnificent bonefire.
We went to sleep in our tents quite late and we got up rather early next morning.
Here we were ready for a great bike tour in a wonderful region of Romania.

After a few kilometers of climbing I warmed up a lot and I put on some summer clothes. Soon we were lucky to find a spring for we had run out of water and we were very thirsty after so many beers last night.

We climbed a lot and the road was unasphalted with many hairpins. In about an hour we got to a spectacular scenery. Many trees were in bloom, the forest was so green and nice rolling mountains were looming in the distance.

Soon we got to top of the pass and the views with the Semenic Mountains were so generous. The temperature rose and it was a great weather for cycling.

Then we had a small descent till Brebu Nou and then the road was a false flat till a storage lake.

Here we made a halt to rest a bit and enjoy the views.

In the vicinity we could find a holiday complex where we could have lunch. Then we faced a steady climb. En route we came across an international wood carving' complex where we could behold a nicely carved horse reminding us of the Trojan's one.

Soon we got to the pass that is 1000m high and then we had a speedy descent of a few kilometers and before entering Valiug township we turned left, cycling next to Gozna lake and then following some forestry roads through a very scenic and wild scenary till we reached the small town of Anina. From here we followed the Minis River and we had a steady and easy descent, entering a spectacular National Park.

Soon we were cycling in the dark and out of the blue we got to a cave and I couldn't help exploring it a bit. But it was an ordinary one.

Within a few minutes we found a good place to put up our tents and after we ate we went to sleep this time without no fire for it's forbidden in this area.
Next morning we started cycling quite early and it was rather chilly so I had to put on my cap.

The landscapes were very lovely indeed.

We were soon cycling in the Minis Gorges. Rugged cliffs overlooking the sparkling Minis River and sometimes the fragrance of the lilac's flowers was very intense.

Soon we got to a touristic spot where we stopped to visit a famous karstic intermittent spring. To get there we had to cross a wooden bridge over the Minis River.

Here we could gaze at a scenic waterfall.

On our way to the spring we followed a footpath in a very wild scenery. In a few moments we ran into another waterfall.

After visiting the interesting intermittent spring we kept on cycling till Bozovici, and it is here that we followed a secondary road with very few traffic. After 15 kilometers at Barz village we turned left on a forestry road and we started climbing Locvei Mountains following a small stream.
This route offered us amaizingly unspoiled and pristine nature. We were soon in a very good mood to cycle in such a paradise.

After 10 kilometers of steady climb we got on top of the pass at Ravensca village where there are many inhabitants of Czech origin. Here we could visit their lovely church.

From here we had to go down about 15km on a bumpy road till we got to The Danube River. After Berzasca the night overtook us but before this we enjoyed a spectacular sunset.

I was pretty inspired and seized the oportunity to have a magnificent picture with me, the Danube and the mighty dusk.

Then we stopped at a pub to have something to eat and to drink and here I struck up a frienship with a black cat.

Later on we pitched our tents on a meadow not far from here. Next day we enjoyed cycling on a very spectacular route next to the river. The Danube Defile is the longest in Europe and is one of the best places for cycling tourism.
We had such an enchanting day packed with atmospheric vistas.

As it is quite a warm day even if we are in the last days of April, all of a sudden at a certain moment I make up my mind to start my aestival season. And here I am jumping into the river. Oh, Gosh, how cold it is!

Then I have to increase the speed to warm up again.

After we pass Dubova village we get to the biggest statue of Europe wich is situated in Mraconia Bay. The statue is 55meters high and epitomizes the head of Decebalus, the illustrious king of our ancestors, the dacians.

Here starts a short section where the Danube is very narrow and on the opposite side there is "Tabula Traiana", the ancient road of the romans specially designed for their invasion in Dacia Felix.

From Orsova we went to Herculane Spa where we had a bath in the thermal waters then we followed the Cerna Valley cycling in a very delightful environment. We could admire plenty of white rocks endowed with black pines.

We had a long and steady climb and after Cerna village we encountered Corcoaia Gorges wich are quite spectacular.

Then we climbed again till the night overtook us in the wilderness and we set uo our tents in the pass at about 1330m high.

The next day we had a very long descent till Petrosani. From here we made for Hateg where we had to separate, Cosmin directing his steps towards Sibiu and me having to cycle another 190km till home.
We saluted once again the Retezat Mountains and off we went.

Such a lovely tour we had!

Malina Olinescu - Eu cred - Romania Eurovision 1998 (Nu te vom uita niciodata inger pur! Dumnezeu sa te ierte!)

2011-12-12T20:20:00.001+02:00

Cycling trip in the Western Carpathians with Tom and Jodie (amaizing globe-trotters) - june 2010 -part 2

2011-12-12T01:19:00.012+02:00

Then we had a great descent and it was rather dark when we got to the first township where we stopped for a dinner and for something to drink. Then we cycled another 15km till the spot I recommended them for free camping.
Next morning we started cycling at 10 AM because they overslept a bit. The day was quite perfect for travelling.

In the next village at Baita I had to stop for something to eat at a restaurant.

Unfortunatelly their buget was too low and they couldn't afford restaurants so they had to wait for me. Here we saw an interesting dog.

Next to the restaurant was a traditional wooden cart.

Nearby in a garden some people were toiling.

After eating a sour soup and drinking a beer we were ready to go. Here starts a tough climb. We have to climb 14km of hairpins up to 12%, but the road is smooth.
It's the strongest climb from the english couple's cycling career so far but they have to train a bit for the Himalaya.
After 2 hours of climbing we reach the top and we enjoy great landscapes.

We climbed Vartop pass(1160m) from the Bihor Mountains. In England they have no mountains like this and no passes like this. They are happy but exhausted.

Right at Vartop pass there is a ski resort in the making. We just stop for a picture.

Then we freewheel through a lovely coniferous forest till we reach Arieseni, a very nice traditional township where tourism is beginning to develop.

We are cycling now on the Aries Valley, a real natural beauty.

We are very happy, especially me. I've been cycling in this region for 10 years. Every year I return here.

At Garda de jos we gaze at a wonderful wooden church that dates back to XVIIIth century.

In the same village we have to stop, they have a lunch and I have some beers talking to some locals.

The more we cycle the lovelier the views become. We see plenty of barren cliffs next to the road. We entered the Albac' gorges.

Jodie is always smiling happily. She is in the journey of her life.

Me too, I'm feeling in high spirits. I'm always impressed with the beauty of this route.

At Scarisoara village we stop again to admire a bit the scenic landscapes.

The inhabitants here are quite religious and they built many wooden crosses.

At the heart of "Tara Motilor" (The Highlanders' Country)it's time to say goodbye to each other for my budget doesn't allow me to carry on.

We are in the small town of Campeni. I wish them a safe journey and I hope I'll see them again. It has been so nice meeting them and cycling with them.

I return home and they keep on cycling following my advice. They climb the Transfagarasan where Tom gets sick.

Finally they get to Bucharest in due time where a TV report is made about their journey. They become stars for a day.

One year later they were in New Zeeland after having travelled almost 30 000km visiting 29 countries from 3 continents.
Dear Tom and Jodie! You are amaizing! Congratulations! One day I'll get to you by bicycle!
God bless you!
Best regards,
Claudiu

Caca Maca - Imnul crizei

2011-12-12T00:32:00.000+02:00

Cycling trip in Transylvania with Tom and Jodie ( amaizing globe-trotters) - june 2010

2011-12-10T22:29:00.011+02:00

In the beginning of june 2010 I found out on the internet that an english couple will cycle to New Zeeland coming from London. I was so impressed and immediately I decided to give them accommodation and navigation for free for a few days.
I wrote to them via email and they were glad to let me be their guide for a couple of days and they accepted my support.
Here came the lucky day when I met the wonder cycling couple. I remember it was on a friday in the second week of june last year when I cycled 40 km to meet them. We met near Socodor and they agreed to have a break in the small town of Chisineu Cris to have a break and to talk a bit to get to know each other.
Jodie took a picture of me and Tom.

It was a very hot day and they unfortunatelly refused to have a beer. So they just had some water and ate some apples while I was drinking a couple of beers. They talked about their journey acroos the world and I wanted to help them a bit in Romania. We stayed there about an hour than off we went.
Near Sintea Mare village we saw such a lovely poppy field and Tom took a picture of me and Jodie.

I liked that much the poppy field that I required another picture only for myself and with the field.

I love the flowers and this field was very special indeed.

Then cycling another one hour and a quarter we reached my home which is in Ineu, a small town who has probably never seen globetrotters like Tom and Jodie.
Here I gave them a plentiful meal, they could take a shower, and I gave them a clean and decent room.
Tom liked very much my father's museum.

Here my father Dan gathered many old things and on the planks he wrote poetry

Tom was also interested in my bikes' cemetery and I told him stories about my tours throughout Europe and Romania, done with the old wrecks lying in my garden.

Then we had a great time, we had a lot of beers, we drank and we discussed till 2AM when It was high time we went to bed.
Next morning after a hearty breakfast it was time for us to head for the Western Charpatians.
We took a picture with us, our bikes and my rabbit Pufy in my courtyard just before leaving.

Just before leaving we had to go to the Post Office for they had to send a package home. Then we finally started cycling and it was quite late.
We first stopped for a picture near Sebis, a small town wherefrom we entered a picturesque area.
In the distance we can see Codru Moma Mountains, the first range of the Western Charpatians.

At Dezna village we stopped again, they had something to eat and I had some beers. Overlooking this hill there are some ruins of a medieval fortress.

Next stop was at Moneasa resort which holds the most important spa in the region. Here I brought them to a small thermal lake where there are lots of waterlilies. Here I had a very relaxing dip in the hot water.

Right in this spot there is an interesting old building that fell into decay.

Jodie likes very much this ruin that in times bygone used to be a luxurious mansion.

Quite an interesting architecture, indeed!

After another stop at a pub where I have some beers and they drink some water, it's time to go, we have to climb a pass on a unpaved road and their bikes weigh more than 50kilos each of them.
First we cycle next to Moneasa river and the incline is decent.

We have to make lots of small stops for the terrain is hard for them but I'm amaized how strong they are, especially mentally.
Tom is a wonder of nature.

We have to climb about 12km and sometimes the slope is up to 10% so Tom is giving a helping hand to Jodie, by pushing her bike.

In less than 2 hours of hard working we are on the top of the pass. Hurrah!
Well done guys! In the distance we can notice the high Bihor Mountains that we have to climb tomorrow.

Rule Britannia - a special dedication for my english friends Tom and Jodie who cycled the world by bike.

2011-12-10T21:14:00.001+02:00

Turul Balcanic "La Santa Primavera 2008" - partea 12 (relaxare in zona Cazanelor Dunarii)

2011-12-07T23:38:00.013+02:00

In sfarsit ajung iar pe Defileul Dunarii in zona Cazanele Mici langa localitatea Dubova.
Aceleasi marete peisaje ma intampina.

Decorul natural este coplesitor.

Ajung si langa Dubova la Pensiunea "Pui de Urs" a carui patron, domnul Doru este un bun prieten si inimos binefacator al meu. Ne cunoastem de mai multi ani si de fiecare data cand trec prin zona si-l gasesc acasa imi ofera cea mai generoasa ospitalitate. Din nou am norocul sa-l intalnesc si iar sunt primit exceptional de bine. Ma pune la masa, ma omeneste cu de toate si ma invita sa raman vreo 2 zile pe la el sa ma relaxez.
Accept bucuros si sa inceapa distractia!
Ma bucur mult ca-l reintalnesc si pe superbul caine al lui Doru, pe Labus.

Mananc bine, beau bine, socializez si cu niste turisti din Craiova, clienti ai pensiunii. Le povestesc despre aventura mea pe 2 roti si-i impresionez.
Apoi merg sa ma plimb putin si-n incinta pensiunii vad un superb fluture de noapte.

Aici la domnul Doru la pensiunea "Pui de Urs" turistii beneficiaza de toate conditile iar privelistea este de vis.
Cine doreste poate inchiria si hidrobiciclete sau chiar si barca cu motor de la aceasta pensiune.
Craiovenilor le-au placut mult acest mijloc de agrement.

Ma imprietenesc si cu turistii care ma primesc sa merg cu ei cu barca cu motor pana la pestera Ponicova. Domnul Doru este driver si ghid.

Alunecam in mare viteza pe apele fluviului. Deasupra noastra se ridica stanci imense iar Doru ne povesteste despre frumusetile locului. Aflam ca-n zona se gasesc si niste lalele galbene unice in Europa.
Simtim din plin adrenalina.

Ajungem si la gura pesterii Ponicova si patrundem in ea s-o exploram putin.

La intoarcere ne intalnim si cu alti turisti porniti sa exploreze aceasta zona minunata.

Aici ne aflam practic la limita intre Mt. Carpati si Balcani. Pe partea sarbeasca peisajele sunt mai impunatoare, natura fiind mai grandioasa.

Ajunsi la pensiune petrecem de minune toata ziua, avem ce povesti iar bautura si mancarea sunt la discretie. Apoi sunt lasat sa dorm pe o canapea deci nu mai trebuie sa ma obosesc sa pun cortul.
Ziua urmatoare merg cu craiovenii la o excursie "per pedes" sa facem cel mai frumos traseu de trekking din zona, urcarea pe masivul Ciucaru Mare. Pana in centrul comunei Dubova mergem cu masinile, eu fiind nevoit sa mai renunt putin la "bidiviul de fier" si sa incerc sa ma bucur de avantajele tehnicii moderne.
De aici mergem pe jos cam 30 minute pana ajungem in locul cu cea mai spectaculoasa panorama asupra Dunarii.
N-am cuvinte sa descriu cat de frumos poate sa fie aici dar pozele vor vorbi de la sine.

Mult mi-a fost dat sa calatoresc dar sincer sa fiu cu asa un inedit si ireal de frumos peisaj nu tin minte sa ma mai fi intalnit vreodata.

Nu ne mai saturam sa admiram Dunarea si extremitatea sudica a Muntilor Stara Planina. Ce bine ca zona s-a pastrat salbatica si inca nu a fost invadata de turismul de masa!

Traim momente de maxima incantare si facem multa poze aici. Craiovenii sunt foarte entuziasmati.

La intoarcere jucam si un fotbal pe terenul din comuna iar inapoi mergem din nou cu masina si punem muzica tare, ne simtim super.

Pe traseu intalnim si un biciclist spre marea mea satisfactie. Aceasta zona are un imens potential pt. cicloturism.

La pensiune stam iar si sarbatorim pana seara tarziu iar atmosfera este foarte destinsa si joviala.
Ziua urmatoare vine momentul sa-mi iau ramas bun de la craioveni si de la domnul Doru pe care abia astept sa-l revad.
Pedalez pe traseul meu preferat, pe Defileul Dunarii, de care m-am indragostit inca din anul 2000.
Acest drum magnific a fost construit de niste nobili maghiari, de niste influenti grofi pe vremea Imperiului Austro-Ungar.

Se aici de la "Pui de Urs" mai am de pedalat 400km pana acasa.
O singura fotografie am mai facut in tot turul reprezentand un superb apus de soare in judetul Caras Severin.

Si astfel s-a incheiat unul dintre cele mai savuroase ture din viata buiastrului ciclohaiduc Pantani Carpaticus.

Niculina Stoican - Liliac cu flori marunte

2011-12-07T21:45:00.000+02:00

Turul Balcanic "La Santa Primavera 2008" - partea 11 (prin fascinanta Bulgarie)

2011-12-07T12:16:00.012+02:00

In curand ajung din nou sa pedalez pe drumul E79 dar pe un tronson nou pt. mine. Mai am de urcat pasul Chureshki Pateka(968m)in traverasrea muntilor Stara Planina (Balcani). Urmeaza coborarea spre Botevgrad. Am o vreme excelenta si ma simt foarte bine. Sunt doar eu, bicicleta si umbra mea. Ce sa-mi mai pot dori in viata?

Intr-un sat intalnesc un cuib de barza amplasat pe o biserica, lucru mai rar intalnit.

Mai pedalez 2 ore si ajung in orasul Vratsa unde ma opresc la un restaurant sa mananc o ciorba de burta. Fata care serveste e foarte draguta. Aici intalnesc si niste picturi interesante. Una dintre ele reprezinta o tarancuta autohtona.

Steagul Bulgariei este si el prezent aici.

In aceasta zona se afla cea mai populara zona carstica din tara, un real magnet pt. alpinisti. Peisajele sunt pitoresti.

Tot aici se afla si cunoscuta lor pestera Ledenika. Mai pedalez putin si ajung la restaurantul Balcanika care ma incanta instantaneu. Ma decid inopinat sa raman aici sa sarbatoresc. Tocmai trecusem muntii Balcani si facusem un tur magnific in Peninsula cu nume omonim.
Sa curga vinul asadar! Et nunc bebemus mogaliter!
Si aici gasesc tot felul de desene interesante printre care si pe Dionysia, iubita zeului prea bautor si buna prietena a subsemnatului ciclist.

Tot aici gasesc si o harta interesanta unde sunt treecute toate podgoriile din Bulgaria.

Beau un vin rosu excelent, stau pe terasa la soare, visez si-mi scriu memoriile in tihna. Of cate senzatii mi-a oferit practicarea cicloturismului - aceasta nobila indeletnicire a celor alesi!

Hai sa mai bem un paharel sa ne veselim nitel! Traiasca Bulgaria! Traiasca cicloturismul!

Ca si prietenul meu Anton Duma, poate cel mai mare cicloturist roman al momentului, se pare ca stiu si eu sa-mi traiesc clipa si sa ma bucur de un cicloturism plin de satisfactii. Viata e scurta si trebuie sa profitam de tinerete.
Dar ce pacat ca nu poti fi chiar cu toate in viata!
Si totusi singuratatea ma sufoca iar acest trist sentiment imi este exacerbat brusc vazand un desen care dupa parerea mea reprezinta beatitudinea si armonia dragostei feciorelnice si pure din povestile populare de odinioara din aceste tinuturi mitologice.

Petrec o seara agreabila dupa care ma asez cu cortul in zona.
Ziua urmatoare mai am putin de pedalat pana in Montana de unde scap de drumul european si o iau pe un drum mai putin circulat spre Lom.
Pe langa localitatea Rasovo gasesc un lac si ma apuc de "birdwatching". Studiez comportamentul unei berze care era la vanatoare de pesti si broaste.

Ajuns in Lom ma opresc la un restaurant sa mananc ceva si admir din nou un acvariu cu pesti exotici.

Pana aici mi-a fost. Gata mi-am spart bugetul, mai am bani doar de bac asa ca ma apuc de botanica pe ultimii 65km pana in Vidin.
O iau frumos pe langa Dunare, zona este destul de interesanta iar flora este destul de dezvoltata. La un moment dat gasesc niste flori rosii.

Putin mai departe studiez o buruiana.

Mai intalnesc si niste flori galbene unde un melc si-a gasit culcus. Suntem la inceputul lunii Mai iar aceasta zona are puternice influente ale climei submediteraneene.

Chiar inainte de Vidin sunt interpelat de niste prostituate. Le explic sa-mi dea pace ca sunt lefter si-mi vad de drum.
Ajung in sfarsit la locul unde se ia bacul si in timpul traversarii am norocul sa-i intalnesc pe Benny si Alfred: 2 aventurieri din Germania care facusera si ei o tura interesanta prin Balcani.

Ne imprietenim repede. La Calafat ma insotesc la posta unde mama mi-a trimis niste bani, apoi mergem la o pizza si sa bem ceva prin oras. Discutam multe, ne intelegem de minune iar ulterior chiar mi-au facut o vizita acasa si ai mei le-au oferit ospitalitate, din pacate, eu fiind plecat intr-o expeditie europeana.
Apoi imi vad de drum.
La Maglavit, emotie mare pe capul meu. La un local il intalnesc pe nea Voinea, primul roman cu care apuc sa vorbesc in scumpa limba stramoseasca.
Hai la multi ani Oltenia! La multi ani nea Voinea!

Emotia este atat de mare ca incep sa plang ca o muiere iar nea Voinea si alti 3 comeseni incep sa rada in hohote.

Apoi mai pedalez pana in judetul Mehedinti la Cujmir unde ma pun cu cortul langa o benzinarie. Ziua urmatoare la intrare in municipiul Drobeta Turnu Severin vad o minune mare: un betiv doarme pe burta in mijlocul drumului european.
Hei comedie, suntem in Balcani, unde totul este luat mai lejer, vorba unui scriitor.

Urmatorul popas il fac la un restaurant langa Portile de Fier unde imi aduc aminte de hoarda de cicloturisti occidentali din urma cu o luna. Acum trebuie ca vor fi aproape de Iran.

Traiasca Bulgaria! - dedicatie speciala pt. distinsa doamna Lidia Bradley - presedinta fundatiei Aspera din Brasov

2011-12-07T12:11:00.001+02:00

Turul Balcanic "La Santa Primavera 2008" - partea 10 (prin muntii Bulgariei)

2011-12-06T14:57:00.013+02:00

Desi la inceput mi-e cam teama de caini, dar dupa ce le dau o paine sa manance, ma imprietenesc cu ei si ma joc cu ei putin.

Urmeaza o coborare periculoasa in serpentine pana in localitatea Kato Nevrokopi.

Mai am putin si ajung in Bulgaria trecand pe la vama greceasca din Exochi unde din pacate nu reusesc sa-mi schimb banii astfel ca mai pedalez vreo 20km pana in oraselul Gotse Delchev unde fac rost de leva in sfarsit.
Este momentul sa fac un popas la un cochet restaurant unde sunt multe sculpturi ca cele colectionate de tatal meu.

Tot aici imi atrage atentia si o vulpe impanata ce pare ca ma priveste fix.

Pedalez apoi pe valea raului Mesta unde am parte de peisaje minunate asemanatoare cu cele de pe Defileul Jiului de la noi.

Vremea este mult mai racoroasa, temperatura a scazut cu cel putin 10 grade fata de zilele precedente cand pedalm pe tarmul Marii Egee.
Am intrat in zona montana, in stanga mea se inalta Muntii Pirin.
Dupa ce mai pedalez vreo 20km este momentul sa ma opresc din nou. Este cam tarziu si e tot mai frig dar gasesc un local interesant a carui terasa imi place in mod special.

Aici ma intalnesc cu un simpatic musulman cu Mustafa, un tanar de treaba care lucrase in Portugalia. Ma intretin cu el toata seara si ne simtim bine sorbind bere Pirin si povestindu-ne aventurile.
Noaptea mi-o petrec in cort langa raul Mesta.
Ziua urmatoare trec prin localitatea cu nume omonim de unde cumpar niste iconite pt. mama si pt. sora mea. Pictura bisericii este foarte reusita.

Urmeaza o portiune pitoreasca care culmineaza cu peisajele deosebite de pe langa localitatea Banya, aproape de celebra lor statiune Bansko. Sunt la poalele muntilor Pirin.

Pedalez in continuare pe langa raul Mesta, sunt intr-o zona montana si am de urcat lejer dar constant.
In localitatea Yakoruda vizitez o moschee.

Apoi e momentul sa stau la o terasa sa servesc o ciorba. De aici am o ampla panorama asupra traditionalei localitati care are multi etnici musulmani.

Aici intalnesc o draguta fetita care se legana cu grilajul unei usi. Discut putin cu ea in engleza pana vine mama ei si o izgoneste.

In curand incepe sa ploua si intru si eu in local unde spre surprinderea mea ma intalnesc din nou cu Mustafa cara vraja o domnisoara.
Stau aici si mai beau niste bere Pirin asteptand sa treaca ploaia. Intre timp mai admir si un frumos acvariu unde ma rog la pestisorul de aur sa-mi indeplineasca dorinta sa treaca ploaia.

Din pacate n-am noroc, ploua toata ziua, asa ca mai avansez doar cativa km in care ma ud tot si ma decid sa raman in zona pana trece intemperia.
Sunt in Cherna Mesta unde raman la un local pana seara tarziu, afara continua sa ploua. Discut cu cativa localnici, unul chiar dorea sa-mi ofere gazduire dar n-am acceptat. Pana la urma s-a inchis localul si am ramas pe terasa sa-mi termin consumatia alturi de noul meu prieten: catelul Pavlo.

Ma descurc si dorm cu cortul langa localitate. Ziua urmatoare din fericire nu mai ploua si am de catarat la greu pana-n localitatea Yundola unde fac pauza de masa la un resturant. De aici am o coborare de 27 km si inghet de frig, dar fac un mic popas pe langa un rau de munte sa-mi revin si sa mai pun o haina pe mine.

In localitatea Belovo intru pe un drum circulat si fac o pauza sa mananc ceva. Aici beau cea mai iefina bere din tot turul care costa 0,75leva adica 1,5RON. Mai ce vremuri bune au fost! Ce ieftin era odata!
Incepand cu localitatea Mirovo, acest drum national merge in paralel cu o autostrada si sunt profund mirat de infrastructura rutiera din Bulgaria.
Suntem intr-o zona deluroasa iar autostrada trece si prin niste tuneluri.

Bate un vant violent din fata si inaintez cu greu. Dupa inca 2 ore de efort fac un popas in natura si o pun de un picnic.

Nu mai am mult pana ajung la un viaduct impresionat pe unde trece autostrada spre Sofia.

Tot aici gasesc si un monument comemorativ. Un tanar se pare ca a cazut de pe viaduct gasindu-si tragicul sfarsit in mod atat de violent.
Dumnezeu sa-l ierte!
"Vita brevis, gaudeamus igitur!" (Sa ne bucuram asadar caci viata e scurta)

Seara mi-o petrec in localitatea Vakarel pe la niste localuri. Este noaptea invierii si localurile sunt pline de ortodoxii bulgari. Ma intalnesc cu oameni generosi care-mi fac cinste dulciuri, mancare si bautura. Slujba de inviere o privesc la un televizor la un local la marginea localitatii iar la masa mea mai stau 2 minori veseli care consuma multa bere. Este veselie mare si atmosfera festiva!
Tarziu ma pun cu cortul langa sat si dimineata sunt trezit de o turma de capre si de domnul cioban care ma sperie rau purtand un cogeamite baltag in mana.
In localitatea Novi Han se ia la intrecere cu mine un pustan cu un MTB si il las sa ma intreaca spre marea sa satisfactie.
Tot aici am privilegiul sa ma bucur vizual de cele mai frumoase flori din tot turul: lalele, lalele, frumoase ca turele mele!

De aici o iau pe un drum cu trafic redus si ajung in oraselul Elin Pelin unde gasesc niste relicve artistice din epoca de proasta pomenire cand eram sub cizma bolsevica atat noi cat si vecinii de la sud de Dunare.

Serenada

2011-12-06T13:58:00.000+02:00

SERENADA.......:-\" @};-

Vezi mai multe video din muzica

Turul Balcanic "La Santa Primavera 2008 - partea 9 (eterna si emblematica Grecie)

2011-12-04T15:48:00.010+02:00

In curand trebuie sa-mi iau ramas bun de la Sithonia si ma indepartez de tarm pt. o scurta perioada, insa nu rezist mult fara superba priveliste marina si mai fac un popas in portul Pirgadikia.

Aici dupa ce admir vasele din port merg la o terasa sa servesc un gyros si intru in discutie cu patronul localului care este foarte de treaba si-mi face cinste o bere. Aici voi ramane mai mult timp caci intre timp ma imprietenesc cu baietelul patronului cu care am parte de o interesanta discutie. Eu ii spun in engleza, el imi povesteste in greceasca. Micutul este super simpatic.

Ma prinde noaptea pe aici si ma pun cu cortul in apropierea localitatii dupa ce urc un deal. Ziua urmatoare imi cumpar din localitatea Ierissos un cauciuc nou si o camera si cand caut portmoneul nu-l mai gasesc, ma sperii rau dar pana la urma il gasesc intr-o punga cu alimente unde l-am pus din greseala in urma cu cateva ore. Vizitez si un targ interesant unde vad o frumoasa negresa care vindea niste fructe.
De aici pedalez pe laga golful Ierrisos. La un moment dat vad un ochi de apa, un fel de balta adanca de vreo 2 m langa drum si pe fundul ei era o broasca testoasa. Vreau sa intru sa prind broasca sa ma joc cu ea si cum intru in balta ma trezesc ca am calcat intr-o sticla ascutita si calcaiul meu drept incepe sa sangereze abundent. Cred ca 30min am tot stors sangele ce nu mai contenea sa curga. Pana la urma sangerarea se opreste si pornesc la drum.

Pe traseu gasesc in mijlocul drumului pe Cornelia, sora Paulinei. Aici fac un mic popas si ma joc cu ea in poienita de langa drum.

De aici am o catarare frumoasa, apoi dupa coborare ajung in localitatea Olimpiada unde pe un deal zaresc vestigii antice.

De aici mai pedalez 11km pana ajung in portul turistic Stavros unde fac pana. Aici merg la un cabinet medical unde un doctor foarte de treaba ma dezinfecteaza si ma bandajeaza. Apoi mananc un kebab si e momentul sa merg in port unde pe o banca savurez o sticla de cidru admirand vapoarele si sutele de lumini de pe malul opus al golfului Orfanos.
Noaptea mi-o petrec in cort langa localitate iar dimineata ma apuc sa-mi repar bicicleta.

Nu prea reusesc din pacate pt. ca mi-am stricat ambele pompe ce le aveam la mine. Trebuie sa caut un magazin de biciclete dar inainte da a merge sa-l caut admir un parc cu niste arbori deosebiti.

Pana la urma reusesc sa gasesc un "bike shop" si sunt rezolvat dupa ce mai trebuie sa cumpar o noua camera.
Apoi merg iar in port sa admir golful Orfanos.

Prin zona se pare ca traiesc greci bogati caci peste tot vad doar vile luxoase.

Trebuie sa pornesc la drum, mai pedalez 20 km pe langa Marea Egee. Inainte de localitatea Nea Kerdullia ma mai opresc pe plaja sa mai fac o scurta baie si sa-mi iau ramas bun de la marea care m-a incantat cateva zile.
"De-i goni fie norocul fie idealurile
Te urmeaza in tot locul
Vanturile, valurile"

De aici intru in Grecia continentala. Dupa doar cativa km de pedalat langa localitatea Amfipoli descopar o imensa statuie antica ce reprezinta un leu.

Urmeaza 30 de km de pedalat prin campie pana in oraselul Nea Zichni unde ma opresc la un local si discut cu niste tineri care-mi indica pe unde trebuie sa o iau.
De aici urmeaza o lunga dar usoara catarare spre Skopia.

Am 8km de urcat apoi cobor in Kallithea unde iar intalnesc un platan secular.

Dupa localitatea Prosotsani ma pun cu cortul. Dimineata urmatoare iar ma trezesc ca am pana. Ma duc pana la prima casa din localitate si intreb unde gasesc o vulcanizare iar aici sunt uimit de bunavointa acestor oameni. Un domn se ofera sa ma duca cu camionul sau pana la bike shop-ul din localitate pe gratis. Aici cel care lucra la bike shop imi rezolva pana pe gratis si-ma da si o mini trusa de reparat pene tot gratuit. Sunt uimit de generozitatea grecilor.
In sfarsit pot sa pornesc la drum. Ma asteapta traversarea unui sir de munti. La cativa km dupa localitatea Prosotsani la stanga se face un drum spre o pestera renumita.

Vremea este superba. In departare pot admira Muntii Falakro.

Acesti munti din nordul Greciei au o altitudine comparabila cu Muntii Cindrelului de la noi, dar sunt ceva mai exotici si au un alt tip de flora si fauna fiind situati in zona mediteraneana. Incepe catararea iar peisajele sunt tot mai frumoase.

Poporul grec este unul foarte credincios, cald si generos. Pe un deal pot observa o frumoasa cruce.

Oh Yeah, Grecia mon amour, cand te voi revedea?

In curand incep si serpentinele, am de urcat vreo 10km.

Ajung si-n localitatea montana Granitis unde sunt inconjurat de dulai.

Ancient greek music

2011-12-04T15:46:00.000+02:00

Turul Balcanic "La Santa Primavera 2008" -partea 8 (magia Sithoniei)

2011-12-03T16:44:00.009+02:00

De aici incepe o catarare lunga cu panta destul de abrupta. Cand ajung in varf sunt rasplatit de un peisaj splendid.

Apa pare de smarald. Cam asa arata Marea Egee in golful Kassandra.

Drumul este destul de sinuos si este exact pe placul meu.

In urmatoarea localitate, in Tristinika mai fac o pauza si ma opresc la un local unde am o interesanta discutie cu un localnic. Am observat ca sunt multi consumatori de alcool in Grecia. Cidrul lor mi-a placut in mod special. Frumos si pitoresc este si acest port.

Tot aici mai admir si niste palmieri.

Urmeaza din nou o catarare pe cinste si iar am niste peisaje de vis. De aceasta data muntele pare sa se scufunde in mare ca-n povestile mitologice.

Pe coborare iar prind viteza destul de mare de ma iau la intrecere cu masinile.

Pe traseu la un moment dat gasesc niste trabucuri langa drum si inopinat ma reapuc de fumat, sa-mi aduc aminte de boema studentie. Si iata ca tragand tare fum gros in piep, ma inabus si incep a tusii porceste.

Ajung din nou aproape de tarm si admir valurile zbuciumate care se izbesc de stanci.

In curand sunt la Porto Koufo unde stau la un restaurant la un vinisor si discut cu patronul despre aventura mea. Panorama asupra golfuletului este admirabila. Ma simt minunat.

In drum spre Kalamitsi gasesc niste capre alpiniste cum n-am mai vazut in viata mea.

In Skala Sikias mai fac un scurt popas si mai admir marea agitata.

Tot aici mai studiez putin flora.

In continuare iar am de urcat si coborat la greu.

In Sarti fac o pana si sunt ajutat de niste oamnei de treaba la o benzinarie sa-mi repar pana. Acestia imi fac cadou si 2 conserve excelente: una cu sarmale in foi de vita si una cu fasole boabe gigantice. Aici zaresc cel mai inalt palmier din Sithonia care are o tulpina foarte groasa.

In continuare iar pedalez intr-o zona paradisiaca in care muntele si marea se completeaza perfect. Aceasta mica peninsula este un fel de Corsica in miniatura, este locul unde cicloturistul se simte bine la superlativ.

Singurul lucru care-mi lipseste cu adevarat este sufletul pereche, femeia care trebuie sa ma implineasca, zeita omeneasca cu care trebuie sa ating absolutul. Cand gandeam asa pedaland in paradis la un moment dat Divinitatea mi-o trimite pe Eva, dar ce pacat ca visele frumoase sunt efemere. Eva este de stanca. Of marete Phidias artistule, fugit irreparabile tempus,
Si iar toates-s triste
Si azi ca si ieri
Potop de dureri!
Ma opresc, o sarut pe Eva dar nu pot sa-i dau viata. Sunt un biet pacatos, un biet muritor!
Si totusi exista fericire pe pamant!

In adanca-mi melancolie, ma opresc langa o stanca si sunt pe punctul de a ma arunca in apele involburate. Spleen-ul meu ar fi luat sfarsit astfel alaturi de biata-mi viata lipsita de noroc.

Si totusi gandul ca am o datorie fata de neamul in mijlocul caruia mi-a fost dat sa ma nasc: un biet chip de lut, o cicloaratare bizara; am continuat sa pedalez purtandu-mi crucea existentiala in spate asta pe langa greul rucsac.
Ma opresc pe o plaja in Vourvuru unde cateva beri Amstel imi disipeaza aleanul produs de singuratate. Niste rate ludice imi readuc zambetul pe buze.
Traiasca berea in care ne-am nascut!
Si iata-ma bucurandu-ma din nou de viata.

Apoi pornesc la drum si dupa cativa km mai fac inca un popas intr-un loc minunat de unde admir intinsa intindere de apa care s-a linistit ca prin farmec.

Sappho - Love without limits

2011-12-03T16:34:00.000+02:00

Turul Balcanic "La Santa Primavera 2008" - partea 7 (prin paradisul turistic numit Halkidiki)

2011-12-02T13:49:00.010+02:00

De aici incep din nou catararile, spre bucuria mea. Am parte si de sate traditionale. Sunt din nou intr-o zona montana.

In comuna Galatista gasesc un interesant turn bizantin.

Pe masura ce ma indrept spre coasta dealurile sunt tot mai aride iar vegetatia de pe ele este tot mai pipernicita.

Aproape de Polygyros intalnesc un masiv stancos foarte interesant si foarte striat.

Pe langa drum am observat de cateva ori niste bisericute care tin de o traditie mai veche. Ele pot fi dedicate unor sfinti, memoriei familiilor care le-au construit sau pur si simplu sunt un loc unde arde o candela.

In localitatea Agios Prodromos intalnesc un alt turn ciudat.

Inainte de a ajunge la mare am o lunga coborare in linie dreapta unde cred ca am atins 80km/h.
Ajuns la Marea Egee urlu de fericire. Sunt la a 3--a mare pe care am atins-o pe bicicleta pornind din locul unde domiciliez care este situat la cel putin 900km fata de cea mai apropiata mare. Aveam doar 29 de ani iar performanta mea este probabil neintrecuta nici de catre marii cicloturisti Stefan Hodi si Anton Duma. Ma refer ca la varsta mea nu aveau asa ture in palmares. Sunt deci un privilegiat, un om fericit.
Si da, conteaza fiecare clipa, fiecare minut si fiecare metru parcurs pe 2 roti pt. sufletul si viata ta.
Prima localitate intalnita aici este Gerakini si aici sunt fascinat de o floare splendida.

Pedalez pe langa mare si mai intalnesc niste flori superbe.

In localitatea Metamofosi intalnesc cei mai frumosi palmieri.

Ajung si in localitatea Nikitas de unde incepe peninsula Sithonia, unul dintre cele mai frumoase locuri din lume.

Aici din Nikitas imi cumpar tot felul de bunatati de la un market printre care si o caserola cu fructe de mare care m-a costat 6euro. Apoi ma opresc pe prima plaja si e momentul sa sarbatoresc.

Este data de 19 aprilie, o zi mareata pt. mine, ziua in care-mi incep in glorie sezonul estival in anul de gratie 2008. Sunt emotionat pana la lacrimi.

Fac o scurta baie, caci apa are in jur de 13grade, apoi stau la plaja si o pun de un festin.

Fructele de mare sunt de-a dreptul delicioase.

Stau aici vreo 3 ore si ma simt excelent, beau si cateva beri Amstel si este super OK. Vremea este perfecta, aproximativ 25grade Celsius in aer.
Apa marii este super curata dar destul de rece. Adie o usoara briza si ma bucur de niste valuri diafane.

Sunt un om fericit singur pe o plaja pustie. Intre timp ma suna si George Culda pe vremea cand eram inca prieteni. Pare iritat cand aude ca petrec in paradis in loc sa fiu acasa ingropat in traduceri. Avea nevoie de o traducere.
Eu sunt doar fericit si-mi traiesc clipa la tarmul unei mari legendare. Admir marea, sorb bere Amstel si visez cu ochii deschisi la viitorul halucinant si plin de aventuri.
Si totusi exista iubire si totusi exista destin!
Sunt singur si trist si ma-nchin!

Noaptea mi-o petrec sub un maslin in apropiere de un hotel de lux. Admir stelele si imi imaginez bucuriile si trairile ce ma vor astepta in curand.
Ziua urmatoare este una dintre cele mai frumoase din viata mea. Nici nu pot descrie cat este de frumos acest traseu pt. cicloturism. Se pare ca-n acesti 109km cat are turul Sithoniei am avut cel putin 100 de catarari dintre care 3-4 au fost de cativa km lungime. Un real paradis pt. cataratori.

Traseul este o lunga insiruire de catarari si coborari intr-un peisaj splendid. Temperatura este optima pt. pedalat. Ce-ti mai poti dori mai mult?

Ma tot mir de atata frumusete si nu-mi vine sa cred ca am parte de asa senzatii. Pana la urma ajung intr-o localitate foarte pitoreasca unde turismul este foarte dezvoltat. Sunt la Neos Marmaras unde fac o bine meritata pauza de masa si admir frumusetile locului.

La cativa km distanta pot observa insula Kelifos. Florile de aici de asemenea raspandesc un parfum incantator.

Dupa ce savurez un gyros e momentul sa vizitez portul unde gasesc mai multe barci de pescuit specifice zonei.

ELLI KOKKINOU - DEN GINETE (Superb cantec grecesc)

2011-12-02T13:47:00.000+02:00

Turul Balcanic "La Santa Primavera 2008" - partea 6 (cicloturism prin Nordul Greciei)

2011-12-01T19:46:00.009+02:00

In primul sat observ ca preturile sunt de 3 ori mai mari ca-n Bulgaria. Infatisarea bisericilor se schimba mult.

Sunt in a 13-a zi din tur. Iata-ma ajuns in zona mediteraneana. Vegetatia aici este cam cum e la noi cu o luna mai tarziu.
La un moment dat intru sa vizitez o cladire veche cazuta in ruina. Buruienile au si 1m inaltime spre surprinderea mea.

Pe traseu aproape de localitatea Stymoniko gasesc un monument inchinat eroilor si sunt incantat de basorelieful ce reprezinta scene din razboiul ruso-turc.

Putin mai incolo gasesc o papadie imensa.

Apoi am o lunga catarare cu panta lejera de 5%.

Pe aceasta urcare ma lopeste necazul, mi se rupe ceva la blocul pedalier, astfel ca abia mai pot inainta.

In varful dealului este un restaurant unde fac un bine meritat popas. Beau niste bere Amstel ce costa 2Euro apoi beau niste cidru are costa la fel dar are alcoolemie de 11%. Intre timp ma imprietenesc cu un grec care-mi face cinste ceva bun de mancare. Discutam, povestim iar noaptea ma pun cu cortul in zona.
Ziua urmatoare mai merg 20km mai mult pe langa bicicleta pana ajung intr-un loc unde gasesc un om de super treba care-mi sudeaza blocul pedalier gratuit.

Ma apropi de Salonic si o iau din gresala pe autostrada, ma intorc inapoi si ajung in localitaea Agios Vasilios unde gasesc un lac imens. De aici incepe o catarare BIG cu o panta dificila. Pe traseu ma abat putin sa vizitez o manastire.

Dupa ce urc cativa km am o priveliste impunatoare asupra lacului Koronia.

In varful pantei sunt foarte fericit ca sunt primul membru BIG ce face aceasta catarare. 2 ani mai tarziu unul dintre fruntasii clubului BIG, Eric Lucas, m-a consultat prin email sa afle detalii despre aceasta catarare pe care urma sa o urce si el.
Ura am invins! Sunt mare cycloclimber si ma autountitulez intr-o criza de mandrie nemasurata: "Oedip rege al ciclocatararii romanesti'.

Ca bonus suplimentar natura mi-o trimte pe Paulina, o superba broasca testoasa cu care am o frumoasa idila de amor si cu care ma simt nespus de bine jucandu-ne in niste boscheti meridionali.

Aceasta este superba Grecie, tara a nenumaratelor catarari, paradisul cicloturistilor, asta daca stii sa alegi sezonul potrivit. Las teribila panta in urma satisfacut si am parte de o coborare pe cinste.

In stanga mea zaresc traditionala localitate Hortiatis dominata de muntele cu nume omonim.

Acest masiv cu nume aproape floral este primul in care ma bucur de o catarare in superba Grecie.

Dupa cativa km de coborarea ajung in statiunea turistica Panorama unde e momentul sa-mi fac aprovizionarea.

De aici am o panorama asupra marelui oras Salonic, al 2-lea port al tarii. Observ si golful Salonic care este cam aglomerat de nenumarate ambarcatiuni.

De aici cobor spre oraselul Thermi de unde o iau pe un drum putin circulat intrand in Grecia profunda. Patrund in regiunea Halkidiki, un real paradis turistic.
Pe traseu intalnesc o capela unde ma rog in sanatatea sponsorului, doamna Lidia Bradley, presedinta fundatiei Aspera din Brasov.

Superb este reprezentat aici chipul Mantuitorului.

Noaptea mi-o petrec in cort inainte de localitatea Vasilika. De aici in dimineata urmatoare am o superba priveliste asupra muntelui Hortiatis.

Ziua urmatoare la o patiserie din localitatea Vasilika stau de vorba cu o fata de 25 de ani, cu Vangelia cu care discut multe si schimbam adresele, iar la plecare imi face cadou niste ciocolata delicioasa pe care ma apuc sa o savurez cu mare pofta sub un copac mediteranean la nici 1 km de locul unde am discutat cu fata.

Zorbas - Muzica greceasca - dedicatie speciala pt. doamna Lidia Bradley

2011-12-01T19:18:00.000+02:00

Turul Balcanic "La Santa Primavera 2008" -partea 5 (prin Bulgaria profunda)

2011-11-29T17:24:00.009+02:00

In departare pot vedea Muntii Rila care reprezinta cel mai spectaculos lant muntos din Bulgaria, cu 219 lacuri situate la mare altitudine, cu peste 2000 de specii de plante, o mare diversitate de specii de animale – un loc ideal pentru a adaposti cea mai mare si mai faimoasa manastire ortodoxa bulgara, Manastirea Rila, si cea mai veche statiune de ski din tara, Borovets.

In curand ajung sa pedalez pe langa raul Struma, peisajele fiind asemanatoare cu cele de pe Valea Oltului.

Pe marginea drumului intalnesc multi copaci infloriti.

Infrastructura la bulgari este mai buna decat la noi. Drumul este impecabil.

Trec si prin niste tuneluri.

La un moment dat intalnesc un microbuz din vremea cand eram mandri soimi ai patriei.

Pe masura ce ma apropii de Grecia intalnesc tot mai multe flori si clima este mai blanda.

Peisajele raman in continuare destul de salbatice.

Nu departe de granita cu Grecia ma abat din drum sa fac o noua catarare BIG. O iau spre renumita manastire Rosen. Drumul este mult mai slab circulat iar traseul cu mult mai pitoresc. Am parte si de cateva pante destul de tari. Cand ajung in localitatea turistica Melnik sunt intampinat de un platan ce are 800 anii. Arborele a fost deci contemporan cu cavalerii teutonii care au infiintat cetatea Sibiului.

Si inca se tine bine batranul copac care incepe sa inverzeasca din nou. Sunt uimit de aceasta forta a naturii.

Aici gasesc o interesanta statuie al unui erou local probabil. Personal mie mi s-a parut ca seamana cu un personaj de basm de Petre Ispirescu, cu Greuceanu.

Cladirile aici sunt interesante si seamana cu cele de pe riviera greceasca.

Aici fac o pauza de masa la un restaurant iar apoi pornesc la drum. Pe traseu intalnesc diverse formatiuni telurice.

Zona este foarte salbatica, incepe si catararea, sunt intr-un adevarat paradis turistic.

Chiar in apropiere de manastire am de trecut printr-un sat iar la iesire din aceasta localitate intalnesc cei mai fiorosi caini din intregul tur care efectiv nu ma lasa sa merg mai departe. Sunt nevoit sa ma intorc caci nu vreau sa risc.

Cainii ma urmaresc pe o distanta de 1km latrandu-ma la greu.

Noaptea mi-o petrec intr-o zona ideala de campare intr-o poienita salbatica. Am parte de o luna plina splendida care ma insoteste si-n dimineata zilei urmatoare.

Las Mt. Pirin in urma si pedalez spre E79.

Vremea este foarte interesanta, niste aburi parca ies din pamant.

Pe drumul european mai pedalez doar 15 km si intru in Grecia prin vama de la Kulata. Aici prima impresia o am caci infrastructura este net superioara.

Muzica ecuatoriana

2011-11-29T17:21:00.000+02:00

Turul Balcanic "La Santa Primavera 2008" - partea 4 (vreme rea in Mt. Balcani)

2011-11-25T17:24:00.008+02:00

Pe la Strehaia facem o regrupare, o mica pauza de poze si de masa.

In continuare in drum spre Filiasi fac pana si raman in urma. Sunt in intarziere si nu mai am cum sa ajung grupul sau mai bine zis ma decid sa-mi continui tura singur caci Andrei vrea sa luam tren prin Bulgaria iar eu doream sa traversam Bulgaria pe bicicleta.
De la Craiova o iau spre Calafat. Noaptea dorm in cort pe un deal nu departe de Craiova.
Ziua urmatoare bag tare si ajung la Calafat de unde iau bacul spre Vidin. La intrare in Bulgaria stau la o carciuma si ma intalnesc cu niste baieti mai bronzati si mai tatuati care imi comunica intr-o italiana stricata ca "non e a mangiare in povera Bulgaria". Beau o bere si ma bucur ca preturile sunt putin mai mici ca-n Romania.
Pornesc mai departe si dupa cativa km ajung la prima biserica din Bulgaria intalnita in cale.

Aici gasesc si niste panselute frumoase.

Tot aici intalnesc si un splendid liliac alb.

Pedalez pe drumul European E79, care duce spre Montana si apoi Sofia. Drumul este de o calitate excelenta iar traficul redus. Pe traseu intalnesc putine localitati. Este o zi in care pedalez serios si mult, oprindu-ma la un singur magazin sa cumpar ceva de mancare din oraselul Dimovo. Ajung la poalele muntilor Balcani si ma pun cu cortul inaintea unei catarari.
Ziua urmatoare am de urcat un pas important. Pe traseu intalnesc si o cascada.

Dupa 20 km de urcat ajung in sfarsit in pasul Petrohan la 1438m. Pe ultimii 2km de catarare am avut un strat consistent de zapada langa drum.

Urmeaza o lunga coborare, vremea este cam inchisa, cam pe punctul de a incepe ploaia. Dupa vreo 10km ajung intr-un loc interesant de unde pot observa o pestera intr-o zona de carst deasupra unei paduri dese.

Mai cobor putin si ajung la un restaurant traditional. Deoarece este cam tarziu este momentul sa fac o lunga pauza si sa ma simt bine. In interiorul localului gasesc tot felul de figurine interesante.

Stau aici si ma simt bine cateva ore apoi ma pun cu cortul in zona. in timpul noptii incepe ploaia. Si ploua si nu se mai opreste. Dimineata la ora 9 inca ploua mocaneste, astfel ca-mi strang lucrurile pe ploaie si merg iar la restaurant sperand sa se opreasca intemperia.
Aici servesc o excelenta salata bulgareasca care nu merge prea bine cu berea neagra comandata.

Stau aici 1-2 ore si pana la urma ma vad nevoit sa plec tot pe ploaie. Pe traseu gasesc un monument inchinat unui erou.

La acest monument imi atrage atentia si o cruce interesanta.

Vremea este foarte nasoala. Incepe si un vant sa bata puternic din fata. Sunt atacat si de vreo 5 caini. In apropiere de Sofia la o benzinarie sunt jefuit de 8 leva (4EUR). O nesimtita de vanzatoare profita ca sunt strain si-mi da rest mai putin decat trebuia. Asta este, asa e in tarile sarace, ma simt ca si in Romania. De fapt pe aici, localitatile arata cum erau pe la noi in urma cu 10 ani.

Ocolesc Sofia mergand pe soseaua de centura si sunt oripilat de imaginea de ghetou si cumplita saracie a unor blocuri comuniste.

Ma opresc la un local modest unde mananc bine la doar 8 leva cu tot cu cele 2 beri baute, Pornesc mai departe si sunt plouat la greu. Ma mai opresc la o benzinarie sa ma mai adapostesc de ploaie. Pana la urma ma pun cu cortul langa drum si pana dimineata sunt facut fleasca. Mi se uda inclusiv sacul de dormit iar temperaturile nu sunt deloc generoase.

Fiind inghetat ma opresc la primul restaurant intalnit sa mananc o ciorba de burta.

Aici servesc si niste file de rechin si-mi astampar setea cu bere Pirin. Sunt tot ud la picioare asa ca improvizez, sunt destul de murdar si ma mir ca nu m-au scos afara din restaurant. De fapt trebuie sa marturisesc ca m-am asezat afara pe terasa.

Noroc ca am pe mine un costum de ski in care arat cam caraghios cand sunt pe bicicleta.

Pornesc din nou la drum. Soseaua este impecabila, traficul este insa putin mai intens.

In curand trec pe langa un lac.

Spre bucuria mea iese soarele si-mi pun boarfele la uscat.

Avril Lavigne - Hot

2011-11-25T17:19:00.000+02:00

Turul Balcanic "La Santa Primavera 2008" - partea 3 (Splendida zona a Cazanelor Dunarii)

2011-11-24T17:00:00.008+02:00

Alte floricele de un alb imaculat imi ridica din nou moralul in curand.

Mai pedalez 20km pana ajung la Cazanele Mari. Aici incepe o catarare de 1km inspre Dubova. Cum urc putin am parte de o larga panorama asupra fluviului care este foarte larg aici chiar inainte de intrarea in Cazane.

Din satul Dubova se coboara spre zona Cazanelor Mici. Aici Dunarea se ingusteaza la doar 166m, avand cea mai mica latime din cursul sau superior. Zona de chei este superba si intalnesc si un piersic inflorit.

In curand ajung la manastirea Mraconia care are o istorie foarte trista, in urma cu cateva secole au fost asasinati niste calugari aici. Aici gasesc o frumoasa fresca.

Mai dau cateva pedale si ajung la cea mai mare statuie din Europa reprezentand capul lui Decebal.

Impresionanta aceasta opera de arta ce a fost finantata de regretatul miliardar Iosif Constantin Dragan intre anii 1994-2004. Din pacate dupa decesul omului de afaceri, lucrarile au fost sistate si statuia a ramas neterminata.

Pana la Orsova mai am de urcat un deal cu panta de 11% iar apoi mai pedalez 20 km pana dupa statiunea Herculane la 7 Izvoare la pestera cu apa termala de sub sosea care este unul din locurile mele preferate din Romania. Aici intalnesc multi oameni in varsta printre care si un batran de 88 de ani cu care conversez despre viata si despre "marea trecere". Omul este vioi, linistit si sanatos. Mi-a marturisit caci bicicleta l-a insotit toata viata ca o buna prietena. Avusese o viata interesanta si nu regreta nimic. Hai la multi ani tataie!

M-am delectat cateva ore in garla fierbinte combinata cu sesiuni criogenice in apa ca de gheata a raului Cerna. In continuare merg la restaurantul Cezar sa ma cinstesc dupa pofta inimioarei. Loc de cazare am eu rezervat in fiecare an, dar nu spun unde ca e secret. Am un loc unde-mi pun cortul anual gratuit in aceasta statiune care era preferata de delicata imparateasa Sisi.
La Baile Herculane ma intorc in fiecare an sa admir si nu ma mai pot satura de superbii "Pinus nigra banatica" care sunt cocotati pe stancile calcaroase ale masivului Domogled.

Ziua urmatoare iar ma duc la tratament la pestera, apoi iar ma simt bine la "Cezar" si dupa amiaza pornesc la Orsova unde dupa ce petrec bine la diverse localuri, tarziu incep sa urc drumul de 2km in serpentine spre manastirea Sfanta Ana. Aici iar am un loc de campare unde obisnuiesc sa ma aciuiesc gratuit. Ma pun cu cortul acolo intr-o poienita. Dimineata urmatoare este momentul sa cobor.

Am intalnire cu un prieten de pe net, cu Andrei, un pasionat cicloturist din capitala cu care-mi programasem o tara pana-n Grecia. Ma intalnesc cu Andrei asadar si pornim din nou spre Dubova, caci vrea si el sa viziteze Cazanele Mici si sa vada cea mai mare statuie din Europa. Dupa ce urcam dealul cu panta de 11% spre Eselnita mai avem inca 15km lejeri si ajungem in zona dorita. Andrei are o bicicleta bunicica si tot rade de gioarsa mea necrezand ca ma va tine pana-n Grecia si inapoi.

Ajunsi pe Defileul Dunarii ma filmeaza si pe mine in timp ce povestesc una si alta despre cicloturism si despre zona in care ne aflam. Pe you tube puteti vedea filmuletul respectiv.

Ajungem si la statuia inalta de 55m care este cu 8m mai inalta decat statuia ce-l reprezinta pe Hristos de la Rio de Janeiro.

Cazanele sunt un sector din defileul Dunării la trecerea prin Munții Carpați. Au o lungime de circa 9 de km. În unele locuri Dunărea se Îngustează până la 230 m, Îngreunând navigația. Fluviul este mărginit de pereți verticali, stâncoși. Adâncimi maxime de circa 75 m. În sectorul Cazanelor viteza de scurgere a apei depășește 5 m/s.
Eu si cu Andrei am pedalat prin Cazanele Mici.

Dupa ce am poposit la pensiunea Steaua Dunarii unde am mancat bine specialitati din peste, vine momentul sa ne intoarcem. O taiem spre Drobeta Turnu Severin.
La cativa km dupa ce iesim din golful Cernei se face un drum la stanga si mergem sa vizitam manastirea Vodita.
Vodița a fost o mănăstire din apropierea satului Vârciorova, municipiul Drobeta Turnu Severin, întemeiată înainte de 1374 de către călugărul Nicodim. Ansamblul a fost reînnoit în timpul domniei lui Vlaicu Vodă (Vladislav I al Țării Românești), după 1400 și în 1689, de această dată de către Cornea Brăiloiu.

Trecem si pe langa clădirile fostei mănăstiri care sunt în ruină.

Azi este o zi importanta, la vama cu Serbia de la Portile de Fier I ne intalnim cu Florin care a venit tocmai de la Bucuresti sa intampine un grup de cicloturisti straini care pedaleaza pe ruta Paris - Pekin. Este una din cele mai importante manifestari cicloturistice din lume sub patronajul Federatiei Franceze de Cicloturism care este infiintata inca din 1992.
Iata-ne asadar pe cei trei ciclocrai de la rasarit asteptand ca prostii in vama sa vina puhoiul de cicloturisti occidentali sa ne cotropeasca scumpa noastra tara atat de inapoiata in multe privinte fata de imbuibarea lor apuseana.

Ne ducem la birtul din vama si savuram oaresice bautura alcoolica si mai putin alcoolica dupa caz. Asteptam ca prostii vreo 2 ore pana vine plutonul. Aici imbulzeala mare, veselie multa, Mie personal mi se face rau si ma apuca crizele de nervi ca am cea mai proasta bicicleta dintre toti si sunt ridiculizat de cativa bosorogi cu care conversez.

Pedalam in sfarsit cu strainii. Este prima data in viata mea cand pedalez cu peste 100 de cicloturisti straini. Discut cu cativa pe traseu. Printre ei gasesc si un american dar cel mai bine ma inteleg cu un francez. Sirul de cicloturistici era parca interminabil, derulandu-se pe cativa km.

La Drobeta am parte de o surpriza ma intalnesc cu RIck, un prieten de-al meu, cel mai mare cicloturist din Buzias pe care-l stiu inca din anul 2000 cand am facut o tura de 1500km impreuna. Suntem in 13 aprilie si alta surpriza ma loveste. Este ziua lui Rick, ne retaragem astfel la un local la iesire din Drobeta unde sarbatorim copios pana la tarzie ora din noapte. Rick a facut cinste si tin sa-i multumesc.
Hei batrane cand ne vom mai intalni la cu chef si-o tura? Stai linistit ca vin! Nu scapi de mine asa de usor!
Ziua urmatoare pedalam cu plutonul. Facem si multe pauze prin sate iar strainii sunt intr-al 9-lea cer cand intalnesc anumite ipostaze cum era la ei in urma cu 100 de ani.
Prin satele prin care trecem lumea ne aclama de pe margine. Intr-un sat un cicloturist neamt se urca intr-o caruta sa simta o senzatie noua.

In alt sat suntem aplaudati de o clasa de copii, iar unul dintre cicloturisti care se vedea ca este mai afemeiat, saruta cu foc pe doamna invatatoare.

Lenka - Trouble is a friend

2011-11-24T16:58:00.000+02:00

Turul Balcanic " La Santa Primavera 2008" - partea 2 - (Defileul Dunarii)

2011-11-23T15:10:00.009+02:00

Chiar la iesire din localitate, dupa ce mai pedalez cateva sute de metrii intalnesc ciudata stanca Babacaia care in mod misterios iese la suprafata din apa Dunarii.
Stânca Babacaia se ridică la 7 metri deasupra apei, iar de aici începe defileul Dunării, cel mai spectaculos segment al Clisurii.
Despre acest loc, există diverse legende, toate având ca punct comun faptul că o femeie ar fi fost legată de această stâncă si lăsată să moară acolo. Cea mai frecventă poveste este cea a unui cneaz sârb care i-ar fi cerut soţiei infidele să se căiască – Babo kaj se. Cum femeia extrem de orgolioasă a refuzat spunând că este nevinovată, omul a legat-o de stâncă şi a lăsat-o acolo.
Aşa se face că multă vreme după aceea, bărbaţii de pe malul românesc al Dunării care aveau neveste infidele, le ameninţau spunând că o s-o păţească şi ele la fel. De acolo şi vorba „babă ca aia”, acum Babacaia.

Mai pedalez doar 200m pana ajung in locul unde pe celalalt mal la sarbi, se vede cetatea “Maria Tereza”. Turnuri aliniate pe stanca, unite intre ele cu ziduri, coboara si ajung sa fie mangaiate de ape. “Se zice ca erau doua surori, una avea castel aici, la noi, cealalta dincolo. Pe vremea aia, Dunarea era numai un fir de apa”, povesteste o localnica. Sus, pe o stanca, chiar deasupra soselei, se ridica o urma de zid.

“Cula”, ii spun localnicii. Se spune ca cetatea a fost ridicata pentru a folosi ca pavaza impotriva navalitorilor turci, chiar aici, pe malul Dunarii, insa de atunci si pana acum au razbit peste veacuri numai niste ruine. Turistii care urmeaza semnele, pana sus, se pot bucura de la inaltimea Culei, de un peisaj unic si pot cuprinde cat vad cu ochii Defileul Dunarii.

Putin mai departe se intra intr-o mareata zona de chei. Peisajele carstice sunt deosebit de spectaculoase.

Fac un mic popas la un izvor si urc o poteca abrupta sa vizitez o pestera.

Pe Dunare zaresc multe barci ale localnicilor care se ocupa cu pescuitul.

Peisajele carstice de aici sunt impresionante.

Blocuri uriase de calcar se ridic deasupra unei vegetatii recrudescente.

Pornesc mai departe si ma opresc la cativa km de aici la cabana Sandvas unde petrec o seara agreabila si unde intalnesc o ospatarita tanara frumoasa cu care discut multe. Apoi ma pun cu cortul langa cabana.
Ziua urmatoare pedalez pe Defileul Dunarii. Vremea este in incalzire, sunt 20 de grade Celsius. Am bucuria sa constat ca pe defileu a inflorit liliacul.

Gasesc si alte plante termofile care abunda in zona submediteraneana.

La un moment dat in apropiere de Svinita ma iau la intrecere cu un vas si reusesc sa-l intrec. Ura! Tot bicicleta e mai tare, fie ea si mai modesta.

Pe alocuri drumul este in renovare. La sarbi se pare ca traseul este chiar mai spectaculos, drumul trece prin multe tunele.

In curand intru in judetul Mehedinti.

Imediat dupa Svinita trec pe langa ruinele cetatii Trikule (sec. XV).

La un moment dat observ o sursa de apa potabila la care nu puteai ajunge decat daca sareai peste un hau adanc de cativa metrii. Fiindu-mi sete ma decid sa ma risc si trag o saritura de zile mari ca-n copilarie. Calitatile mele atletice inca nu m-au parasit. Oh yeah!

Putin mai incolo gasesc un fel de movila destul de abrupta pe care o escaladez in cautare de flora interesanta. Din varful ei am o superba panorama asupra Dunarii.

La un moment dat in stanga mea conturul unei culmi din Mt. Almajului seamana mult cu granita de nord a tarii noastre.

La iesire din Berzasca pot admira ruinele catatii Drencova care sunt inundate de fluviu.

Mai intalnesc si alte flori interesante.

La Cozla, imediat dupa Berzasca sunt oripilat sa vad un colos industrial cazut in ruina de pe vremea comunistilor. Imaginea este dezolanta.

Carla Bruni - Raphael

2011-11-23T15:06:00.000+02:00

Turul Balcanic "La Santa Primavera 2008" - partea 1 - (traversarea Banatului)

2011-11-22T21:51:00.010+02:00

Pe data de 5 aprilie dupa o noapte zbuciumata in care am dormit foarte prost, mai exact am adormit spre dimineata fiind foarte nerabdator sa pornesc la drum, iata ca vine si clipa importanta cand ma sui pe bicicleta incarcata, iau ramas bun si ma indrept spre indepartata Grecie.
Vremea este foarte proasta, adica ploua mocaneste si este destul de rece, dar nimic nu a putut sa ma mai retina din calatoria mea.
Prima oprire o fac la Manastirea Feredeu unde ma rog de unul singur in sfantul lacas de cult si discut cu un calugar ca voi porni spre Muntele Athos cu bicicleta. Acesta se mira si-mi da niste sfaturi duhovnicesti.
In fata altarului gandurile mele se indreapta pline de recunostinta catre Dumnezeu multumindu-i ca mi-a scos in fata un generos sponsor in persoana doamnei Lidia Bradley, presedinta Fundatiei Aspera care m-a sponsorizat cu 340EUR pt. aceasta expeditie.
Aveam sa pornesc intr-o mare aventura.
Bicicleta cu care aveam sa pornesc este una modesta, o veche semicursiera Torino care m-a costat doar 130RON dar de care mi-este foarte dor. Sunt probabil printre putinii "idioti" sau temerari care s-au incumetat sa sfideze regulile si sa se inhame la un asemenea tur cu un asemenea "velodromader" obosit. (Apropo ma adresez comunitati de biciclisti: daca aveti un harb de bicicleta de care nu mai aveti nevoie, ati putea face o fapta buna si sa mi-o donati si la anul voi merge cu ea pana in Franta si ma angajez sa va fac reclama inclusiv pe postul local de Televiziune)
Dupa localitatea Covasant se opreste ploaia, eu sunt cam murat oricum.
La Lipova trec podul peste Mures in directia Timisoara.

Inainte de a trece podul admir putin manastirea franciscana Maria din Radna care este printre cele mai interesante din Transilvania, acum fiind in renovare.

La Neudorf ma opresc sa sarbatoresc caci pe 6 aprilie, adica maine va fi majoratul frumoasei mele surori Oana. Eu am plecat de acasa ca n-am vrut sa le stric petrecerea adolescentilor. Cand era copila, am initiat-o pe Oana in frumoasa lume a cicloturismului, dar nu s-a tinut de ture din pacate. Am mers cu ea doar in ture scurte de pana in 30km in zona mea
Superba mea sora Oana:

Asadar sarbatoresc la Neudorf intr-un bar cu lautari si voie buna pana dupa miezul noptii cand sunt agresat de un tanar beat ce vrea sa ma taie cu cutitul. Aveam asupra mea peste 400EUR. Pe vremea aceea eram mai "a l'aise" adica mai bastan si mai smecher.
Pana la urma o tai, bajbai prin noapte si pe traseu ma opreste si un echipaj al Politiei Rutiere, eu sunt vizibil baut dar am vesta reflectorizanta si far pe spate si nefiind un drum circulat scap fara amenda.
La nici 1 km de la locul faptei ma pun cu cortul. Dorm foarte bine. Dimineata constat ca m-am pus dupa niste pomi infloriti.

Sunt atat de fericit! Sa inceapa aventura! Traiasca Pantani Carpaticus! Traiasca cicloturismul!

Dimineata inainte de plecare fac o poza locului unde am dormit prima noapte. Modesta mea bicicleta cu care voi atinge tarmul Marii Egee trecand pe langa Mt. Carpati si peste Mt. Balcani ma asteapta docila.

Daca ieri traseul a fost plat cu exceptia usoarelor catarari din zona podgoriei aradene Masca - Paulis, incepand de azi am si niste catarari scurte dar cu panta medie si de 10%. Desi sunt in Campia de Vest, zona mai mult seamana cu una de podis.
Campul este de un verde intens. Cat vad cu ochii sunt imbratisat de aceasta culoare efervescenta a renasterii naturii. Gandul imi zboara spre Bacovia:
"Verde crud , verde crud
Mugur alb si roz si pur
Te mai vad , te mai aud
Verde crud, verde crud"

Dupa ce urc o panta serioasa in apropiere de Alios sunt atacat de un fioros caine ciobanesc cu care ulterior ma imprietenesc dupa ce-l servesc cu niste salam.

Ajung si-n localitatea Alios unde intalnesc o adolescenta biciclista cu care schimb cateva vorbe.

Intalnesc si un iedut zburdalnic. Frumoasa este lumea satului banatean!

Continui sa pedalez, mai am cateva pante, drumul este excelent. In localitatea Fibis ma opresc sa admir un grup statuar reprezentand 2 personaje biblice.

In Pischia ma opresc sa ma alimentez cu renumita apa din centrul localitatii si iar langa o biserica descopar un alt grup statuar. In caz ca exista cineva care stie cum se numesc bisericile respective va rog sa ne informati.

In aceasta zi pedalez tare, vremea este cam racoroasa si inorat. Ma opresc sa mananc o plescavita in Timisoara apoi dau tare la pedale avand si un vant din spate. Dupa oraselul Deta intalnesc in plopii de pe marginea drumului zeci de cuiburi de ciori.

Ba, o ciora isi face nevoile pe bagajul bicicletei mele, sa fac o criza de nervi nu alta. Pacat ca n-am o pusca la mine sa ma distrez putin.

Aproape de intrarea in judetul Caras-Severin ma prinde noaptea, ma ataca 2 caini ciobanesti si incep si catararile spre bucuria mea. O luna plina ma saluta iar eu ma pun cu cortul pe noapte la intrare in judetul CS, dupa niste boscheti.

In timpul noptii am parte de fenomene stranii, dorm foarte agitat, am cosmaruri, mi se pare ca aud voci, am si halucinatii. Dimineata constat siderat ca mi-am amplasat cortul exact langa osemintele inalbite de vreme ale unei bovine.
Pe loc imi vine revelatia ca din aceasta viata nu ne alegem decat cu sufletul si oasele. Restul este doar un vis fermecator dar atat de trecator.
Deci haideti oameni buni sa fim mai buni si sa ne traim "clipa cea repede ce ni s-a dat" cat mai frumos, cat mai intens.

Dupa Oravita am parte de ceva catarari, am de urcat dealul de langa Neculint, apoi am de urcat 6km de serpentine in Mt. Locvei. Vegetatia incepe sa apara, suntem intr-o zona cu puternice influente ale climei submediteraneene.
In departare pot sa vad raul Nera care nu mai are mult pana la varsarea in fluviu.

In ultima parte a catararii trec printr-o padure de larice superba. Chiar in varf gasesc un panou care ma pune la curent despre frumoasa zona in care intru.

Urmeaza 10km de coborare si dupa ce trec si de orasul Moldova Noua unde ma opresc sa mananc ceva la un restaurant, mai am cativa km de pedalat cand dupa localitatea Coronini ma intalnesc cu fluviul. Aici incepe drumul sa urmareasca cu fidelitate cursul Dunarii.

Chiar la iesire din localitate, dupa ce mai pedalez cateva sute de metrii intalnesc ciudata stanca Babacaia care in mod misterios iese la suprafata din apa Dunarii.

Richard Strauss - Metamorphosen (Part 1)

2011-11-22T21:45:00.000+02:00

Turul Octombrie Mon Amour 2011 - partea 24 ( prin cel mai frumos oras din Romania)

2011-11-20T20:41:00.007+02:00

Ajung si-n Piata Sfatului, poate cea mai frumoasa piata din Romania.

Piata este inconjurata de case vechi de cateva secole.Suntem in centrul istoric al Brasovului care poate rivaliza cu multe centre istorice ale oraselor occidentale.

Spre bucuria mea gasesc si o veloparcare. Suntem pe drumul cel bun asadar.

Casa Sfatului, fosta primarie a orasului se ridica impetuos in mijlocul pietei. Pe frontispiciul sau zarim stema orasului, o coroana. Pe vremuri orasul s-a numit Kronstadt (Orasul Coroanei)

In apropiere este biserica greceasca Sfanta Treime pe care o vizitez.

Aici gasesc icoane superbe.

Urmatorul obiectiv turistic este Biserica Negra, a carei constructie a durat un secol intre anii 1377-1477, fiind cea mai mareata biserica in stil gotic dintre Viena si Istanbul

Langa biserica se afla statuia marelui carturar - Johannes Honterus (n. 1498 - d. 23 ianuarie 1549) care a fost un stralucit teolog reformator sas.

Arhitectura acestei grandioase biserici este fascinanta.

Prin apropiere se afla strada Sforii care este cea mai stramta din Europa. Singurul mijloc de transport cu care poti circula pe aceasta strada este bicicleta.

La poalele Tampei se afla bastionul Tesatorilor, o constructie gotica care este cea mai mare de acest tip din Romania.

Langa bastion se afla un cimitir al eroilor.

Tot prin zona vizitez si biserica Sfanta Parascheva in cimitirul careia isi doarme somnul cel de veci poetul Andrei Muresanu.

Ma mai plimb putin pana ajung langa Facultatea de Silvicultura unde tata a fost student candva. Aici zaresc un artar cu frunzele parca de foc.

Mai merg cativa pasi si ajung la Poarta Ecaterina, un bastion medieval deosebit de frumos realizat in stilul clasic.

In curand ajung si la Poarta Scheii unde ma intalnesc cu o mireasa.

Brasovul a fost un oras fortificat care rivaliza cu Sibiul pe vremuri. O mare parte din ziduri au fost restaurate si se pastreaza bine si-n zilele noastre.
Plimbandu-ma pe Aleea Dupa Ziduri patesc un ciudat fenomenu. Dintr-o data simt ca ma lasa picioarele, simt ca nu mai pot merge. Posibil ca frigul sa ma fi patruns bine in aceasta lunga escapada mioritica prin octombrie.

Ma tarasc cu greu pana la primul pub unde stau la niste bere sa-mi revin. Stau aici cateva ore si din pacate nu am norocul sa ma intalnesc cu Gheorghe Nicodin, unul dintre cei mai pasionati ciclocataratori romani, delegat national al clubului international de cycloclimbing BIG Challenge. In acest local gasesc multe obiecte vechi interesante.
/s400/100_6835.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677174910802167074" />

Ajuns la bunica, ma decid sa iau un tren de noapte spre casa. Din gara imi cumpar o sticla de vin sa-mi mai treaca de urat in tren.

Pe tren am norocul sa ma imprietenesc cu Marines, un argentinian din Buenos Aires care face o lunga tura europeana. Am cu cine sa ma simt bine si petrecem o serata minunata intai in compartiment apoi la vagonul restaurant. Sa traiesti amigo!

Pe la 3AM ne ducem si noi sa ne culcam. Dimineata ajungem in Arad de unde iau alt tren spre Ineu. Pe la ora 10AM sunt si eu acasa unde vine momentul sa-mi iau un concediu de odihnna si de recreere caci sunt terminat, subrezit si obosit dupa atatea aventuri.

Vanessa Paradis - Divine Idylle

2011-11-20T20:39:00.000+02:00