Page 103 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL WINTER 2024 SCOTLAND

morning, the tour director gave a presenta‐
tion on the route for the day and warnings
about possible detours due to the flooding.
Then with our picnics tucked into
paniers, water bottles handy, helmets on,
we set off on our bikes, through fragrant
vineyards, lush farms, cool forests and
quaint villages, crowned with a church
steeple, and flowerpots blossoming every‐
where. We glided past ancient castles high
on hilltops and savored the fun and adven‐
ture as we rode along and found our way.
The path wound along the Danube River,
swollen from the recent rain, sometimes
taking a detour when the path was flooded
or full of debris. After a couple hours of rid‐
ing, we’d stop for coffee or tea, splurging on
homemade cake and pastries, enjoying the
luxury of the special treats we’d be burning
off in our hours of pedaling.

could not get under the bridges. So, Buda‐
pest became a bus trip for those who chose
that option. We chose to take another ride
near Vienna that day.
The staff made several sandwich op‐ The Danube River, swollen from the recent rain..The
tions for a picnic lunch, as we’d be pedaling author enjoying mid morning coffee and treats.
till midafternoon, when we would meet the
boat at the next stop on the river. Each

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