Date: Saturday 30th October 2004 (NOT 23rd October as originally planned in the calendar, or 15th October as stated in the meeting), with the option of staying overnight until Sunday
Suggested By: Roger
Meeting Point: Hohenau an der March train station
Meeting time: Train arrives in Hohenau at 9.39am, leaving from Wien Mitte at 8.29, Wien Nord 8.33 and Wien Handelskai at 8.37 (also other stations, please check under fahrplan.oebb.at for details). If a lot of people register I will check with the ÖBB if it is possible to reserve for the bikes - I don't think this will be possible, so there is a small chance that there may be no room! There is no backup plan should this happen. The earlier you get on the train, the less chance there will be of there being no room!
Particulars: The river March forms the border between Austria and Slovakia, and is an unspoilt natural paradise, with very few roads. There is a nice bike path on both sides of the river. There is very little overall gain or loss in height, but I can't guarantee that there won't be any small hills on route. There will be no long climbs though.
Description: Hohenau lies directly on the river March, and there is a bridge right by the town. We will cross the bridge immediately, so most of the ride will be on Slovak territory. We will then go south along the river towards Bratislava. We will try and stop in a town or village as soon as possible within Slovakia, to change money etc. Bratislava is approximately 70km (maybe a few more?) to the south. In the town of Zahorska Ves, there is a small ferry to Angern in Austria, should anybody not want to go all the way to Bratislava (you need Slovak money to pay for this ferry! They do NOT accept Euros!). There are regular train connections from Angern to Vienna.
From Bratislava, there are trains back to Vienna which carry bikes at 16.14, 19.21 and 20.14. These take about one hour. There is also the possibility (if you have any energy left) to cycle back to Wolfsthal and take the S7 train back from there.
For those who would like to stay overnight in Bratislava, we can then go for a ride on Sunday - maybe into the "Male Karpaty" hills, or somewhere else around Bratislava. There is also the possibility, for those who would prefer a more relaxing day to spend the day looking round the city. There will be no "formal plan" for Sunday! Train times back are the same on Sunday evening as on Saturday.
Registration: Please email or call me if you intend coming on this ride, and also let me know as soon as possible if you intend staying overnight in Bratislava. I have not yet looked for accommodation., but I think it should not be a problem to find. I will look into this nearer the time, and send details to those who have registered!
Equipment:
A bike in good condition!
Basic repair kit (bringing a spare inner tube is also to be recommended), pump, and a basic first aid kit.
Please bring with you suitable clothes for cycling, depending on the weather. As always, I would recommend that you always wear a helmet when cycling.
Passport, and if necessary a Visa for Slovakia (Visa not required for EU, USA, Canada, South African citizens, according to the info I have seen. If you are unsure, please check yourself). Although Slovakia is now in the EU, it is not in Schengen, so there are still passport controls at the border, and you will NOT be able to enter the country without one!
Bring something to eat with you - I don't know if there are many villages on the route to stop for food. Also make sure you bring plenty of water.
plus of course the usual stuff if you intend staying overnight!
Weather: If the weather report is bad, please inquire whether the trip will take place! Should the weather be bad on Saturday, we could consider doing the ride on Sunday, if the weather is better (Monday is also a national holiday, so it would be possible to stay overnight Sunday-Monday).
Roger. 0650 407 1287