For those you that heard rumors of my early demise, they are untrue. Although I thought I was dead several times on the big climb, I found that if you are in pain, you must be among the living. Let’s just say it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done period. At times the only thing that kept me going was that my friends from Calgary (Daphne & Frank) did it last year. And they are not as young as I.

Wonderful weather and beautiful scenery if start the climb up the Austrian Alps.

Following the Salzach river up.

The highest peak in Austria 🇦🇹.

Tunneling several times upwards.

This one has a separate tunnel just for bikes.

Bad Gastein. Locally known as the road to the sun.

The falls of Bad Gastein . 20% grade🥵. I push horse up most of the last 5 kilometers. I repeat “I think I can”. Over and over.

So many beautiful waterfalls 💦

Me searching for the train for bikes 🚴🏻

Still searching. Very confusing and cold up here.

Horse and I finally found the train. Yahoo!!!

The descent from the train was very fast 💨 and scary. I stopped several times just to catch my nerve to continue. Hot brake’s .

Near my camp at Obervelach it begins to rain. And does so all the way to Villach where I arrived wet, tired, and cold. The lady at the campground felt sorry for me and found a room (actually a camper) so I am suddenly blessed with a warm dry place to sleep the night. Grateful I am.
I hope you have a little trial magic in your day. Take care, Freebird