In the middle of the year we received a message from Ondrey in the Czech Republic. He wanted to organize a 300 km, 150 km and 75 km ride in the border area near Decin. We did not let ourselves be asked twice, because a cross-border cultural exchange, not only because of culinary highlights, is a hit, a weekend in the countryside would store and we could present our pocket rockets for stick and stone. Welcome to the Bohemian Border Bash.
No-leaf clover
Around the figure 13 there is enough spook. The turn gets even better when Fridays comes into play.
Henri was the first to set off for the Miriquidi to roll to the start for the 300 ride. So he went at 6 h in the morning to the east. Arriving at Intercamp Mosquito, high-fiving Ondrey, lending some sweet Sour, strapping on bags and shirt and going out into the impressive nature.
In the first kilometers everyone has his plan for the route fixed. For Henri it went on until darkness and on with the search for a suitable place to sleep. For Stefan, with whom the first paths were shared, it was clear: first 300 km and because then Saturday is off, simply another 150 km. Easy. Foxy dude!
With Henri the aura of this ominous day – Friday, the 13th – has completely penetrated him. And with that tires as well as several tubes. Pfff. Changed from tubeless to with it. Continuing. Pfff. Emergency patches came out of Cologne from Wojtek. Going further. After the second technical breaks Henri was on his own. Pfff…. Strike Three and last tube. Continuing and trying to stay calm.
On the way to the Space mountain Jested Henri got some tubes beside the track and pulled his head clear during a dignified supper at the tower restaurant. The day’s destination was just 95 kilometers away: bivouac site at mountain Snezník. Fortunately, the route was a bit more relaxed compared to the first part and so the kilometers rolled a bit better on the speedometer. Quickly he got a sweet beer as a bedtime candy, greeted his new neighbors and made a camp for the night. The main prize for this memorable day would have been a burning tarb. With all its giving warmth he went with the desire for a fire extinguisher in restless sleep. Good night, Henri!
Last Rides
Time leap: Friday noon. While the Bash is already running, Christoph and I are on our way. The first kilometers roll on the Elbe Cycle Route with a short stop for the last errands and crossing the Elbe by ferry. Afterwards we are drawn to higher regions and the last 45 kilometres we pedal through the Saxon fairytale forest. For our project manager this turn is “Business as usual”. Something more special for me. First of all I am less often in the saddle, secondly our El Hefe played mindgames the whole week and thirdly this are the last days with the Sour-Gang. So stay attentive, soak up and enjoy.
The Intercamp Mosquito lies in a small well of a stretching plateau and delights our eyes with beautiful late summer sunshine. Freshly showered, we prepare the Sourmobil for the upcoming day, move into our small hut, which is equipped with goodies of all sponsors and supporters, and test the first Czech beer – a ceske pivo, dobre pivo!
The evening will end with a campfire, grilled cheese and Klobasa and a presentation on the Silk Road Mountain Race. We marvel at stunning pictures, Felix, who caught up with us on our way, and I celebrate them very much. The narrative is then rather grounding us again, because it is simply “next level” and with regard to the possibilities as well as positive and negative experiences in the field of endurance it impresses to the core. Packed with the best impressions it also goes to bed for us.
Vstávat a svítit!
After a restless night Henri starts the day with a full pot of sunshine. Snacks, clears up the camp and goes off to the highest peak of the region: Decínský Snežník. Surrounded by sunshine he went to the next breakfast table. Garlic soup was unfortunately not served at nine in the morning – but cappuccino and cake were not bad either! Then the waiting begins in imperial weather.
Fueled with coffee and eggs we start towards mountain Snezník. The little bike rascals had been on the track since half past ten and it is about 65 kilometres to the first refreshment point. Exactly the one we will play on. With cakes, bananas, biscuits, water and bars powered by Chimpanzee. Two things go through our heads. Are we on time? The second thought is related to the punctual. Is our stash enough? So we make a small stop on our way, add wafers and fulminate to the top.
The joy of reunion is great! Henri is looking forward to a third breakfast and we are delighted that the boy stands stable in front of us. Together we set up everything quickly and get everything ready for the arrival of the first pedal knights. The self-imposed time pressure flies away when we are finished and we realize that it could still take some time before the first bashers arrive. We pass the time with one of the most beautiful views over the Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland, dance interludes and tell each other our little adventures.
All participants get their money’s worth with us. The buffet is moderately grazed, the drinking bottles filled and another two things packed for on the way. There is a lot of talk about the experienced route and what is even more important: What is still ahead of you? Henri meets Stefan again on his second lap. Just that bucks him up to finish the 150 version with more kilometers to go than planned. Mix it Baby!
After we have waited for the last stragglers, we slowly dismantle our drive through, cruise into the valley to get some fuel for the evening at the next supermarket. Henri will be happy – hopefully.
Fire!
Henris engine fires up about 30 kilometres from the finish. Can only be due the food and of course the pleasant anticipation of a fiery evening. Ondrey greets all finishers with a welcome beer and we look into doubly happy faces. After everyone got themselves ready for the evening, the first pieces of suckling pig and vegetarian variations are served. It gets a little chilly. We are already making plans how we will lit the medieval fire – sneaky of course. But Ondrey tells us that there is a surprise waiting for us. Eh… and what a surprise. From the corner of our eye we take the first smaller flames until a brilliant fire show like the Battle of Helm’s Deep is on. Acrobatic juggling, medieval costumes and fire columns with flying sparks into the night sky. Rad!
A great end of a brilliant weekend, which already calls with melancholy for repetition. We thank Ondrey for his invitation, the participants and the comrades-in-arms who made this Bash possible.
For me another one goes out to Christoph and Henri! Thank you both for the wonderful time.
Christoph, Henri, René – September 2019
[metaslider id=1549]
