Family Mountain Bike Trip, Kayaks and Bergmuzik!

As Rog had such a great day cycling we decided we should have a family cycling outing. We have brought bikes for Alex and Charlie with us but not for Rog and I. The vast majority of Europeans camping have bikes with them (generally fitted on very well designed racks on the front or back of the caravan). We rented mountain bikes, one with a chariot for the girls as Charlie's legs seem to suddenly stop working about 100m from the campsite.

I found a route which looked interesting... maybe a  bit ambitious. It was a 14km loop to the end of one of the neighbouring valleys but involved a 590m vertical climb.. Mmmmm... Cycling uphill with two (not insubstantial) girls in the chariot was a very good work out!!

Fortunately we were saved by finding a lovely cafe at the top which specialised in sausage in bread and ice-cream (and had a big box of Lego!!). There was a group of 'old-timers' in traditional costume and a lad playing the accordian.

All our efforts paid off with a fantastic down hill run (the chariot was flying... literally!) back to the camp-site.

The beautiful Alps around Lofer

The girls in their chariot!

Saved by the cafe

We went into Lofer in the evening and it was the medal presentation of the ICF Wildwater Junior Canoeing World Championships. The racing had been taking place on the river in front of our caravan for the preceeding few days. We had met the Australian team at the bakery the day before!

Then to finish the day there was a concert of traditional Bergmusik (mountain music).  It was really  something as the band of about 30 musicians were all in traditional dress and paraded into the village square.

The victorious Swiss team

Bergmuzik in Lofer

Two Mountains in one day

Today we went up the cable car from Lofer, near Salzburg in Austria. We used the excellent Salzberger Saalachtahl (Salzberg Card) which gave us unlimited free rides on the cable car. We were given the card free when we checked into Camp Grubhoff. It also gives discounts and free entry to a variety of other attractions in the area.

We split up at the top and Sarah and the kids went back down. I continued on my bike up another 7.5km  (900 vertical metres) to Mount Schwarzeck (1565m). This is easily the hardest cycling I have ever done but the views at the top were worth it. It was a stunning clear day and there were mountains as far as the eye could see. There were a few walkers on top of the mountain but it was very quiet given it was mid July. I then cycled down 3.5 km (300m vertical) downhill. I climbed to the top of Mount Dietrichshorn (1542m) on foot which was a very steep climb at times by via ferreta. Then a 7.5 km (1000  vertical metres) adrenaline filled decent to the pretty village of Reith.

Austria has a reputation as an expensive country however we have found that it offers excellent value for money and a lot of things that in other countries (especially Italy) you would have to pay for are free. An example of this are the free detailed mountain-biking and hiking maps. There are well maintained walking and cycling paths with good signage that corresponds to the maps. 10/10 Austria!

Planning the ride down

Me at the top

The route back to Lofer

Camp Grubhoff (Our excellent campsite)

Beehives on the mountain.

Mountain Biking in the Austrian Alps

Today Alex and I went up the Lofer Cable car. In summer they allow you to take your bikes up to the top of the mountain. I rented a bike from a local bike hire place. Like everything in Austria it was top quality with disk brakes and suspension. We had real fun riding down the mountain. Although we got a bit lost and broke a few rules along the way. 

Alex enjoying himself

Oops.. another rule broken!!

(translation: transit prohibited for bicycles

)

Alex enjoying the view.