Austria - Now, where were we? Early Summer Tourists in 2014

Well, it was a busy year. Austria - June and July 2014

Nassfeld - a perfect day for a bike ride

I really like the ride up to Sportgastein. It basically follows the river, a few testing climbs on the way before reaching Nassfeld. This translates to 'damp field' which fortunately it is not. It is open high pasture surrounded by towering mountains. Alms are dotted around. Our favourite in 2014 is the Valeriehaus by the Car Park. Great food stunning views and nice owners.

Looking South at Nassfeld

Dienten

Smartest Alm is the Steinbockalm above Dienten

Dienten is under an hour from Bad Hofgastein. It's a high mountain village in the shadow of the Hochkonig.

TW had not been to the Steinbochalm before but it has now joined her list of favourites. The Alm is fairly close to the top of the double chair and its a nice ride up and pleasant walk down. The design is a modern twist on a traditional Austrian wooden building.

Dienten

The new reservoir above Bad Gastein

Tour of Austria

Tour of Austria - Pete gets the Gold Jersey

The Tour of Austria passes nearby so a nice day out is to Alpendorf for the finish to the stage. Peter Kennaugh was in the lead and was the eventual winner. Could do with the Sky bus following me around. It comes complete with washing machines and a team of mechanics.

SKY Pinarello's in pieces after a long stage

TW in Southern Germany

Heading Home
We made two stops on our trip back to England. The first was in Nordlingen in Southern Germany,

an old walled provincial town. Plenty of scope for cycling on the quiet roads. We had hoped to find a nice lively place to watch the World Cup final but ended up in very quiet bar. 

Brains and Beer in Belgium
Next stop Leuven in Belgium, just short of Brussels. Bit of an accidental discovery for us. It's a lovely old place. Having been totally destroyed in the first stages of WW1 it has been rebuilt and is now a buzzing University town. It's also the home of Stella Artois.

Now, where shall we eat.

Bike Parking Belgian Style (been on the Stella?)

The biggest challenge we faced in Leuven was getting in and out of the Hotel Car Park. We stayed at the Ibis in town which was fine but it had a subterranean garage with vehicles packed like sardines. Even our little car had to squeeze its way in with wing mirrors retracted.