Safe Return Doubtful

57 miles (92 km) – Total so far: 1,311 miles (2,110 km)

Just a short uphill out of Zakopane and spectacular views of the High Tatras on a beautiful fresh morning.

A steady road climb of 160 metres up to 940 metres asl.

Cycling in most of the National Park is not allowed and strictly enforced, but there are a few tracks that are possible.

This track ascends steeply at first then short ups and downs. With the recent rain it’s wet and boggy also, but some great off-road riding for an hour or so.

The village of Plażówka.
Some smart new houses being built, but not quite the level of tourism that there is down on the main road.

And pretty much always, incredible views. Still at 900 metres above sea level.

Then downhill into Slovakia for a while.

Other than the other day, when I cut through the east of the country coming from Ukraine, I have been one other time, in quite a different context. In 2006 when teaching in Prague I led a sports tour of 50 9-14 year olds to Bratislava. Seems an age ago.

Just after the border, still at 800 metres, the town of Suchá Hora, and its little school.
Great to see so many children travelling by bicycle.

The low point of the day, at about 600 metres, the Orava reservoir.
The riding either side of it was the least interesting of the day also, pretty busy roads, and missing those Tatras..

Then a very gradual uphill back to 840 metres, spread over 25 km or so.

This is the old Slovakia – Poland border, not used since 2004. Poland was an EU member from the year before, Slovakia in 2004.

Then a fast 13 km downhill to end the day, losing about 250 metres, to the town of Rajcza, where I am tonight.