Day 12 – Zagan to Eisenhuttenstadt
The cyclists were allowed a lie in this morning having had a huge 265km cycle yesterday. Today’s journey is the shortest throughout the trip with a “cosy” 90km to cover in this 12th and penultimate day of the HSBC Life Cycle Challenge. To add to their comfort, the route was a fairly flat terrain, aDay 11 – Nysa to Zagan
Yet more Polish Hospitality!! Shortly after waking up at the Primary School in Biala Nyska, the team was again visited by Mr. Jozef Adamon, Director of the Education Department and Ms. Malgorzata Przyslak, who most kindly offered a free breakfast, courtesy of the Town Hall. They further presented a kaleidoscope of impressions of Nysa and,Day 10 – Zywiec to Nysa
At 5.30am, the Gimnazjum Nr 2 in Zywiec was already bustling with activity as the HSBC Lifecycle Challenge entered its tenth day. The system of preparation for the cyclists and support team has now become routine, with breakfast starting at 6am and finishing at 7am. The next hour is spent in last minute details onDay 9 – Krakòw to Zywiec
After yesterday’s short ride, the cyclists now face 3 cruel days of over 200km each. 23 cyclists are still in the Challenge and many try to joke about the next 3 days but, in reality, most are worried that the long rides might bring about injuries that might make them drop out from the challenge.Day 8 – Starawiez to Tarnòw, to Krakòw
The plan today had been to have a fairly comfortable day, with a “mere” 105km to ride between Novy Sacz and Krakòw. However, a contingency plan had to be made because of yesterday’s earlier stop at Stara Wies. Today’s accommodation is in Krakòw, the city where Pope John Paul 11 had been Bishop and Cardinal.Day 7 – Sambir to Starawiez
If ever there was a spell cast on the life cycle vehicles, then the HSBC Life Cycle Challenge was certainly it. As the vehicles started leaving to meet the team at the border, it was noticed that the kitchen truck had a radiator problem. So, it was taken to a mechanical garage, but repair wasDay 6 – Mukachevo to Sambir
The team woke up early this morning for the long day ahead. Soon after, the much-awaited luggage van arrived, a much welcome sight even if much later than expected. Because of the recent Ukranian blast, the logistics team planned a detour to Sambir, instead of the originally proposed route. The new route was welcomed byDay 5 – Satu Mare to Mukachevo
Today, everybody woke up with a feeling of excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead. Today’s journey across the border seemed a daunting prospect in an alien country and surrounded by a certain aura of mystery. Not speaking the language made it seem more formidable. After 35km, the team arrived at the Ukranian border. TheDay 4 – Cluj Napoca to Satu Mare
Yesterday’s heavy rainfall continued well into the night, but thankfully cleared by dawn, becoming warm and sunny as the day wore on, but then again with spells of rain towards dusk. Such unpredictable weather, but perhaps understandable considering that the team was passing through the Carpathian Mountains. Despite yesterday’s mishaps, everybody woke up eager to- 1
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