CYCLING CROATIA - Phil & Jill - 2019

Today we were to cycle along the spine of the island to the other end of the Hvar island. This ride continued south and explored the quieter side of the island. To get to the starting point of the ride we went by mini bus over the very steep ridge with dramatic views. This is becoming characteristic of travelling through Croatia. The views are beautiful no matter what part of the island you are travelling in.

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Cycling Croatia guide team are very efficient with the numerous logistics they need to provide. The bikes are well maintained, snacks, fruit and water are always on hand. Dali and Erwin are so hospitable and friendly. It makes such a pleasant start to the day.

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Phil and I, together with several others, took option of the van nearly to the top of the road where the cycle for today started thus avoiding a 5 mile horrendous ride up. Good decision!!

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We started riding on the main Pelješac road still climbing for a way through Plavac mali and Dingač wineyards. It soon became a much mote pleasant, underlating ride with grapes on the vines on very low lying, clumped vines. The direction was entering Oskorušno at 180 degree curve. Then on through Kuna and Potomje. These were tiny villages consisting of only about five or six houses. The villagers eeked out their livelihood with the sale of lavendar products and olive oil.

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We came across this war memorial dedicated to Croatian freedom militia who had been fighting the German army and the Croatian Ustasa militia which was a local Fascist regime allied to the Germans.

Along the roads in these tiny villages sometimes only comprising 5 or 6 houses some small stalls selling lavendar products and olive oil.

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Erwin waving us off after a top up water stop.

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Phil took a wander around to see what was about -

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After lunch we continued on the main road to the beach and boarded the ferry to Korcula.

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Some went by rubber duckie over to the island.

We said goodbye to the bikes as the guys had to drive right around.

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We wandered into town via many little laneways until we came to another gorgeous stone restaurant. Phillip thought it was aptly named for him. Korcula is a very different place to Hvar. It is elegant snd conservstive. The restaurant where we had dinner had been nominated for a Michelin star.

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The end of another wonderful day.