CYCLING CROATIA - Phil & Jill - 2019

Our luggage all stowed on the tiny boat, we took the short 15 minute ferry ride from Korcula to the mainland. We boarded the mini van again to drive to our commencing point. This will be our last day of riding.

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The bikes were waiting as usual and the troops were ready to mount up.

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Barbara and Peter

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The 2 Natalies

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Celeste

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Wendi and Jimmy

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Alex

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Karen and Rob

Cheryl and Tim

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Chuck and Jane

Carol and David

Us - Phil and Jill

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Our guides - Daylbor, Erwin and Pero

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Our first ride took us on the main Pelješac road through Plavac Mali and Dingač vineyards. It was a pretty ride with the low lying grapes everywhere. The route continued on from Kuna to Oskorušno still on the main road. We had a few turns at Oskorušno to Orebič. These were more tiny villages with the characteristic white houses. Sometimes groups of 4 to 5 men were gathered to have a chat and coffee. Daylbor said that every Croatian has time for a coffee with a friend. The relaxed way of life was an important part of their culture which could account for the extreme friendliness we have encountered.

After a very leisurely and pleasant ride we turned down a small village road to Matuško winery.

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We were treated to a wine tasting with bread, proscuito and cheese to accompany the award winning Dingač wines. The tasting started with the lightest wine they produce to grappa. Martina, the grand-daughter of the original owner explained that as all the grape picking was still done by hand due to the rocky nature of the soil . It was a very much co-operative operation by neighbouring families helping each other. We then had a tour of the winery.

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I was unsure if we should of been hopping a bike after the wine but there you are not only going on the bike but through a tunnel which can always be disorientating.

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The tour had saved the best to last of 9kms of downhill along the Dalmatia coast to last. It probably was one of the best experiences I have ever had on a bike. The expansive views of the ocean, the downhill I was braking at 35 kmph. It was the most wonderful liberating feeling.

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Then of course the inevitable climb and as we swooped around the corner and came across a team of grape pickers, Celeste, who had been doing a sterling job on her road bike thought it wss the end. When told there was still 7kms to go she dropped down on her handlebars but in her inimitable style, she put her head up and said, I can do another 7 kms and thus talked herself into it. She was truly amazing individual at 77 to be riding as she was on a road bike with drop down handles.

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Finally and sadly it was time to say farewell to the bikes and although it would have been nice to have a swim we jumped in the minivan to go to a little fishing village for a four course seafood meal to celebrate our fantastic ride

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Phillip got to his feet and gave a congratulory speech to our guides Dalybor, Erwin and Pero who were to leave us after our lunch. His initial words summed it up for everyone.....'What a ride!!' Much praise to all and hugs all round. We had had the best time

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After another hour in the mini van we arrived in Dubrovnik to our Hotel Aria high up on the hill overlooking the Gruz port. Exhausted, hot but very happy we dropped on the bed.