Day 02 - Kočevje, Slovenia to Delnice, Croatia

This was a day of transitions: we left Slovenia behind and entered Croatia, and we said farewell to our wonderful Slovenian hosts Petra and Jure, and welcomed An'So as a rider, as she was able to use Jure's Coker from the border. (Heaven knows where the luggage with her own unicycle actually is.) We also switched from Euro currency to the Croatian kuna, and from relatively easy rolling roads and flats to a challenging 400 meter ascent shortly after the border crossing. One constant: it stayed rather hot. Though perception is relative: our Canadian found the heat extreme, while our Texan was right at home.

The scenery did not change dramatically: we are still surrounded by beautiful fields, tall pines and other trees, and wide open skies. However, there were far fewer cars on the road, sometimes none at all for long stretches, making the ride more relaxing. As he is well known for, Roger was able to "stretch out" on his Coker and read a book at the front of pack, while the rest of us cranked merrily along.

Before the border, we took a break at the Costella water plant, as this was one of our sponsors. A nice man handed us cases of water which we gladly accepted, and straightway "pounded" into our bodies. After a chorus of hugs for Petra and Jure, we passed through the border to Croatia, getting our passports stamped by officials clearly not interested in our mode of transport. Then we hit the major 10k climb, a road that was often quite steep and snaked around in many switchbacks. Soon enough we were at our lodging in Delnice, a pleasant hotel in the center of town.

Half the group visited a gorge called Vrazji Prolaz (Devil's Pass), while other riders took naps, read and enjoyed the long afternoon. Dinner at the hotel was delicious, and the group turned in for an early night before the long ride on Day 3.

Croatian Fun Fact (courtesy of Lonely Planet)
The neck tie is a descendant of the cravat, which originated in Croatia as part of military attire. The name 'cravat' is a corruption of Croat and Hrvat.

Croatian Menu Items:
Bear Prosciutto Ham
Frog Legs in Beer Batter
Pork Neck in Red Wine
Boar Medallions in Beer

Quotes of the Day:
Dave: "Where is everybody?"
"Well, this is Slow-venia."
-Beau, on the start to the day.

Connie: "I'm really glad Roger's not here."
A rider: "Why?"
"Because the van is in his name."
-Connie, while navigating through a perilously narrow road.

"This food is better than if I got it 15 minutes ago."
-Beau at the restaurant, commenting on the hunger factor.

"It's a, e, i, o, u and sometimes v."
Mike, on the many Slovenian and Croatian words that appear to lack a vowel.

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Created: Saturday, June 23, 2007 08:28