Full speed ahead - that's what we promised yesterday, and now at 6 PM, with all the tents standing, having built a dam rivaling that of Gilau and packing the cheese and potatoes off the trailer, we can say with full confidence that we have delivered. The tenth Expedition is cruising ahead.
So let's recap what happened on the first day. Very early on the morning (at dawn, according to some), at 7:30 AM we started assembling in the courtyard. We were all there - parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and the dog, and after a (too) hasty packing, we said our emotional goodbyes to the ones staying at home, and with the aid of a really nice policeman, lined up straight, we left the city behind. As we began cycling, with every turn of the pedal, we were overwhelmed with a sense of security and calm - we're on the way, and nothing can stop us now. That is until we got a most urgent and important phone call - a large, indeed, very large box of cookies was left on the courtyard. Sure, there are ways to explain this blunder: the impatient policeman, our desire to just get on the way and so on - but heck, with tasks this complex, errors can slip in easily. Let that be the worst to happen. In the end, some helpful dads and moms, whom we thank very much, hurried after us with the things we've left, so now all is well again.
After Gilau we said goodbye to the policeman and cycled on, at an exemplary pace, well-suited for the first day. Then we ate the delicious sandwiches brought from home by the shore of the Tarnita Lake, took a short rest and steeled ourselves for the climb. Other than forced rests due to cramps, no one took the option of going with the car. The veterans biked like pros, but the new cyclists were obedient, fast-learners too. The fact that we maintained a good tempo and the formation was kept well despite this being the first day, was a sight to see, and it filled us all with a a sense of satisfaction. We could say that, following the tradition of the previous nine, this tenth team is a very-very good one.
Even this great team, however, is not immune to hunger, so as soon as we were on top of the climb, we feasted on the goodies from home, devouring, if not all, at least 99.99% of them. For the moment our message is that we've kept every little box, even the one ones which didn't have "Son, bring this home" written on them. We hope they'll get home (if Andreeva and Özil Bulgarian and Turkish border guards agree, of course) .
So, climbing check, lunch check, rest after a short, refreshing rain check, so we could get on the bikes and descent to the campsite. That was all that was left of this this. We rolled down with great attention, greater braking distances, hands on brakes etc. so in the end everyone got down scratch-free, and we cycled on in sunshine to the campsite.
Luckily the sunshine lasted while we unpacked, made our tents, and built our wonderful dam under the leadership of Kázmér and Farkas, after that, however, the mountain rains caught up with us. At the moment the rain and the sunshine alternate, but what matters is that we are all sitting in our waterproof tents in safety and mostly dry, waiting for our first dinner together, which is, of course, the fabled fried cheese with potatoes and onions. The experience, however, can not be put on paper, the pictures below merely enchanting the eye and perhaps the soul a bit, therefore we invite you all to join us sometime for the full experience. Until then, while we keep brainstorming on when to organize our first Bike Expedition Fried Cheese Lover's Fried Cheese Eating Festival, you can read our messages from the first day.
P.Sz. Balázs: Today was great!
P. Sz. Gergő: Don't forget to feed the dog.
Foga: Today was a great day. The climb to Mărișel was a bit difficult. I hope everyone is fine back home, including my dog.
D. Szabi: Today was a good day.
Tulkos Tamás: Sorry for not calling, we had no signal. So far it was a great experience, I was with the first team.
Lilla: I was sitting on the bike, and then I realized it's not such a great idea. It was a great experience otherwise. Be good, I won't be calling you because there's no signal. :) Kisses!
Kázmér: I'm fine, the new pedals are working well. Everything is all right.
Arni: It was a tiresome day, I had some cramps, but I'm fine. We have no signal, don't call.
Seres: Today was great, everything is fine. We have no signal, don't call.
Zsófi: I'm still alive. J
J. Orsi: It was a nice day for biking. There's a slight rain, but all is good. Enikő, I'm glad driving is going well. A big-big hug to all of you.
Z. Orsi: I managed to get through the day without sitting in the car. Kisses to all.
B. Timi: Kisses to all, including the cats (t.n.: the original was "musztikat") J. All is OK, my legs hurt a bit so I rested a little on the trailer.
Robika: I'm still alive and everything is great.
Csis Robika: I'm fine, the climb was hard, but I made it.
T. Csaba:
Attila: Now that the first day is over I feel to be more in shape than last year. It took the climb quite well, although the bad road was unpleasant.
T. Dávid: I'm tired, but I survived. Ask Tamás how to message on the blog.
Kevin: We succesfully cycled through the first day. The climbs weren't that hard, although their effects can still be felt. Kisses to all, cross your finger for us.
Ferike: Great start.
F. Timi: I'm fine, all is OK. It wasn't and easy day, but it was good to take a short rest on the trailer.
Enci: I'm fine, we're all fine. Luckily I have little to do. I cheated the climb today, but it was good to bike on the other parts. We're not sure whether to soak or sunbathe, we're hoping for the latter.
Farkas: I love you all very much, kisses to Angyal!
Zsófi 2: The raincoat has no hoodie.
Zsolt: I'm proud of the team and I like the duration of the summer rain.
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