Day 1 – May 30, 2025

Similar to the previous day, it took me quite a while to get my act together. My plan was to start riding early, but I ended up enjoying a leisurely breakfast served by Michi. It was close to 11 am by the time we bid our farewells and I finally started riding.

Let the riding begin!

As planned, my first destination was the basilica of Mariatrost, which is a pilgrimage site for many Austrians. The basilica is perched on a hill, offering a stunning view of the city below. I took some time to explore the area, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful architecture.

Something a bit of coincidence happened that morning. Even before leaving my friend´s place, there was a short report on Austrian State TV (ORF) about this basilica - namely, that a maquette of the church was built using Lego stones - and on this report, school mates of Michi´s youngest daughter were starring...I watched it on TV and half an hour later, I was in the church - looking at the Lego model! If you do not believe me, here is the ORF report: ORF Report...and here is the picture:

The model of the basilica made of Lego

After the visit, I had to ride through the center of Graz again, just like the previous day. Soon thereafter, I was riding on the banks of the Mur river towards the south, on the Mur Cycle Path (Murradweg). I usually do not prefer riding on bike paths, but as it was rather late on this Friday, I figured this route would be the most efficient in leading me towards the south. It was a nice ride, though not the most interesting one. Still close to Graz, there were lot of bikers, but with some distance from the city, their number dwindled. I was never quite alone - as it was a long weekend, there was always a rider or two in the distance. It was nice to see even retirees riding their e-bikes - something that would hardly have been possible in the past, on regular bikes.

I saw something rather cute - three young school girls had set up a lemonade stand on the side of the path, offering drinks and cup cakes for some change. I asked what they would do with the money, they told me they would go to the movies. The cup cake was actually quite tasty.

Below are some nice pictures taken on the route leading south.

Nice bar!What a lake!Castle above River Mur

Eventually, I arrived at Spielfeld, the border crossing to Slovenia. I had been here before, for example on my way to Albania in 2012, but this time it was a bit different. The border was open, and I simply rode through without any checks. Mind you, on the way into Austria, the cars were indeed being stopped, so much for Schengen.

After the border crossing, I started looking at the options for the next leg of my journey. Here I met quite a few long-distance bikers heading towards the south, among them a girl from Bern in Switzerland, who was riding towards Istanbul - I shared some stories with her, especially of my ride in the fall of 2024 to Georgia.

Gone was the nice bike path next to the Mur, now I was riding on a somewhat busy road, but nothing too bad and soon I arrived to Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia. Here I crossed the river Drava, without stopping in the center - I just wanted to continue riding.

Maribor on the River Drava

South of Maribor, the riding was not really pleasant, it was not really scenic - in addition, it was quite busy. At times, I rode on the pavement, which was not really comfortable, but at least I was not in the way of the cars. Both aspects improved with time - the road became less busy and the scenery more enjoyable.

Somewhere in Slovenia - nice drop!Nice church

I had some vague plans of reaching Celje, with lots of accommodation options, even campings, but there was a big hill I started crossing and the sunlight was quickly fading. I did find a hotel on the side of the road, it would have cost €70 - which I thought was expensive, so I continued riding, knowing well that my pretty much only option was to wild camp that night. Luck was on my side - there was a small road leading up a hill to some houses and as it curved, I noticed a wonderful meadow, which I occupied in the name of the Spanish Kingdom - well, you know what I mean. I pitched my tent, hoping the dogs would not give me away by their barking. They did not - I had a relatively peaceful night, I caused no trouble to anyone.

That day I had ridden some 120 kilometers.