Monday 9 August 2021: Gravel Paths, Local Support, and Serene Villages

Upon our arrival in Bucharest, the task at hand was to assemble our bicycles before embarking on our journey to the first accommodation. The following day, after a conversation with some locals to refine our plans, we opted to take the train to Targovista, kickstarting our exploration of the southern Carpathians.

Equipped with our mountain bikes, we reveled in the flexibility they offered, navigating gravel paths that wound through a stunning and less-traveled area. A day filled with continuous uphill and downhill rides immersed us in the beauty of an untouched landscape, far from the tourist crowds. The route seamlessly connected quiet villages, with minimal traffic, and the occasional support from locals offering supplies.

Encountering the local population’s encouragement fueled our journey as we absorbed the tranquility and natural beauty, occasionally encountering challenging terrains. Finally, our route led us to the town of Pitesti, situated on the edge of the majestic Carpathian Mountains. 🚴‍♂️🏞️🏔️

Tuesday 10 August 2021: Helpful People and Bear Alarm!

The day kicked off with a visit to the bike shop, where we not only gained valuable tips but also received an unexpected gift—a set of new pedals. Energized and ready, I refueled at a delightful local bakery before venturing into the mountains.

The initial kilometers unfolded seamlessly, a gentle uphill path tracing the river under the bright sun, with temperatures soaring up to 38°C. As the route progressed, the terrain became steeper, demanding the versatility of our MTBs. The mountainous landscapes, challenging yet rewarding, showcased the advantage of our choice in bicycles.

Towards the end of our ride, an unexpected alarm on our mobile phones added an element of thrill—bears had been spotted in the region! Upon reaching our accommodation, reassurance came in the form of local knowledge: bears are a regular presence, and as long as you respect their space, they pose no threat. The day concluded with a mix of adventure, nature’s challenges, and the assurance that we share the mountains with their majestic inhabitants. 🚴‍♂️🏞️🐻

Wednesday 11 August 2021: Bear Encounter on Transfăgărășan

After a restful night at the foot of Transfăgărășan, crowned by Top Gear as the most beautiful road in the world, we embarked on the climb, choosing the less-traveled backside. A few kilometers into the ascent, something caught our eye on the opposite side of the road. Before we could fully grasp it, we had already passed by. The road curved back, revealing a magnificent bear perched on the hill. The realization that we had been just meters away from a bear moments ago ignited excitement within the group.

Savoring the encounter, we continued our journey along a stunning dam by the lake, heading towards the steeper section of the climb. Twenty more kilometers awaited us until the summit. Occasional local stalls offered a chance to purchase some food, but the main attractions were the breathtaking views and delightful roads. As we approached the top, a bit of wind picked up, but the tunnel to the other side of the mountain provided shelter.

The descent on the opposite side was immediately more touristy. We enjoyed a meal with a view of the marvelous hairpin turns below. Afterward, we descended through the picturesque route, concluding the day with a few flat kilometers towards the city of Sibiu. 🚴‍♂️🏞️🐻

Thursday 12 August 2021: A Tranquil Journey Westward

Following the challenges of the previous day’s ride, a more leisurely cycling route was on the agenda. This provided an opportunity to explore the town in the morning, immersing ourselves in its cultural offerings. Subsequently, we set our course westward along the mountains.

The first part of our ride was on flat ground, offering stunning views of the nearby mountains. As we continued, we ventured back into the mountains. Reaching the highest point, we went off the main path, settled into the grass, and enjoyed the incredible view. The descent to our accommodation wrapped up our cycling adventure for the day.

To our delight, fellow residents extended an invitation to join them for a hearty meal and drinks. Post-dinner, the evening unfolded with dancing and camaraderie, creating lasting memories with a fantastic group of people before we bid farewell to the night. 🚴‍♂️🏔️🌄

Friday 13 August 2021: Transalpine’s 80-Kilometer Ascent

Today’s journey led us southward, tackling the Carpathians through the challenging Transalpine route, promising 80 kilometers of climbing—a formidable task. The route unfolded in serene solitude, weaving through forests and alongside lakes. Pauses punctuated our ascent, be it for a quick snack at a small shop or a leisurely bathroom break.

Slowly but steadily, we forged our way to the summit. The landscapes transformed from dense forests and shiny lakes to expansive grasslands with scattered grazing animals. Upon reaching the top, our efforts were rewarded with an awe-inspiring view, surpassing even the renowned Transfăgărășan. The descent became a pure joy, allowing the bike to spin freely with a panoramic view of the vast valley.

After covering a few more kilometers, basking in the joy of the wonderful descent, we reached our overnight stay in Târgu Jiu—a well-earned rest after conquering the remarkable ascent of the day. 🚴‍♂️🏔️🌄

Saturday 14 August 2021: the Danube Valley

This time, we departed not on our bikes in the morning but took them along on a train journey. Our destination was the Danube Valley, straddling the border between Serbia and Romania. The heat in the valley was intense as we set off for a short ride, initially in Romania, then crossing the river into Serbia. A picturesque beach persuaded us, leading to the decision to swim and drink a beer.

The day unfolded into an unexpected joy, culminating in a beautiful sunset. As night fell, the ambiance changed, especially with the presence of street dogs making the surroundings less pleasant. Prior to boarding the train, we had to partially disassemble our bicycles. This unconventional train ride became our overnight experience, adding a unique twist to our memorable journey. 🚴‍♂️🌅🚂

Sunday 15 August 2021: Visiting Bucharest

After a restless night on the train, we arrived in Bucharest. Assembling our bikes, we set out to explore the city. A ride past the Triumphal Arch, a leisurely meal in the park, and a brief stop at our initial hotel to collect our belongings preceded our journey to the airport. There, we organized everything for our return flight. Fatigued yet enriched with a remarkable experience, we departed for Belgium. 🚂🚴‍♂️🛫