I awoke with some apprehension this morning, knowing that today might very well be the longest day. Today I must climb my first mountain pass.I left Vienna early, perhaps 7:30 without breakfast. The added weight of my camping equipment and boots could be felt but I left in a hurry. As the bells tolled on this cloudy Sunday morning I could see the dark shadows of the Austrian Alps, previously hidden by the buildings of the city, but now etched in grey across a dark purple sky. Arrived in Wiener Neustadt at 10:30. As I pulled out of town I passed a farm where the hay in the open air shelter had exploded into flames, igniting the nearby wooden barn and threatening the farmer's house and a school, all adjoining. Quite a crowd gathered to watch.
Set out again, rising through green forests of pine to the actual mountains. A boy cyclist from Pottschach accompanied me for several miles before reaching the town of Gloggnitz. Here the adventure started. For eight km, over 20 or 30 switchbacks, I arose to the Semmering Pass at 985 meters, without a rest. I didn't stop pedaling one second the entire time, and when I reached the top I had good reason to be jubilant.
I bought a beer and had my lunch on a bench as tourists swarmed around. One man couldn't get over the fact that I was the only one on a bicycle for miles around. Rode easy for the next stretch to Krieglach. Checked in at the hostel and took a nap. Wrote before retiring.
Vienna to Krieglach: 116 km
Hostel 12 AS
Beer 7 AS
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