This was a significant day’s cycling as it brings to a close the first half of our journey. So it seems only right and proper that it was one of those cycling days that really should have gone on for ever – sunshine, tail winds and lovely views of the river! As you can tell from that account, we have arrived in Vienna still wanting more cycling – which is just as well in view of the plan to get to Istanbul.

But first we should mention last night. Tulln turned out to be a lively little place, with a great arts scene. After dinner we fell across a free blues concert at a stage built on a barge on the river. Acoustic guitar and keyboard with backing singers and bongos. It was brilliant! We stayed until after dark and didn’t get back to the tent until 9.30 pm. (You have to understand that – in our new world – that’s late for bedtime). As it turned out, we were just in time because another almighty thunderstorm started up. But the noteworthy thing about this one was that it was in competition with a HUGE and extremely noisy firework display taking place next door. There were times when we couldn’t hear the one for the other – and vice versa. There’s nothing like a quiet night’s sleep!

The last 20 miles or so to Vienna went by all too quickly and soon we had our first views of the skyline.

We found cycle routes right into town – passing an amazing, decorated, rubbish incineration plant on the way. These Viennese do things in style!

We stopped briefly to admire the Parliament building, then pushed on to our flat in Brahmsplatz. This is going to be a lovely base for the week. We are looking forward to welcoming the others tomorrow. This blogger is now taking a break until next Saturday, when the cycling resumes, but – who knows – others may be inspired to share tales from Vienna.

Helen’s track of the day: Down by the riverside: trad. This was played at the concert last night – brilliantly – and we have sung it all day. It is a fitting track for the end of this section of the Danube bike trail.