16870

Slovenia / Austria: Guns N' Roses

After a morning walk with Bronco up to Ljubelj Pass - Garmin Connect, it was finally time to head for the Guns N' Roses concert in Vienna. Nada and I were joined by Katja and Dejan, and together we made our way to the Ernst Happel Stadium.

We parked the car near the venue and first checked into our apartment, as none of us felt like driving all the way home in the middle of the night after the concert. Once settled, we met up with my former high school classmate Jaša, who has been living in Vienna for several years. We caught up over burgers before making our way to the stadium.

At the concert, we also met Saška and Vlado, and the evening could finally begin. The opening act was Wolfmother, followed by the Sex Pistols, while the main event of the night was, of course, Guns N' Roses.

The first two bands delivered excellent performances and really got the crowd going. Guns N' Roses, however, left me somewhat disappointed. While the band itself still sounded solid, Axl's voice is unfortunately a long way from what it once was. Even so, it was great to finally experience one of the most iconic rock bands live and to spend the evening in good company with friends.

Scoolmates.

Ticket for the concert.

Nada and Katja.

Australian rockers Wolfmother opened the evening with a powerful set.

 

6 of us.

Sex Pistols frontman Frank Carter on stage in Vienna.

Formed in London in 1975, the Sex Pistols became one of the most influential punk rock bands in history, helping define the British punk movement with their raw energy and rebellious attitude.

One of the highlights of the evening. Hearing "God Save the Queen" performed live by the Sex Pistols.

More than fifty years after their formation, the Sex Pistols' music still resonates with audiences.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1985, Guns N' Roses became one of the biggest rock bands in history. The classic lineup of Axl Rose, Slash, Duff McKagan, Izzy Stradlin, and Steven Adler gave the world timeless hits like Sweet Child O' Mine, Paradise City, and Welcome to the Jungle. Seeing them live in Vienna was a bucket-list experience.

Not every concert is about perfection. Sometimes it's about being there, sharing the atmosphere with thousands of fans, and hearing the songs that shaped generations of rock music.

Another pin on the map, another unforgettable evening with friends.

Their sound helped define a generation, and their songs continue to inspire fans around the world.

For a moment, the stadium stood united in remembering Ozzy. Different bands, different eras, but one shared rock legacy.

Setlists of the concert (source: Setlist.fm):

Wolfmother

• Dimension
• New Moon Rising
• Woman
• White Unicorn
• Apple Tree
• Midnight Train
• Pyramid
• Rock and Roll (Led Zeppelin cover)
• Vagabond
• Colossal
• Victorious
• Joker & the Thief

Sex Pistols feat. Frank Carter

• God Save the Queen (Symphony)
• Holidays in the Sun
• Seventeen
• Bodies
• Pretty Vacant
• Silly Thing
• Liar
• God Save the Queen
• Problems
• My Way
• Anarchy in the U.K.

Guns N' Roses

• Welcome to the Jungle
• Bad Obsession
• It's So Easy
• Mr. Brownstone
• Chinese Democracy
• Live and Let Die
• Yesterdays
• You Could Be Mine
• Absurd
• Estranged
• Shadow of Your Love
• Never Say Die (Black Sabbath cover)
• Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Black Sabbath cover)
• Used to Love Her
• Double Talkin' Jive
• Hard Skool
• Sorry
• So Fine
• Slither
• The General
• Knockin' on Heaven's Door
• Coma
• Happy Birthday to You (for Slash)
• Slash Guitar Solo
• Sweet Child o' Mine
• Rocket Queen
• November Rain
• Civil War
• This I Love
• Human Being
• Don't Cry
• Nightrain
• Paradise City

Wolfmother - Woman (Official Video)

Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen

Guns N' Roses - Welcome To The Jungle

#hiking #mountains #Karawanks #CatahoulaLeopardDog #Concert

16866

Czech Republic: MotoGP Race

Sunday was race day and the highlight of the weekend. After breakfast, we made our way from the city back to the Masaryk Circuit and settled into our usual spot in Sector C. Having arrived early, we didn't miss any of the action and spent the entire day at the track.

The day began with the MotoGP Warm-Up session, where riders made their final setup adjustments before the Grand Prix. Once the warm-up was over, the racing got underway with the Moto3 race, followed by Moto2 and, finally, the main MotoGP event.

The highlight of the afternoon was, of course, the MotoGP race. Marc Márquez continued his dominant season by taking victory for the Ducati Lenovo Team. Marco Bezzecchi secured second place for Aprilia Racing, while Pedro Acosta completed the podium for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. The return of MotoGP to Brno after several years away attracted a fantastic crowd and created an atmosphere worthy of one of the sport's most iconic venues.

We wrapped up the day back in the city, sharing a few drinks and reliving the best moments from the weekend. With all the racing action behind us, there was not much left on the agenda. The plan for the next day was simple: pack our bags, hit the road, and make the journey back home.

Start of the Moto2 race.

The Moto2 race, contested over 18 laps, was just getting underway as the riders charged through the opening laps in front of Sector C.

We had some KTM fans nearby.

The highlight of the afternoon, the MotoGP race.

 

Our GOLD ticket for 2990 Kč (cca 120 €) was valid for the whole weekend.

#MotoGP

16865

Czech Republic: MotoGP Sprint Race

As on every Brno trip, our second day was dedicated to the legendary Masaryk Circuit. We spent the day watching practice sessions, qualifying, and the MotoGP Sprint race while enjoying the unique atmosphere of MotoGP's long-awaited return to Brno after a four-year absence. The weekend featured action from the MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3 classes, ensuring there was always something happening on track. The Sprint race was won by Marc Márquez of the Ducati Lenovo Team, ahead of Pedro Acosta from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and Enea Bastianini representing Red Bull KTM Tech3.

The Masaryk Circuit is one of the most popular venues on the MotoGP calendar. Measuring 5.403 km in length, it combines fast corners, dramatic elevation changes, and excellent viewing spots for spectators. The track features 14 turns, 8 right-handers and 6 left-handers, making it a true challenge for both riders and engineers.

 

Our beloved hammer didn't make it past the security check, as it was classified as a weapon. In reality, its only purpose is to help us dig small holes for our chairs so we can sit comfortably on the slope. We survived the day without it, and luckily it was waiting for us when the racing was over.

Our home address in Brno. In case we got lost.

Typically we watch the race on sector C.

Great day for a beer and a race.

Valentino Rossi still has a lot of fans.

Marc Márquez won today's race.

In the evening, we attended a performance by the U2 STAY Tribute Band at Náměstí Svobody in the heart of Brno.

#MotoGP

16864

Slovenia / Austria / Czech Republic: Driving to Brno

After an eight-year break, we finally decided to return to Brno for another MotoGP weekend. This year's crew consisted of Mrki, Dejan, Matej, Grega, Čuri, and Tuši.

As usual, the first day was mostly about the journey itself, and, as tradition dictates, it included quite a few beer and snack stops along the way. By the evening, we reached Brno and checked into Hostel John Galt, which would serve as our base for the weekend.

Looking back, our Brno trips have become something of a tradition, with a different "official driver" leading the expedition almost every year:

Van drivers of the Brno expeditions:

• Damir Pintarič (2007)
• Matija Stegnar and Matjaž Štrukelj (2009)
• Grega Lang and Gašper Zupan (2010)
• Primož Jurjevčič (2011)
• Dejan Štrukelj (2012)
• Urban Premrl (2013)
• Matjaž Štrukelj (2014)
• Mirko Žuran (2015)
• Žiga Gorenc (2016)
• Boštjan Nemec (2017)
• Gregor Meglič (2025)

A new chapter in the long-running Brno story had begun.

Our fuel for the trip.

Pee stop in Austria.

#MotoGP

16863

Slovenia: MTB - Exploring Šentanska dolina valley

Thursday came around again, bringing another guided MTB tour. This week's ride, titled Exploring the Šentanska dolina valley, attracted only two participants, Nada and me.

The starting point was conveniently close, at a local campsite. We began with a climb towards Za Šijo area, followed by a short descent into the valley. The second part of the route took us uphill once more, this time towards Reber and the Završnik farm. From there, we were rewarded with another enjoyable descent down to Cimper.

To complete the loop, we returned to the starting point via the old motocross track, wrapping up another pleasant evening ride on familiar trails - Garmin Connect.

 

Nice gravel road took us to a place called Za Šijo.

  

First single trail.

 

Ending the first section.

 

On our way to the Završnik farm, following a mix of asphalt and gravel roads.

 

View to our valley.

 

Plaque on the Završnik farmhouse, recognizing its historical role in the Slovenian Partisan resistance during World War II.

 

2nd trail.

My cockpit on Black Mamba.

 

Last downhill section of the day.

Below the climbing spot.

This used to be the motorbike track.

#MTB #Guide #Karawanks