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Austria: Cycling from Salzburg to Slovenia: Day 2

A few months ago, we decided to cycle from Salzburg, Austria to Slovenia. On our 2nd day the royal stage was on our menus. Nada, Jerneja, Marko, Vlado, Rok and Tuši started early in the morning, straight towards Grossglockner High Alpine Road. We separated, since we all had different tactics how to reach the top, still we regathered back on top of Fuscher Törl, where we had a quick lunch. Together we continued to the highest point of the day, Hochtor Pass, 2504 m. Soon it was time to test the breaks and we all reached the valley safe and sound, but we still had many kilometers to cycle and 2 more passes to conquer. Long day was behind us in the evening in town of Koča-Muta / Kötschach-Mauthen. After the shower and beer, we went out to have some food and one more beer.

Previous days of our cycling trip: Day 1 and Prologue.

Metliška Črnina and Black Beauty posing in Kaprun before the start

Weather wasn't promising, but we were prepared

Along the Salzach

The party started

Few drops were still good for cycling, although we wished for better view

The Fusch valley

If you are tired, take a picture

While some of us were already resting at the top, Vlado was still on the move

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Großglockner-Hochalpenstraße) is the highest surfaced mountain pass road in Austria.

 

The road is named after the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain. Built as a scenic route, a toll is assessed for passage, but nor for cyclists. 

 

Nada had to stop here

We were waiting at top of Fuscher Törl, 2428 m

Restaurant at the top, where we refilled our energy

 

Congratulations to all

View from Fuscher Törl to lake Fuscher Lacke

Rok, Vlado, Tuši, Nada, Jerneja and Marko

One more, just to be sure

Tunnel on the highest point with Latin words "In te domine speravi"

Marko had the strongest legs

Rok, Marko and Tuši, just before we left Land Salzburg and entered Carinthia

 

My road bike Metliška Črnina at Hochtor Pass, 2504 m

When, in 1924, a group of Austrian experts presented a plan for a road over the Hochtor (the high pass), they were ridiculed, still due to some economic events, the  first explosives roared in Ferleiten on 30 August 1930 at 9:30am. On 3 August 1935, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road was opened and put into full service a day later with an international automobile and motorcycle race. 84 years later we arrived with bicycles.

  

It was fun overtaking the cars on the way down

Merida road bikes below Veliki Klek / Großglockner

Leaving Grossglockner High Alpine Road with a great view

 

Rok had to apply some anti age cream in Sveta Kri / Heiligenblut

 

The Gothic pilgrimage church dedicated to Saint Vincent of Saragossa, with its prominent spire, was built between 1460-1491.

 

Waterfall Jungfernsprung / Virgin jump near Aichhorn and Winklern

Time for another pass, Iselsberg Pass, 1209 m

Leaving Carinthia and entering Tyrol

 

Downhills are always the best fun

We returned back to Carinthia and we had to conquer another pass, Gailberg Saddle, 981 m

 

Finally the end of stage 2, Koča-Muta / Kötschach-Mauthen

 

Quick rehab, before we were able to get out in the city

From Salzburg to Slovenia - Day 2 - Garmin Connect

GeoCache found:
- Iselsberg, GC68FNC, that visit by trackable items "Siebasiach's Figure Eight Geocoin", TB735HE, "Travelduck / Cestokačka", TB5RB16 and "Gallotia Mystery", TB7372G