16/09/2023
A tough day on the bike. I never climbed this much in a single day, but I was prepared and actually felt pretty good all the way through. Even managed to dose my effort and energy intake (i.e. food) well.
Starting in Waidhofen, I followed the Ybbstalradweg to Hollenstein, which is certainly the most gorgeous stretch of the route.
From Hollenstein I decided in advance that I will take an alternate route, through the Pomau pass and rejoin the Radweg in Göstling. I used to come to this area to ski, so I knew the part between Hollenstein and Göstling. It was worth the detour, because the alternative way took me through beautiful gorges.
In Lassing I ditched my saddle bag in a bush and climbed the Hochkar. I knew this brute of a climb would hurt later, but I wanted to see the ski resort in summertime as well.
9k at 9% average. I am pretty good up until 8%, but some of these 13% slopes burned as hell.
After a quick lunch I descended into Göstling. Been here many times before, but I never explored the town. Shame. It’s positively lovely.
A quick 11 kms into Lunz am see followed, where I upped my sugar levels with an ice cream and an Almdudler (when in Austria…). The Ybbstalradweg actually ends here, but I had another 33 kms to get to my accommodation and the start of the Traisentalradweg, which I am riding tomorrow.
Next came the part which I was most afraid of. 80 kms and 1300 m altitude gain in, I was facing the Zellerain. Another 550m climb. At only 4,5% average it’s one that would suit me. And it did. It’s mostly 3% all the way, except for 2-3 steep sections which are >11%. Now those were a bitch. The descent was fun though, and I was rewarded with a nice view of the Erlaufsee!
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