It’s a public holiday today but nothing much happening where we are going as it’s all through farming communities.

Leaving at 8am while it is cool, a bit of climbing today but only 40km.  Nice shaded areas along the river.  Where has the river gone? Somehow we have left the river and riding up and down hills through farming villages. It’s mainly cornfields, a large area around Volkermarkt that has been devastated by the recent rains. However, as we near Lavamund, there is little damage, and the crops are booming. Between villages; small forest areas keep us cool.

It’s coffee time, says John when we approach Ruden, no luck there from the sleepy town. Finally, we find a pub as we cross a main road that looks open, we can just scrape a coffee and cake in before the locals arrive for lunch there are several reserved tables.

1km away we go to another village, yes that is how far apart they are, church bells chime it’s 11am, the congregation gather outside the church to set up tables and a BBQ is taking place, trays of beer, salads and meat cooking. Will John forgive me that I didn’t stay? He rode in and began chatting to a man, and he said, “Sit down and eat with us.” Later, John said he fancied a BBQ sausage.

More hills, mostly down and we arrive in Neuhaus, the museum is closed, the village has no activity, they are probably up the road at the pub. Lavamund is not far and basically downhill as we free-wheel and get there around midday.

Across the bridge hoping for something to be open. The first corner we were presented with parked bikes, some all laden with panniers, bike packers and mountain bikers, in addition motorbikers on tour. It’s about 30C and looks like this town seems like a watering hole for travellers.

The main street is small and adorned with Cafe umbrellas, shops are painted in pastels. A half dozen cafes are open with patrons out the front, enjoying a drink or ice cream.

Bikes; pedal and motor; travel through the town all afternoon.

Further up the town the hydro power plant making the most of the Drau River, then the local sports centre and a camping ground with its own private part of the river for swimming … umm my tent!!!

The street and cafes are very quiet as dusk approaches … the town is returning to it’s sleepy self.