Oberdrauburg to Tassenbach: 764m ascent

Friday August 17, 2018, 31 miles (50 km) - Total so far: 5,515 miles

(8,876 km)

As we were to ride along the Drau radweg all day, I'd incorrectly assumed this would be an easy ride. It's fairly flat to Lienz, but then ramps up and becomes a bit of a slog. This was not helped as all by there being literally HUNDREDS of Italian cyclists coming the other way, often at speed, often on the wrong side, and often not paying any attention. Queue irritable bell ringing and the odd shout - I honestly felt more in danger than I have on any of Austria's roads!

Aside from that complaint, it was a stunning ride. It's all starting to look a lot more like the Dolomites, and the Drau looks like Slovenia's Soca river (ie green and fast flowing) at this point. Just don't ride this way during the peak of Italian holidays..... ;)

We are camping at the Lienzer Dolomiten campsite. Very nice spot actually (I realise I nearly always say that!). There's a Hofer nearby too which always improves my mood :). Not only is Hofer cheap, but it also sells tofu, so we are making a tomato-based tofu and vegetable curry for dinner. With instant mashed potato, living the dream!