This 2016 Lonely Planet book covers a
couple of hundred bike rides, most of which will appeal mainly to the committed
cyclist with a good level of fitness (they are ‘epic’ rides after all). Divided into Africa, the Americas, Asia,
Europe and Oceania, 50 routes are described at some length, each followed by
three brief ‘more like this’ suggestions.
There is an account of one relating to the
Danube, but it is confined to Austria.
Romania features very briefly in a ‘more like this’ section with a ride
in Transylvania, the ‘this’ being the covered bridges of Vermont Not particularly like the Făgăraș Mountains
one would have thought; the link being they are ‘falling leaves rides’ to make
in autumn.
The suggested route starts in Bascov (near
Pitești) and ends at Bâlea Lake, a distance of 73 miles. Travelling in the autumn enables the rider to
appreciate the ‘colour-infused Carpathian mountains.’ One can also appreciate the wildlife –
including, we are informed, bears, lynx and wolves (this will probably put off
a lot of potential tourists who contemplate the defensive properties of lycra against
large predators).
The writer recommends whizzing along the
Transfăgărășan, though generous insurance cover and a sturdy helmet are surely advisable
for anyone doing so. While the reader is
initially assured that the region goes beyond the vampire/creepy castle
clichés, the section ends with a reference to Poenari Castle and Vlad the
Impaler as inspiration for Dracula.
As these supplementary routes are not listed
in the contents, anyone idly picking up the book and scanning the front matter
is not going to realise it is in the book; nor is there an index. Of course, attempting any of the suggestions
is going to require a lot more information, but the purpose is more
inspirational than practical, and visiting Transylvania outside the peak
tourist season to enjoy the beautiful colours is a useful idea.
