Cycling – Targoviste to Brasov

And over some hills. Not quite cycling though mountains at this stage but the morning consisted of a long steady incline into the Transalvani range of Romania.

Pretty picturesque stuff but not before I visited Targoviste main tourist attraction.

Wallachia

Pre foundation of the Romanian state, this geographical area used to exist under the name Wallachia which basically spread upwards of the Transalvania mountains.

It was destroyed by the Byzantines and Romania as a self governing entity was born in 1881 when the Ottomans were expelled in the Russia Ottoman war.

Targoviste is home to the palace that used to house the ruling family of Wallachia. So, historically, a fairly important place. Before I got going in the morning, I took a look around…

A lot of the displays were in English. No doubt I could have spent longer if I wanted to.

Cycling

After this brief visit, I got going properly.

A fairly long trip today. 114km. Relatively more difficult as it was into the ski resorts of Romania.

The backdrop of mountains and verdant forest combined with sunshine and clean mountain air.

All very refreshing.

Mountain railway

As you get into the mountains, the mountain railway starts to serve those resorts from the north, with multiple trains stopping and passengers getting out.

The towns seemed pretty busy. Architecture was quite nice.

A nice backdrop for my cycle journey.

By the time I arrived in Brasov, it was 6pm

Brasov

Had little look around town, wasn’t up for much as I was too tired.

Had my evening meal here on Council Square.

It was quite a unique setting as the moon rose above the mountains overlooking the city.

Ate at ‘Dracula’ restaurant which was unexpectedly expensive. £33 for BBQ ribs, three beers and a desert!

Just fancied some ribs… Tomorrow, I’ll have a look around for something a little better value.

Eating on the square, you’re always going to be paying the extra because of the tourist premium location.

Trip details