On day 4 we made a brief stop at the tiny port on Mljet of Pomena to unload the bikes for our brief visit to this island national park. We only had time for a 12 kms ride to a couple of inland lakes and then a quick swim before getting back onto the “Romantica” and sailing away. By late afternoon we were tied up alongside other ships being 5 in a row of 7 deep, in the major resort town of Korcula and relaxing before our dinner.
Day 5 was the zenith for bike riding. An all day ride from Korcula town along almost the whole island to Vela Luka. About 60 kms of riding and 800 climbing metres. There was an option of a shorter ride to Racisce where you could be picked up by the boat as it was making it's own way to Vela Luka. And some did take the shorter ride.
For the majority, we found the first half of the ride to be very tough indeed. Training results were in and I have to say that the Germans, Swiss and Austrians were outstanding. There were some very fit forty, fifty and sixty year olds in this cohort. The Australians and the Swedes were quietly competent whilst the US component was quite good but showing the results of living in a society where technology is the answer to everything. When it comes to basic pedal power and fitness, the Europeans had us on toast, Not that this was a competition!
Coming down the mountain from Blato was almost a repeat of day 4's descent into Bol. Sheer exhilaration as you stream down through the ranges, sweeping around bends whilst taking in the views. Photo opportunities were sometimes difficult to do as it meant slamming on the brakes, taking a quick point and shoot before heading down again, trying to catch up with others.
A quick swim with the locals at Vela Luka and then it was food and wine before crashing into bed.
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