Transfagarasan week end

It’s been a while since riding my bike on Transfagarasan was on my bucket list. As my wife Simona want it to go there to relax a bit, hike and simply enjoy the nature, I said that I have to get the bike too. Jeremy Clarkson said about it that’s better than Stelvio, if you remember.

Arriving at Balea Lake is an emotional thing, but this time there were way to many people. Also was the weekend with the 2×2 race, one of the most difficult running competition in Europe.  We went for a hike, reaching Vanatoarea lui Buteanu peak and Varful Capra. Wasn’t to easy for me as I am not used with this, but for sure it worth the effort.

We slept at Balea Lake, in the car, obviously as it wasn’t for the first time and I always have a good sleep in it. Sunday morning had a fast breakfast and started my descent to Cartisoara in order to climb the Transfagarasan. Descending on a road bike isn’t my favorite thing and on a road like this I didn’t felt to comfortable. Also the tarmac isn’t really good so I though that a safe downhill is better. The last thing are the drivers that were in a rush almost hit me a few times.

Took of my GribGrab leg warmers and started to climb. I tried to find a decent pace that I could keep until the end at Balea Lake. A short refill at a spring near the side of the road helped, of course I got energized by Maratonic. A lot of cars passing but the feeling climbing this road was sensational. The last 5km were the hardest as I could see the “finish” line but it was still really far away. I finally made it and even though it was not a race I was happy. I hope to come back and bring some friends to ride this amazing road too. The Synapse made it even better with the MicroSuspesion fork and chainstays. Really like it. After the lunch I had another hike session with Simona. It was shorter but really beautiful. The area is amazing and has a lot of potential. Too bad that people can’t appreciate the value of the nature. Anyway, thanks to my wife for the great week end. Was awesome.

Full photo album is available here.

I think that now I am ready for the World Cup Finals in Val di Sole this week end and I hope that everything will go buttery smooth. Keep your fingers crossed and watch the race live on RedBull.TV.

Stay safe. Cheers,

Vlad