It was the oddest start to the day - we discovered that this region is flat. For about 5 km, we rode on a paved, designated bike path (the first we have encountered here) and had no hills. We knew this wouldn't last, so we made sure we enjoyed it. The impressive gates of the monastery at Klaster Tepla drew us inside for a look. It is undergoing a massive reconstruction. We could see that it had been allowed to deteriorate for some time. The areas that have been completed gave us a glimpse of its former, and now restored, glory. After this, the flat terrain abruptly ended - we climbed for several km. through incredible farm land dotted with small lakes. At the top, we had a 360 degree view for miles. The timing of our past 2 trips have taken us through farm lands at harvest time. We are enjoying seeing the lush landscape of fields in full growth. As we pulled in to another spa town, Konstantinov Lazne, (even more low key than Marianske Lazne), we were delighted to leave the pot holed trail and be greeted by a brand new paved bike trail. It lasted for a few km, but was a treat. This small town of 800 people has 400 beds for people who come for medical spa treatments. It has a gracious, peaceful air with many parks. On the main drag, we saw our first cyclists of the day - a couple from the Netherlands. They pulled over to talk and to share tips on the trail as we were coming from opposite directions. As seems to be the trend when leaving a spa town, we were once again tasked with climbing a nasty hill on a series of switchbacks. Once we got to the top, we met another Dutch couple who were cycling back to Holland. From this point on, we were on top of the world and gradually made our way downhill (with some ups of course) to Plzen. We wanted to stay in a Pension or Hotel as we felt we needed a break from camping - and the next campsite was about 10 km along the way. Plus, we wanted to check out the town centre in Plzen as well as the Pilsner Urquell brewery. The first few hotels were too expensive, so we ventured in to a 4 star, Hotel U Zvonu hoping for the best. The clerk was very kind and offered us a reduction which made it very affordable. We had a lovely room with a bathtub!! located in the centre of town, including breakfast. We were interested to find out that a former NHL player, Martin Straka is the owner of this hotel. Dinner at a nearby pub with great Czech food and unfiltered Pilsner beer.
These Czech signs show that this path is for pedestrians and cyclists. We like the whimsical touch of the bow in the little girl's hair and the hat on the man.
Another Dutch couple, Pete and Jepie, who had ridden our route in reverse. The Elbe from Hamburg to Prague and now back to Holland. We envied them their e-bikes.
Our first glimpse of the city of Plzen in the distance. We enjoyed a mostly downhill ride in to town. We were pleased that the bike path avoided the suburban/industrial sprawl and guided us directly in to the centre of town.
