View from the Pillion - The road to Jeruzalem

Dan points out the route for the day.

In the morning we leave our suitcases outside our rooms from where they will be miraculously transported to our next overnight destination. This is truly luxurious. No need to cram everything into saddle bags on the bike; all we have is a top box  where we put rain gear and other necessities for the day's ride.  There are heavy clouds over the mountains where we are heading and Dan predicts rain when we get there. But for now we set off optimistically finding our place as a riding group. Everyone rides well; the Aussies are comfortable together having logged many miles together Downunder. 

But the rain starts slowly as a drizzle and as it strengthens Dan leads us to a covered rest stop in a beautiful valley where, after a pee and coffee break, we don our rain gear. The roads are wet, but the bikes handle it well as we make our way through our first mountain pass. We enter a heavily wooded national park and after riding the park roads for a while we get off to do a little exploring on foot. The rain has already tapered off and its pretty warm with all our gear. There are lockers in the park where we can leave our helmets and heavy jackets so that we can enjoy a short hike to see the lovely Rinka waterfall. The surroundings are splendid - ragged rocky outcrops and majestic tall trees. Across the valley, there is still snow in some places.  

En route again we travel the nicely paved road that leads us very briefly through a small strip of Austria. Back into Slovenia, we pass the abandoned border posts. The EU makes for seamless travel across the countries' borders.

The threat of rain has gone and there are even moments of sunshine. We relax into a comfortable pace. Peter definitely likes the feel of the Tiger and I am happy with my seat and legroom. This is a fairly big deal considering the number of hours I expect to be perched on the back of the motorcycle.With our Senna headsets paired, we can compare notes and chat as we ride. Right from the start this feels like a different experience for me emotionally than our tour in Spain. Now I am more relaxed and really able to enjoy the ride. We are a good team on the bike. Our group also seems to work well together. Dan sets a good pace but keeps a watchful eye to make sure that no one gets left behind particularly when passing cars on the narrow roads. 

Another mountain pass leads us to an valley of farmland and small hamlets. Peter notices that the fuel indicator is showing low and he worries how long it will be before a gas stop. At this point we are at the back of the pack, with no way to signal our need; so we make an executive decision and at the next small town we pull into the gas station. Peter fills the tank, I am ready at the counter with my credit card; in a flash we are back on the road, but already the others have noticed us missing and John has turned back to check on us. Very courteous. We know are in good company! 

The bikes have a nice view of the farm where we stop for lunch.

At the farmhouse, in the Robanov Kot valley we are served a sumptuous five course lunch on the deck overlooking the pasture. The rest of the day's ride passes through a changing landscape. We are entering the lush area leading to the wine region around Jeruzalem. Miles of vineyards stretch in every direction, stepping down the sides of valley, carved into the hills.

 Fruit trees, mostly apples, line the roads and mixed in with fields dotted with bright orange pumpkins, the corn is tall and ready for picking.

Primož is waiting with the van at the B & B in the tiny hamlet of Kog. There is a jovial group of wine tasters enjoying the local produce and we are invited to join them before dinner. As promised our bags are waiting for us in our room. A door leads from the room to a deck with a gorgeous view of vineyards and mountains. We breathe in the fresh air and agree that the first day has been quite blissful; only 11 more to go.