Warsaw to Pulawy 125K

Out of town heading south. Mostly flat and straight through pine forests. Usually in a river valley. Moderate traffic. Rain and cool, not much of interest.

Pulawy to Tarnobrzeg 117K

Far more interesting. Small hills and bluffs. At times, we rode on a plateau above the river. More interesting towns with some original wood houses. Strong winds, intermittent rain and cool. In Annopol, we took a minor road south east on a plateau to a passenger ferry which took bikes. Brilliant ferry which had no motor but used the river current against a rudder that drove the ferry across either way on a cable. Very quiet roads. After Gorzyce to the main road to Tarnobrzeg. Moderate traffic.

Tarnobrzeg to Brzesko 130K

Clear and cold day. Flat and quiet to Baranow Sand where there is a castle. Then continue on to Mielec. Now some rain. Mild rolling hills to Tarnow which is a big city. Out on E22 toward Krakow. E22 had a good shoulder to ride on since there was more traffic.

Brzesko to Krakow 85K

South off the main road to Muchowka (Lipnica) then west on quiet back roads. Sunny but cool. Over hills with good views. We could see the foothills of the southern mountains through beautiful farmland with old wood houses. Finally, on the main highway into Krakow.

Krakow to Zakopane 110K

Out of the city to E7 then to T7. A gradual climb then a long downhill. Then climb up again to NowyTarg. Down again out of Nowy Targ. Finally, it was a gradual rise to Zakopane along the railroad tracks.

Zakopane to Czechoslovakian border 21K

Climb up to the border at Polana, going east. At the time, Czechoslovakia was doing away with visas so the border crossing was very easy by Eastern European standards.

Road Stories

Becoming a Millionaire in Poland

It was so easy to become a millionaire in Poland. Upon arrival, I went to the airport exchange window, determined that the exchange rate was proper and handed over $200 U.S. In return, I was paid in $10,000 Polish notes. Over 100 of them. With bulging pockets, I found Sally at the tourist information office and announced, “You’re looking at a Polish millionaire.”