Landings, technicalities, last minute preparations and they’re off on their ride!

Grant and Julian spent the weekend in Warsaw assembling their bikes, getting used to the cold weather and catching up with long standing friends.

Unfortunately, there were some technical difficulties with bent brake plates and wheels that were damaged in transit and had to be adjusted and tested. Thankfully the boys are well versed in bike assembly and with the local mechanic on a voice call they managed to get the bikes sorted and tested the spotter so that we can all follow the ride in real time.

The hotel was not equipped for large bike box transportation to the top floor rooms so the Conference room became the bike assembly hub.

The staff were gracious and the breakfasts were delicious and Julian managed to charm the manager on duty with daily performances on the grand piano in the foyer, so all in all a very pleasant experience as far as Polish hospitality is concerned.

Julian preforming on the grand piano

Grant managed to find the craft beer without much trouble and declared that offering to be rather pleasant too as they walked through the city of Warsaw exploring both the Old City and the more modern parts that felt a little austere.

German decimation of Warsaw in 1944 was part of the occupation in World War II and the Polish people, in a determined attempt to rebuild not only the buildings and infrastructure but hold onto cultural references and important historical and religious details, meticulously recreated the city from a Polish artist’s impressive collection of drawings of the city before the occupation.

Today, the Old City that was newly rebuilt stands proudly as a testament not only to the resilience of the Polish people but also of their love of who they are and their culture. In the holistic recreation of the urban plan, the old market, the city walls and cobbled streets, the Royal Castle Buildings as well religious buildings were resurrected and stand proudly today.

Julian and Grant’s photos and short video snippets captured elements of old and new architecture, music in the town square, buskers, horses drawn carriages, Spring blossoms and sculptural art, which all give us an insight into the feeling of the city.

Julian’s comments on the delicious Polish food and the various photos taken of the culinary offerings assured me that carbohydrate and protein intakes were definitely being met for the start of the ride today!

After a hearty breakfast and some last-minute weight balancing of the panniers and smoothing of technical difficulties with the spotter technology, they started their journey out of Warsaw in very cool temperatures.

We all wish them God’s speed and a safe, scenic adventure!

31/03/2025

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