Christmas Cycling

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Gliding along the blue and wide Danube River was a sleek and long riverboat. This was followed by what seemed to be a procession of other riverboats, but actually was only 2 or 3, although many more cruised by later in the day. I had arrived in Passau, Germany the previous evening and was now on a leisurely walk along the river path near where the waters of the blue Danube River and Inn River meet. Some of these ships docked in Passau while others continued downstream to Vienna and even Budapest.

  In the following days I learned why this is the best way to explore Europe:  

1.        What a Hassle free Vacation – Your ship is your motor coach, hotel and dining room combined. Unlike a motor coach tour you pack and unpack only once and you don’t need to get up at some early hour. The crew is attentive and because these are smaller ships you have the opportunity to share experiences with the other passengers easily. As you travel through the heart of Europe you can explore or relax as much as you want. You are in a foreign country but all the arrangements have been made for you.  

2.       Choice of Danube River Boats – I had no idea of the large number of cruise lines sailing this historic route. And I shouldn’t really call them river boats as these are luxury ships a few stories high with fine dining rooms, libraries and other public rooms. Elegant staterooms rooms dot each side of the ships.  

3.       An Amazing Itinerary – The Danube is the longest river in Western Europe and with connecting waterways to other rivers there are an incredible diversity of itineraries available in varied lengths starting from 7 days. All the Danube cruise itineraries sail at least from Passau, Germany to Vienna, but may originate in Nuremberg or further upstream. Heading downstream the cruise finishes in Vienna or Budapest, Hungary. You Danube river cruise will always include Germany and Austria, but many itineraries also include Hungary, Slovakia and other countries as well.  

4.       Sightseeing – The ships dock right in the heart of your port of call so you are easily able to explore, return to the ship with your shopping and head out again. In Europe the main museums, churches, city squares, old medieval districts other attractions tend to be centrally located which is near where your ship (floating hotel) will dock. Many of the cruise lines offer interesting shore excursions including wine tastings, cycling, apple strudel making and others.  

5.       You Get Scenery 24/7 - On deck or from your stateroom there is always an interesting panorama along the blue Danube… the Austrian wine district of Wachau, the cathedrals at Melk and Passau, quaint shops in Durnstein,  castles, historic ferris wheel in Vienna dating from the 186o’s, the cyclists traveling along the bicycle paths on both shores and much more. I mentioned the wine district but of course Germany and Austria also have excellent beers which you can enjoy onboard the ship or in the beer gardens on shore.  

6.       Culture – Depending on your itinerary you may listen to music from the world’s largest pipe organ at St. Stephen’s in Passau, see the opera in Vienna. To me culture is sitting in an outside café with excellent coffee and a pastry for which Vienna is famous for and watching the people strolling the pedestrian only streets.  

7.       Pre & post tours - When your cruise ends you will be in the heart of Europe which is a great base to explore nearby cities such as Salzburg or Munich and the nearby Bavarian castles built by King Ludwig.   A Danube River cruise may be the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore historic Europe.

Tom Oxby is a former travel agent and travel industry instructor who has toured and cruised the world. For tips on enjoying the cruise experience go to http://danubecruiseguide.com

Cycling book- about the best climbs in the world?

My husband asked for a book for Christmas- he read about it in VeloNews. It is a hardcover book that is about the best road cycling climbs in the world.

The Complete Guide To Climbing (by Bike)
John Summerfield

Another great place to shop for Christmas Cycling products is Amazon. They have more than just books!

Nike – Linear Soft Shield – Gunmetal Frame-Vermilion Lens $250.00 Only the best blend of style and durability come from Nike products, and their sunglasses are no different. Quality materials and long-wearing comfort are Nike hallmarks. This pair incorporates a lightweight metal flexon frame with wire-core rubberized temples for a secure, customized fit. Soft silicone nosepads are adjustable. Low-profile spring hinges for comfort. High-impact polycarbonate lense…

Card ; Cycling Pudding Photo Mugs What next will Mr Pudding do, cycling like this to me and you ? ….

Red Grape Plaque Christmas Ornaments (set of 3) $12.95 …

MAXSA Innovations 20026 Yellow with Yellow Reflective Safety Vest with 16 LED Lights, Large $29.95 16 LED lights can be seen up to 1/2 mile awayGreat for running biking jogging walking the dog at night crossing guards construction workers and moreMade with highly-reflective fluorescent material making you more visible at nightLED lights can stay on continuously or flash 150 times per minuteFeatures pocket for cellphone or other portable deviceFlexible weatherproof and lightweight mesh construct…

Philips 818564 LivingColors Mini Color-changing LED Ambiance Light, White $84.99 The Philips 818564 LivingColors Mini LED lamp is an innovative mood setter with the capability to project 256 different color combinations. Change colors quickly and easily to create the unique atmosphere that fits a particular moment. The intuitive color wheel control allows you to pick the color you want with a single touch–there’s also an automatic color-changing mode….

Bike Tool Kit with Hex Key Wrench, Mini Torx Screwdriver, LED Flashlight, Sockets and Flat and Phillips Screwdrivers $19.99 James Bond would have carried this incredible outdoor-adventure tool! Great on-the-go repair kit for biking, rollerblading, skate boarding or any outdoor adventure sport. Or just use it to repair reading and sunglasses. This multi function tool includes fold-out mini torx screwdriver, hex key wrench, extention bar, multi-wrench with sockets, mini and regular Flathead screwdriver, mini and regula…

Bike Fix: maintence DVD, learn how to clean and lube and perform basic repairs for your bicycle **HOLIDAY PROMOTION – just enter code 50XMAS50 to recieve 50% off before December 15th** $29.99 This DVD provides step by step instructions for everyday bicycle maintenance. Familiarizing yourself with the tools and equipment used in this video combined with step by step procedures, you will be on your way to saving both time and money. *How and when to lube a chain *How and when to air up your tires *How to fix a flat *How to properly clean your bike *How to operate your quick release…

Fisher-Price Smart Cycle $109.99 Smart Cycle plugs right into your TV, ready to take kids on learning adventures like no other. As they pedal, favorite character friends guide them through learning discoveries, games and even exciting races. Other activities don’t require pedaling at all. Includes Learning Adventure game cartridge with 3 ways to play:1) Drive, steer and learn at your own pace–visit Math Mountain, Shape Lake, Num…

RUNT Child’s Helmet: Red with Pink & White Stars $31.99 Complies with U.S. CPSC safety standard for bicycle helmets Complies with European Union (EU) consumer safety, health or environmental requirements (CE marking) Fun and Colorful Graphics – Limited Edition – Pink and White Stars Dial Fit System – Easy Dial Fit System adjusts the fit of the helmet with a turn of the dial Independent Bicycle Dealer Quality Black Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Incorporate…

Victorian Christmas I – Bicycle Holiday Card $15.00 Children chasing a Victorian Santa out delivering presents on his bicycle riding through snow….