Monthly Archives: April 2014

We found the only bicycle mechanic in Dubrovnik!

. Our World Tour Adventure ., Croatia

Sunday April 27, 2014, 36 miles (58 km) – Total so far: 2,330 miles (3,750 km)

April 27, 2014 31 miles After two nights in Vela Luka we were finally ready to leave and headed to the southern town of Kurcula (on the island of Kurcula) to find the next ferry. After 4 hours we arrived at the ferry dock. We encountered many bike problems. My bike was making several noises while climbing, my rear brake when used would cause a jerking motion and Jocelyn’s rear wheel gave out an occasional ping indicating spoke problems. During several steep climbs her gearing would switch almost causing her to fall. She would stop and make spoke adjustments through the entire ride. It was then a quick 20 minute ferry ride to Orebic on the Peljesac peninsula of Croatia. At this point we decided that both bikes need work. The next big city is in Dubrovnik about 68 miles away. Tomorrow morning we will bus there.

April 28, 2014 5 miles We were at the bus stop for Dubrovnik at 6:45 AM. The bus was full but the driver found a place for us and our bikes. After a 3 hour trip over the mountains we were in the ancient city of Dubrovnik. We reassembled our bikes then searched for a bike shop. Jocelyn’s internet search last night revealed nothing but one guy that works out of his garage. I walked the streets and asked about bicycle repairs and finally after a dozen shop inquires heard about this guy as there are no bicycle shops here. The scooter rental guy called him and I was given directions to his garage. Thanks to this we found his garage. And thanks to another great guy who translated for us. Tony worked on our bikes and Kreso offered us a very reasonable apartment if needed. We took Kreso up on his offer and after Tony completed repairs on our bikes and we were led to an apartment for the night. This was great as we really wanted to explore the old town of Dubrovkik.

We also found a great Mexican restaurant after which we walked the 2 km to the old town and spent the rest of the day exploring this 3rd century historical city. What a great time we had and are very anxious to start on our bikes tomorrow.

Another beautiful Croatian sunset from the only open hotel in Vela Luka.
Another beautiful Croatian sunset from the only open hotel in Vela Luka.
We spotted this church as we rode the length of Korcula.
We spotted this church as we rode the length of Korcula.
A beautiful island ride.
A beautiful island ride.
This turned out to be...
This turned out to be…
a donkey shed. At first a bit creepy when we saw the eye appear. At first we thought it was someone staring at us.
a donkey shed. At first a bit creepy when we saw the eye appear. At first we thought it was someone staring at us.
Riding through a forest.
Riding through a forest.
Our lunch spot.
Our lunch spot.
Orebic with the ferry in.
Orebic with the ferry in.
The bus station in Dubrovnik.
The bus station in Dubrovnik.
We found Tony, the only bike mechanic in a city of 300,000.
We found Tony, the only bike mechanic in a city of 300,000.
Tony and Kreso. Kreso had a very reasonable apartment for the night and was an excellent translator.
Tony and Kreso. Kreso had a very reasonable apartment for the night and was an excellent translator.
This shows our journey.
This shows our journey.
I like number 3...so true.
I like number 3…so true.
This is the second city we have seen locks with names on them. The first was Venice, Italy.
This is the second city we have seen locks with names on them. The first was Venice, Italy.
Old town, the walled city of Dubrovnik.

Old town, the walled city of Dubrovnik.
The gated entrance.
The gated entrance.
This town originated before Christ and was at first constructed of wood.
This town originated before Christ and was at first constructed of wood.
There are three churches inside the walled city.
There are three churches inside the walled city.
Where's Waldo?
Where’s Waldo?
A huge fountain with 20 some spigots.
A huge fountain with 20 some spigots.
The pictures do the talking.

The pictures do the talking.

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These fisherman were cleaning their nets of sharks and throwing them in the water.
These fisherman were cleaning their nets of sharks and throwing them in the water.

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Where cannon once set.
Where cannon once set.

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We couldn't help ourselves and snacked on a bucket of mussels and a liter of wine.
We couldn’t help ourselves and snacked on a bucket of mussels and a liter of wine.

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What a great place for a drink.
What a great place for a drink.
And it was!
And it was!
Where's Waldo!
Where’s Waldo!

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Gelato time!
Gelato time!
Another Croatian sunset. This time from our Dubrovnik apartment.
Another Croatian sunset. This time from our Dubrovnik apartment.
Can anyone figure out this date of the previous fountain picture?
Can anyone figure out this date of the previous fountain picture?
36 miles riding and 68 bus.
36 miles riding and 68 bus.