Most Inspirational Moment
1) visiting the picturesque cesky krumlov during the festival - great friendly atmosphere
2) contrasting the grandeur of Vienna with the quiet charm of the small towns and villages
3) cycling alongside fields of poppies and sunflowers, with butterlies floating by.
4) learning about life behind the iron curtain and the changes which have taken place
Thoughts on Group Leader
This was the leaders first 'solo' trip. He did an excellent job and was prepared to go the extra mile. He was an excellent source of information and went to some lengths to ensure that individuals got the most from their visit. ( There were some occasions, where I think the trip could be enhanced by having an 'assistant', e.g. in cycling out of vienna, and on longer stretches of the route, where a 'back marker' could have been advantageous)
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bear in mind that many of these countries have their main meal at lunch time - so sometimes lunch portions are huge and would feed two. Worth checking first- esecially if you ant to sprint up that next hill!
Consider taking insect repellant for the danube stretch if you are troubled by insect bites.
Some places , notably Budapest include service charges, while others don't - so the bill may end up more than you expected .
Be prepared for quick turnovers between arriving and departing each night and in particular in Prague and Budapest - maybe book some additional days of you want to explore ( can I say that?) these places.
Suggestions
Please see observations above re 'assistant guide' - on this trip people generally looked out for each other ( thanks Ron) , and arguably this is part of the experience. However an assistant as back marker and to help with loading of the bikes, minor mechanical hitches etc, would have streamlined some of the days and optimised travel/time.
The bus provided was comfortable enough, but a bit underpowered for the full compliment plus custom trailer and struggled on some of the hills around Cesky Krumlov.