After a beautiful nights sleep, we woke to church bells chiming. And chiming. And chiming. Katja had warned us that they rang at random hours and for long periods of time...she wasn't wrong. We heard them starting at 6am, and since the church was right next to our room, we heard them loud and clear. So, we were right on time for breakfast and the route rap.  

Anjay and Katja advised that this was the hardest day for riding and also logistically. There were many route options and we all needed to be at the boat dock by 2:45 for the trip to Hvar. So, keeping 20 of us in synch can be a bit hard. The longest route was 40+ miles with the first portion pretty much all uphill.  I, as usual chose to take the boost up the 4 mile hill, while Ken went for it.  

There were several in the van to the top, and once we saw the hills we were THRILLED we took the boost. We got to the top and all hopped on the bikes for the next section which was still some hills, so certainly not easy...but not all up either. We had also been told that there was another part of the route that was very difficult and many chose the boost here as well. Ken, again chose to give it a go. In the van we were all even more happy when we saw the huge hills that kept going up and up. I began to worry about Ken as he had already done the first long hill, now was in for another long stretch of up. Tyler, our other lead, assured me that if he needed a boost, he would get it. 

Those on the boost got out and started up the 5k to the highest point in the Adriatic...it was still an uphill, but was amongst a pine forest, so quite an enjoyable ride. Halfway up, our Backroads van passed with Ken waving from the front seat...which was a huge relief! At the top, I found Ken and we enjoyed a beautiful view of Brac and out to the other Croatian islands. Then, it was back on the bike and down to Bol, where we would catch our boat to Hvar.   

By the way, during our time enjoying the view, Ken shared with me that during the second part of the ride where I took the boost, he took another tumble. He had come to a stop to take a rest and even though he had unclipped, he mistakenly clipped back in and fell over. I can tell you, nothing is more aggravating then falling over in your bike at a dead standstill. He hit his elbow and it was quite sore. But, we hopped on the bikes to Bol.

Now, the trip to Bol was 30k away and about 10k was all downhill. I am NOT a good downhiller and was very worried about the ride, but figured...what the heck. Let's go. So we did. Well, it was the most curvy, steep 7.5 miles I have ever biked and my brakes got a real workout. On the plus side, the scenery was spectacular and around corner was another beautiful view of the island or the Sea. So, as frightening as it was...I would do it again in a heartbeat.  

Once getting into Bol, we had time to grab some pizza and salad before getting on the 2.5 hour boat ride to Hvar.  During the trip, Ken admitted that his elbow was VERY sore and it was hard to move it. So, we started icing it and hoping that it wasn't serious. During the beautiful ride towards Hvar, we passed along the coast of Brac and past many sailboats. Anjay did a great history of the Balkans talk, which was a very good overview of all that has gone on in this area of the world. While on a large boat, in the middle of the beautiful Adriatic it is hard to believe that not too many years ago this area was in the middle of a terrible civil war.   
   
We landed in the very cool village of Hvar and walked over the the Adriana Hotel right on the water Our room was very modern with a window overlooking the marina...so pretty. As the afternoon had worn on, Ken's arm was feeling progressively worse. By the time we got to the the hotel, he couldn't move it without severe pain. Lucille (Internist Doc) and Holly (Sports Med) both suggested he get it xrayed to know what was up. Anja and Katja contacted the local clinic and advised they would be available at 2p tomorrow for the xray.   

We relaxed a bit before joining the group for a short ride to a beautiful restaurant about 15 mins from town. We walked along a small dirt road, before entering a beautiful courtyard with an outdoor table, and twinkle lights strewn among the vines over the lattice covering. The meal was with wonderful local wine, home grown vegis, fresh seafood from the sea and lots of great conversation with our new friends.  

We were all exhausted from the long day of biking, wine and food...so sleep (and for Ken Tylenol 3 thanks to Angela) was not hard to come by. Send karma for a better day tomorrow for Ken!