pedElle 2022: day 2 - Oponice to Banská Štiavnica

After a restful night following a long, long day in the saddle, the pedElle riders today face 105kms and three climbs. They head out (somewhat reluctantly) from their spa hotel into gorgeous Slovakian countryside, with treelined roads and hills to both sides. The first climb of the day winds up through woods and is then followed by a lovely descent into the next valley. After coffee at Hotel Zamok, a gorgeous white chateau, the riders head towards the verdant hills before picking up a road along the bottom of a river valley. The second climb of the day offers a more gentle ascent, before descending through a picturesque valley and into bustling Nova Bana, for lunch at Pizzeria Riallto.

After 74kms, the riders head out for the third and final 31kms stage of the day into the mountains. The views are stunning and the third climb of the day keeps ascending through forested valleys, lined with wooden chalets. After winding their way upwards round numerous switchbacks, the group enjoys a superb descent down the other side. The landscape opens up to reveal views of Kalvaria Church perched on top of hill above Banská Štiavnica, the final stop for the day. This completely preserved medieval town is located in the middle of an immense caldera created by the collapse of an ancient volcano, and the architecture and cobbled streets are almost film-set ready in their perfection. It is a beautiful finish to another long and challenging day in the saddle.