Day 4 – Bruck an der Mur to Kalsdorf bei Graz: Chasing Weather, Finding Rhythm

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August 21, 2025 – Thursday – We had officially reached the halfway mark of our bike tour: more than 280 kilometers pedaled since leaving Muhr. Today’s stage would take us from Bruck an der Mur to Kalsdorf bei Graz, just 10 kilometers shy of the Styrian capital itself.

The morning began with a touch of doubt. The forecast had warned of rain, and over breakfast we debated whether the skies would cooperate. In the end, we decided not to let the weather dictate our plans. We packed our bags carefully, wrapping everything to stay dry just in case, and set off with cautious optimism.

To our relief, the first 30 kilometers unfolded under perfect cycling weather—cool air, patches of sun, and clouds drifting harmlessly above. Steven, full of energy, often took the lead, his youthful power setting a steady pace. The Murradweg guided us through a mix of paved stretches and gravel paths, some gently sloping, others testing our legs with uneven ground.

Our first stop was Frohnleiten, a picturesque town nestled against forested hills. Its colorful facades and charming main square invited us to linger, and we snapped photos to capture the alpine flair before pressing on. Soon after, we reached Peggau, where we finally gave in to the lure of coffee. A steaming cup and a short rest revived not only our tired feet but also our e-bike batteries, which gratefully recharged at the café.

Back on the trail, we followed the Mur River southward, sometimes weaving close to its banks, other times routed briefly along federal highways. The transition from tranquil countryside to busier surroundings became more noticeable as we approached Graz. Gratkorn marked the edge of the metropolitan area, and from there, the traffic and hum of daily life grew stronger.

By early afternoon, the unmistakable bustle of Graz surrounded us—the second largest city in Austria, rich in culture and crowned with its famous Schlossberg. As tempting as it was to stop, our luggage kept us moving. Instead, we cycled the last 10 kilometers to Kalsdorf bei Graz, where our lodging for the night, Hotel and Restaurant Pendl, awaited us.

It had been a long and tiring day, but we were satisfied. Tomorrow’s ride would push us closer to our final destination, and we hoped the weather would once again be on our side.