Leaving Brasov, admittedly we were a bit depressed at riding through the industrial side of Brasov. Heading into Szekely Land with winds indicating a strong storm moving in, we simply rode to cover ground before nightfall and the drenching rains. But the beautiful sky, the expansive lands and the villages caught our attention causing us to stop and photograph. What a memorable evening ride with amazing panoramic views!



In Sfantu Gheorghe (Sepsiszentgyorgy), the highlight was a conversation with a Rompetrol worker who admired the motorcycle and inquired of our travels. Otherwise, the town is rather unappealing and dreary.



Onward to Tusnad (home to bottled Tusnad water) and then the resort, Baile Tusnad with its interesting town center. It was another moment to capture a moto-admirer from a distance!



Miercurea Ciuc (Csikszereda) is known as the coldest city in Romania (annual temperature 5.9 degree C). We laughed about such facts as we rode until we realized that we needed our long underwear that we had abandoned since summer had arrived! The capital of Szekely Land, Miercurea Ciuc has a more than 90 percent Hungarian population. With much concrete due to Ceausescu's systemisation plans, the city has one remaining original structure - the old yellow building, the National Bank of Romania. The city is home to the revered Romanian beer, Ciuc (pronounced chook).



Unable to locate suitable lodging, we headed west to Odorheiu Secuiesc on a breathtaking stretch of road. We have asked ourselves more than once, why it is that we always seem to locate the most amazing roads at 7:30 p.m. or in the drenching rain?! Again, rain moved in and prohibited photographing this wild and scenic portion of Szekely Land.



After riding through the mountains in the cold, drizzling rain and darkness encroaching, we finally located Pensiune Margerita in Odorheiu Secuiesc (approximately 20 Euros). Tucked away off the main road, we enjoyed the pleasant hostess and the small cozy room with a skylight. We walked about a half mile guided by moonlight (no streetlights and no flashlight) for pizza. We returned late and unable to awaken the hostess, we scaled the fence and called it a night!



Awakening to drizzling rain, we decided to stake out until 10 a.m. before hitting the road to Gheorgheni. Gheorgheni (Gyergyoszentmiklos) is known as the 'cold pole' because of its long winters. It is a break enroute to Bicaz, nestled between the Gurghiu Mountains and the Eastern Carpathians. – HSR & BGR