Katowice by Bike

This city is a lady of many personalities. And until covering almost every corner by bike this weekend, there were personas we hadn't yet discovered in our almost two months here.

Valley of Three Ponds

   Traveling by bicycle here can be quite interesting. It's more practiced to ride on the sidewalk and after riding many roads in the States, one would think there would be relief in the ability to leave the worries of traffic aside and pedal on the sidewalk. Not so much. I'll take the road any day. Because the roads and sidewalks can be rough - composed of cobblestone and potholes - Troy sweetly swapped out my road tires for city tires for a much smoother ride.

   Each day, each ride, we uncovered a new route and now have a route of 20 miles via bike trail. No sidewalks and only one fast paced stretch around the Spodek round-a-bout, it's a beautiful ride. This last weekend couldn't have been more perfect for riding and taking in the city. And today I discovered even more trails via foot. If the weather can hold out just a bit more, we'll be back in the saddle.

   The first sight on our ride was the rooster mural. Note the sunny-side-up egg in his belly. Life should always be sunny-side-up, shouldn't it? If you should happen to be in the neck of the woods, look for it in the vicinity of the ever gorgeous St. Mary's Church.

   Next on the journey of many murals is this one in which I title: The Robotic Wizardry of Dr. Seuss. And yes, this would be the Dr. Seuss that encourages gambling and cute little innocent bunnies to smoke. That's just one of Lady Katowice's personalities.

  
   Adjacent you will find this one which I would believe to be an ode to industrialization. If you look very closely on the far right, up about half way, is the littlest sketch of a dolphin. Which for some reason Troy found to be superb. I'm not sure of the deep meaning behind the dolphin, but he seems happy.

   Half way through the ride, you will find Katowice's heart. You can spot the castle-like tower from various parts of the city, and for some reason I just really like it.

   Once you reach the Silesian Zoo, there are many great trails to explore in the surrounding Silesian Culture and Recreation Park. The zoo is perhaps a smidge depressing but is rather a lovely way to spend the day. There's even a skunk exhibit (because I've always wanted to get up close and personal with one of those splendid creatures). On the outskirts of the park is the Silesian Stadium which holds football games (aka soccer), a motorcycle speedway (the location of the first World Final in 1973), and music concerts.

Silesian Stadium

   My possibly favorite mural is this frost-bit beauty. To see it in person, is just interesting. There's just something phenominal about it.

   Painted next to Mr. Chill is this marvel:

   Which perhaps ironically leads to this:

St. Anna's Church

   Before long, we are back to the Valley of Three Ponds which is part of the 420 hectare Katowice Forest Park located just past our flat. When the down and dirty of the city gets too familiar, pack a picnic and get on your wheels, skates, or just your shoes to enjoy the peaceful side of Katowice.

Reflections of Fall, Valley of Three Ponds