17 people took part in an extraordinary Puławy-Chełm-Rome pilgrimage, including Mostostal Puławy S.A. Management Board President Tadeusz Rybak. Preparations for the expedition began much earlier. Training, bicycle service, hotel bookings, the route.
On departure day, the weather did not pamper the pilgrims.
There was no shortage adventures along the route, which traversed 5 countries (Poland - Slovakia - Hungary - Slovenia - Italy). Not only did the pilgrims have to show physical fitness, but also psychological endurance. The scorching sun and hot tarmac meant that bike wheels where red hot. Never-ending hills and mountains were another challenge which had to be overcome.
The amazing views and a wonderful atmosphere presided over by father Karol Mazur, the spiritual guide of the trip, made up for it all. Each day a different town, rest, then breakfast in the morning, Holy Mass and on the road again.
Mostostal Puławy ensured technical support for the pilgrimage in the form of 2 vehicles and the infallible coach Adam Wojewódka to look after the riders.
As the kilometres were devoured, the pilgrims achieved a daily average of 145 km (a total of more than 2000) and reached the goal of the pilgrimage on time. The white and red group of pilgrims reached the Eternal City on the 7th of July. On Saturday, the pilgrims celebrated Holy Mass by St. John Paul II's grave. Pope Francis himself greeted the pilgrims.
The hardship and satisfaction is indescribable, but worth experiencing.
