Balkans Cycling Adventure – BCA. Cycle Day 1: Sofia to Sapareva Banya, Bulgaria. 69km (1221vm). Connal Tours European Cycling Tour 2024.
Arriving in Sofia after the long flight from Perth, Western Australia. A relief to unpack our bikes and ready them for the next 10 weeks. An unsupported cycling tour, carrying everything we needed. Just the 2 of us. First, three days exploring Sofia before beginning our adventure.
Safely negotiated exiting the city of Sofia, with the loud church bells booming behind us as we left.
A long hard climb to start our tour tested out our lack of fitness preparation. But slow & steady got us there. A welcome bar/restaurant at the top was very timely for us to refuel. Once over this first long climb (@29km) it was some sweet downhill and views to a long range if mountains in the distance with a good covering of snow.
Then a long run along a flat valley floor with these mountains still forming the backdrop. Yet another climb to get us into the next valley. Followed by a long steep descent that made all the climbing worth the effort. Finally, our destination was in sight. A town of about 7000 at the foot of the Rila mountain range. Former Roman town of Germania. (3rdC).
Of note: Multiple stork nests on top of power poles. Pot holes in the road – big enough to swallow you up. Lots of motorbikes Sunday touring. The biggest and tastiest tomatoes. Heavily forested mountains. High trellised grapevines, fruit trees and a vegetable plot in most gardens. Steaming town geyser. Clear mountain water and hot mineral water outlets around the town.
Cycle Day 1 of 45 over 10 weeks cycle touring covering over 2400km in a loop circuit of the West Balkans in Europe through 8 countries. Connal Kit for all your cycling touring clothing. Connal Tours European Cycling Tour 2024. connalkit.com.au 28April2024.
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