Thessaloniki to Skopje

So having got the bike sorted I now have to set out to Spain to meet Julia to watch the eclipse in 12 August. We’re actually meeting on 10th so I have about 2 weeks to cover 2800km. Haven’t ridden my own bike for 2 years. (Apart form 1 km from the mechanics to the hotel). Today I have to load it up and then ride to Skopje (or Zagreb but I decide on the shorter ride).

After experimenting with the best way of attaching gear I am dripping in sweat so decide to wear t shirt and shorts to ride. I am deeply unhappy about doing this. I really believe in the ATGATT Principle. (All the gear all the time). But it’s 37 degrees and while it can be cool when you’re moving, all the stops in the city will cook you. Literally in this heat. I had a water bottle in my day bag and at the end it was as hot as freshly brewed tea.

As result of these two factors I was already quite stressed which isn’t the best for good or enjoyable riding. But had to be done.

Had an iced cappuccino at the next door cafe before I set off. I think I’m just putting off the moment when I have to commit to riding.

Then there was the border stress which cost me two maybe three hours. Took ages to get out of Greece and then entering N Macedonia I didn’t have their green card (for bike insurance). There was an office at the border where in theory I could buy it but their internet had had problems and was therefore shut. So I had to ride back into Greece ride to another border post at Evzonai. Exit Greece. They were very curious as to why I had exited and entered back in the same day. But let me out eventually! Got to the border and bought green card. That sums it up but from reaching the first Greek exit border queue to finally opening up inside N Macedonia would have been two/theee hours. I stopped at a Greek cafe near the second border post to ask if there was an ATM. I thought I might need physical euros for the green card. They said there was one 15 km away. So I asked them if I could do Cashback instead. They gave me 50 euros but charged me 5. Fair enough. The office took card payment anyway.

Then rode to Skopje. Past what looked like an incipient wildfire. (If I’m reading this in the future this is the summer of European wildfires. ). Reached the Ambasador Hotel in Skopje exhausted. Had a sushi at the Japanese’s restaurant round the corner. Then to bed. Gonna have a rest day tomorrow cos today was hard.Read more