Pirin

Other cyclists have left online comments that the « iron curtain road » (Euro Velo route 13 - planned but not completed) has a very difficult section where carrying bicycles would be needed. We therefore find an alternative further north that is marked as "paved and feasible." This is the core of our day plan. It starts by a steep concrete section and a tunnel, and a bit of dirt road that we confidently consider will be short.

Several hours later...
1. We realise that there are enough remains to conclude that a large part of the road was indeed paved, long ago;
2. We have had to take our shoes off, to ford a stream;
3. We had to push the bicycles up nearly impossible slopes;
4. We are a great team, since both of us were needed to push and pull the bikes up absolutely impossible sections.

Otherwise the ride is great, among sheep, goats and cows and their respective guarding dogs, and a solid sense of solitude. The raging gruntings of a bull in a nearby field causes the only real fear.

By 13:30 we reach the little village of Pirhin. We still have 750 m of altitude left to climb, but the feeling of tarmac is delicious.Read more