Holbav

Hire bikes delivered to our lodge so, after a quick practice on e bikes we set off down the tortuous dirt road to Zarnesti. Andrea wen very slowly- too slowly- which was actually hard. Her mother hen side became very apparent. Kim was ordered to fall in behind Andrea as a 'learner ' but did manage to fall over at one point when stationary.

Eventually reached Zarnesti and after a short ride o main road turned off to Vulcan. Very flat and suitable pointy ear jokes. Stopped in Vulcan for a breather and explanation about Saxon house style. Turned off and headed up long long hill. Andrea not comfortable, electric girls off miles ahead, me pedalling away and Paul M lagging a little. Mother hen uncomfortable and trying to be a cycling sheep dog which extended her physically to the limit.

Eventually reached top at village of Holbav. Took a few minutes for Andrea to recover her breath and composure but ice cream and cold drink next to Collection of wildlife skins (bear, boar, cat..) and we were ready to go.

Long downhill through village was best bit of the ride. More rural, old colourful houses and even a cart pulled by 2 oxen.

Track became gravel/dirt and a very pretty valley. Turned off into side valley in search of a cave but we couldn't find it so too lunch by stream in shade.

Back onto road and a stop in village without and a church. Tarmac reappeared as did cars and vans. Long long hot 'false flat' with a drink stop in hotel. 1 final climb over Small ridge (Andrea proved a point by leaving me floundering behind on the climb) and a fast downhill to Zarnesti.

Taxis straight to Chocolate bar an beer before back to lodge for fantastic trout in garlic ad and polenta.Read more