Having slept for 10 hours in a very comfy bed, I was ready for a good day in the saddle. Leaden skies failed to darken my spirit. We met the other people who were on the same tour at breakfast – as well as a Norwegian who was living in Antibes and was walking in the mountains with his life-long friend. As the rain started to fall, we climbed in to the van and Tony, our Bulgarian guide, explained there was a Bulgarian saying that if it rains when you start, it brings good luck. I don’t think that it works every time, though. At a break in the rain, and an opportunistic layby on a busy road, Tony pulled over and said ‘You ride from here’. 45 minutes later after more faffing than I’ve ever seen, we set off in the pouring rain, cycling on a main road which carried fast cars and lorries who really thought it was fun to drive through the puddles alongside the stupid tourists and soak them. I tried mind over matter and matter kept winning. After about 35 mins we stopped in a roadside cafe for a coffee and a rethink. Everyone was drenched and most were shivering. We climbed back into the van and drove up the mountain – steaming up the windows so couldn’t really see the view. The skies cleared momentarily at the dam and Tony asked if anyone wanted to cycle. Silence fell in the van. Neil and I agreed to think about cycling after the lunch stop. We pulled up for the lunch stop and had lukewarm chicken soup followed by trout and warm chips. I like hot food. I like hot food when I am cold. But the sun had started to peep out and I removed my wet cycle shorts. We bought some delicious honey with nuts from the sellers who all seemed to be selling the same jars – competition rife and good prices were available! Neil and I then got on our bikes, and the rest of party clambered back in the van. The sun came out and we had a great freewheel all the way down into Velingrad. We passed an old man with a stick and some cows. We stopped at the market and bought some cherries and tasted some home made wine/raki? Then eventually found the hotel. We have just spent half an hour in the thermal pool scoffing cherries. Dinner in hotel tonight. No WiFI but hoping this zooms into the ether somehow.
In summary, came for a glorious sunny cycle in the Bulgarian mountains. Packed for same. Reality is that we had a rainy day, but, as always, the sun came out. So long as my shoes and shorts are dryish by the morning, I will be fine… (Bad memories of Lake District wet days and putting on wet boots…the Walking Ladies will know what I mean..)
Snoo's kitchen 