Kalimentsi to Dobrich

Whose idea was this anyway? Tough tough day in the saddle and also out of the saddle. Weird breakfast of pancakes with Nutella but sun was shining and the day held lots of promise. First hour was fine but then I was trying to negotiate a heavily rutted path and fell badly. I heard a noise in my ribs that didn’t sound great and my right arm took the brunt. Deyan our guide sprang into action and cleaned me up and disinfected the wounds and I gingerly got back on my back. Was quite painful but I was sure I hadn’t done anything too drastic – was breathing and still living. Rest of the morning was a bit of a blur but lunch surpassed all expectations. We stopped at a monastery where the other guide had prepared a picnic lunch. There was a spring if freezing cold fresh water which was ethereal. I lay my injured arm in a trough of heavenly water and it was almost religious. Picnic lunch was amazing. Grilled fish and salad..



Swapping my pedals and shoes to non cleats gave me more confidence as did some painkillers and ibuprofen gel. The temperature then started to rise and rise while I started to wilt and wilt. At one point I was so hot I just lay down at the side of the road and lost the plot completely. Even the passing Bulgarians were worried – slowing down in their cars to see if I was a corpse or not. My amazing fellow cyclists and guide waited patiently for me to regain speech and some modicum of energy. I thank them for their understanding and encouragement. Once my lowest point had been reached and conquered, I was able to get back on the bike and continue to the next but one village where ice cream was available. Now almost fully restored I could again engage in speaking with the team, chatting about food and whether Bulgar wheat was from Bulgaria or not. The route was tough but we cycled past acres of sunflowers – the odd yellow head peeping out. Arriving in Dobrich, our hotel was fab – shower lukewarm though. Hot spicy sausage and the shopska salad, more beer than I should have but my ribs are feeling less painful. Iceland are 2 up but I need to sleep. Hope the boys come good in the end. 

Oh!and I had another ice-cream because I fell off my bike and Fitbit said I had used nearly 4000 calories 😍