Week 9 Lovets - Karlovo

The new week starts with a challenge for us. We approach the Balkan Mountains from the east, through beautiful landscapes. We climb the first pass with an elevation of 700 meters and then navigate up and down through endless forests on narrow roads. By the end of the day, the total elevation gain has reached 1285 meters.

In Veliko Tarnovo, we stay for three nights in a guesthouse. The city is spread across several steep hills, with the Jantra River winding through them. We visit the old fortress, many churches with ancient frescoes, and hike to Arbanassi. This village is located high on a rock plateau and resembles a museum. The unassuming exterior of the churches, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, conceals their beauty.

With the help of our dedicated host, we reconsider our further travel route. The narrow, winding, and often poor roads along the northern slopes of the Balkans are not suitable for cycling. We have no problems on wide, well-maintained roads with a bit more traffic. The drivers are mostly considerate, greeting us and giving thumbs up.

To get to the southern side of the Balkans, we have to conquer the 1200-meter high Shipka Pass. We cover the 800 meters of elevation gain in two hours! Upon reaching the top, the climbing continues on foot. We climb 900 stairs to the Shipka Monument, where the decisive battle for Bulgaria's liberation from the Turks by the Russians took place. That's why there is also a Russian church in the town of the same name.

Along the route on the southern side of the Balkans, we enjoy great views of the mountains.

Mileage: 4010