Have you ever thought of going above 2000m with a bike or you have done it and want to do it again? This tour is specially designed for the endure mountain bikers who love biking in pristine alpine landscapes including crystal clear glacier lakes, wild rivers, waterfalls, big glacier valleys, high alpine peaks and meadows with abundant wildlife. Surrounded by the alpine beauties and positive energy of the mountains every uphill and harder stage seems easier and pleasant and fills you with strength and desire to bike and see more and more.
Biking in the highest mountains in Bulgaria includes the historic Kayser’s way made in the beginning of 20C by the Bulgarian Tzar Ferdinand to show Rila Mountains beauties to the Austrian Kayser. You will bike down to the lowest southern parts of the mountain and visit typical villages of the region. You will also see the Brown Bear sanctuary in Belitsa, where dancing bears used by the gypsies in the past are rehabilitated and brought back to normal life. At the end you will have the option to choose either to finish the tour with a pleasant downhill ride of 1300 vertical meters from Bezbog lake to Dobrinishte village or take a rest and do a cultural trip to the biggest and most famous monastery in Bulgaria – Rila monastery.
Tour Itinerary:
Departure dates:
15 June 2010 - 15 October 2010 - every day,
Day 1: Meeting at Sofia airport and transfer to the city center for overnight.
Day 2: Short transfer to Aleko hut in Vitosha Mountains. Biking in the alpine parts above the tree line to Cherni Vryh Peak (2290m a.s.l.), the highest in Vitosha Mountains. Downhill ride follows along the meadows to Yarlovo village. Transfer to the village of Govedartsi in Rila Mountains. (28 km; highest elevation: 2290m; uphill biking: 400m; downhill biking: 1200m).
Day 3: 30min drive brings us to Borovets ski resort. The biking starts on a dirt road along the famous Kayser’s way via the rock formation Wolf’s stone, Chakar Voivoda hut, Sara Giol palace and further upstream along Prava Maritsa River to Zavratchica hut at 2200m where we stay overnight. (20 km; highest elevation: 2200m; uphill biking: 800m; downhill biking: 100m).
Day 4: Today we continue biking on the Kayser’s way surrounded by stunning alpine peaks and meadows. The road climbs at 2450m and the goes down to Granchar hut (2200m) situated in the Granchar circus with 3 glacier lakes. We continue downhill on a dirt road and asphalt road to Treshtenik area for overnight. (18 km; highest elevation: 2450m; uphill biking: 500m; downhill biking: 800m).
Day 5: Nice dirt road will lead us from Treshtenik in direction to Semkovo resort. We bike in forests at around 1800m and pass through Toritsa, Solishteto and Vranchevo areas. Overnight in Semkovo. (15 km; highest elevation: 1850m; uphill biking: 300m; downhill biking: 300m).
Day 6: Biking today takes us to Belitsa via the picturesque village of Dobarsko. The route starts with a downhill ride near Belitsa River, then climbs up to Krotov Chuchur place, Titevica and Dobarsko hut. From there we continue downhill to the small village of Dobarsko. After a rest and visit of the two old churches we hit the dirt road downhill along Klinica River to Dolno Dragalishte village, then climb up a small hill and bike down again to Belitsa town. Here we will visit the dancing bears rehabilitation park. (25 km; highest elevation: 1700m; uphill biking: 300m; downhill biking: 850m).
Day 7: Relax day, which will allow us to visit the most famous Bulgarian landmark (equally for its size, natural surroundings, architecture, wall paintings and ancient history) – Rila Monastery and the sandy pyramids by Stob village nearby. We end up in Sofia, where some time at leisure may be spent in the late afternoon hours for sightseeing, shopping etc.
Day 8: Transfer to Sofia airport for departure.
Practical information:
* There is a guide riding together with the group. The unnecessary luggage stays in the supporting vehicle, which makes the transfers. For the overnight stay in the hut (day 3) bikers should allow clothing for 2 days and carry it in a daypack during the rides on days 3 and 4.
BIKES: Hardtail performance mountain bike “RAM” with 24 gears, 80mm front suspension fork and Sram components.
BIKING SPECIFICS: this is a true enduro mountain bike trip and we bike on all kinds of terrain: forests paths and dirt roads, alpine single tracks and macadam roads on rocky terrain, meadow paths and dirt roads and more. Uphill sections are moderate to hard (with some sections that may require pushing of the bikes)
RECCOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: We strongly recommend you to bring a helmet, cycling gloves and light knee pads (for the downhill sections). Helmets can be rented from us upon request.
EXTENSION AT THE BLACK SEA COAST: we have a unique proposal, which gives you the opportunity to stay on a sea holiday for extra week after your active tour at an incredibly low price in Sozopol, Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Lozenets, St. Vlas, Golden Sands etc. and all this with arranged transportation right after your tour and before your departure flight. For more information please check "Vacation extensions" below.
Tour difficulty: Difficult/Challenging. For experienced mountain bikers.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation and boarding as mentioned above;
- Equipped mountain bike (helmets and saddle bags are provided upon request only);
- English-speaking guide;
- Driver with a supporting vehicle;
- Transfers from/to Sofia airport and throughout the tour;
- Luggage transfers;
- VAT and all local taxes (entrance fees not included).
* Single room supplement: 80 euro
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Bulgaria
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
National Parks
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