TRAVEL TIPS FROM A BIKE RIDE THROUGH THE BALKANS
ABOUT
BALKANS BIKE ADVENTURE
This was an adventure of amazing landscapes, over the top views and wonderful engagement with locals. My friend Jo, the best travel buddy, joined me on this adventure.
PURPOSE: Long Distance Bicycling
TYPE: Self Supported
ROUTE: Trans Dinarica Trail A great organization!
DISTANCE: 600 miles, 36,000’ elevation
WEATHER: Not overly hot, not much rain in September/October.
TRANSIT
AIRLINES: United (checked bike)
DESTINATION: Ljubljana, Slovenia
TRANSPORT - from Airline to Hostel: Mimi - Whats App # +386 51 813 216
FIRST NIGHT: Hostel Celicia - fantastic place!
ROUTE
APPS USED: Ride with GPS was primary - Komoot, Mapsme and Google were supplemental.
ITINERARY: See map (hearts = overnight stays, green flags = places of interest)
COUNTRIES: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania
SIDE TRIP: Bus from Tirana, Albania to Istanbul, Turkey.
TRANSPORTATION PLATFORM: Rome to Rio.com on Flixbus. Ended up finding a better deal at the main bus station in Tirana with Alpar bus for only 50 euro per person and no extra charge for the bikes and bags!
TIME FRAME: September – October 2024, 30 days cycling, 7 days Istanbul.
SLEEP & EAT
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hostels, Guesthouses, Camping
AVERAGE ONE NIGHT COST: 21 euro per night - per person when shared guesthouse accommodation, otherwise 10 euro.
BOOKING PLATFORM: Booking.com Booked the night before or in the morning. Finding accommodations was never a problem. Most guesthouses want cash payment on arrival. No credit cards = local, charming.
FOOD: Grocery stores – favorite DM Drogerie Market for organic staples.
MISC.
BIKE SHOP: Loose Cycles in Ljubliana expertly re-assembled my bike and left them the bike box.
CURRENCY: Euros accepted, change given in local currency.
BUDGET: $83 total per day for accommodation, food, bus, museums, Haman massage, etc.
INTERNET: Wifi at accommodations and local (German) sim card.
PREP & INFO
Download ride route with GPS.
Download countries in Google Maps.
No Visa required for U.S. citizens.
FALL WEATHER: Rain Gear and Warm Clothes for high elevations.
ANIMALS: Local sheep dogs can look and act intimidating. I found throwing bread to them, as I got close, was an effective distraction. I heard that getting off your bike and walking also stops the chase.
