Distance: 101 km
Time: 5 hrs 28 min.
Speed: 18.5 km/hr
Climbed: 4500 ft
AHR (Average Heart Rate) 116 bts/min
Cum Distance: 1623 km.
Cum Climbed: 31,337 ft.
Punctures: 0
Back in the saddle again and the forecast for the week is good. No more rain.
Today we climb into the Balkan Mountains that run east-west across the country. These are woodland covered mountains and we crossed from river valley to river valley. In all we had 5 long climbs of 3 or 4 km length at 6 and 7%. I rather enjoyed the challenge and went at them with enthusiasm. Still it was nice to finally come to that final crest. Two of these climbs came in the last quarter of the ride when limbs would start to weary.
All ready to hit the road at 8 am and pull out of Veliko Tărnovo along busy Highway 5 heading south. Just about 5 km of this before we pulled off onto towards Prisovo. Already the hills coming at us but nothing too strenuous. This early road was broken but generally today surfaces were excellent. No gravel roads to contend with.
The road twisted and turned through the wooded valleys and every corner brought another scenic vista. We had oak woods (and beech and conifers) but sometimes broken by ledges of rock.
The first long climb came just after passing through Mindy and swinging right onto Highway 53. This one just went on and on but each had their own celebration on reaching the top.
And still another long pull before our first agreed coke stop at 34 km.
Terrain about us was like the wooded parts of Wicklow on a sunny day. The recumbents enjoyed the downhills but are always tending to wobble on the climbs.
Signposts indicated we were entering Elena (her name is everywhere). In fact we just touched the very edge of this 6 thousand person resort on the edge of the Balkan Mountains, famous for its clock tower and its elephant tree.
Just out of Elena we turned left and straight into another 3 km stiff climb before reaching the small town of Maryan. I looked at the name a few times and saw something different each time. 
Now, we were on a high plateau and careered along with ease. The road just stretched away in front of us although a few cows liked to be on the road also. Both here and in Romania, all cows still have their horns. They didn't bother us passing by. But in Konstantin a few dogs gave chase but to no avail. They backed off when confronted aggressively. Still some horse carts around here and they are capable of some sped when empty.
Just after Konstantin (of the dogs) lunch awaited us nicely shaded under a tree. Michael needed a bit of repair work as he had just snapped two spokes. Our sojourn was a bit longer than usual but welcome.
The scenery around today, we could enjoy as we had no rain to contend with. We missed out on that last Saturday.
Just after passing through Kiplovo, we left Highway 53 and at 77 km hit into another long twisting climb through the trees. Cathy and I headed off at our own pace, but shortly afterwards the others began to arrive. Admired the elderberries as we waited...a good looking crop.
A brisk downhill and straight into another climb through partly open countryside. The legs are feeling all the better with these days in the hills.
After 95 km the final approach to Kotel along Highway 48. Not a very busy town from what I saw. A few turns brought us to our hotel for the night here in the Bulgarian Wilderness.
A pleasant day in lovely scenery and some satisfying challenging climbing.
Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.
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