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Thanks for taking the time to get the information about the stones. Glad your enjoying the report Wayne |
Day 18 Balkans Trip
Day 18 Balkans Trip
The route today was from Prozor to somewhere before Mostar. It started off good and ended good with a bit of a twist in the early stages. It took me about 45 mins to get out of Prozor because I was trying to find a bank to use the ATM and all the main street was having road works done. Talk about traffic congestion it was manic. Eventully found a bank my 3rd run through the town. Then it was fuel and I was off. Day 18 Prozor to near Mostar |
I didn’t want to take the main roads so I had plotted a route through the middle of no where…and it sure was. In some places it was very barren and others were forestry blocks. It was a good ride.
https://i.imgur.com/E2YOJPzl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/dGZEmbwl.jpg As I left Prozor I rode around Lake Ramsko and in the middle is the Island of Sćit with a Monastery on it. I forgot it was there until I was well around the other side https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsko...nd_Herzegovina) https://i.imgur.com/9SsR7Txl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/isQdi9Kl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/habAH9ql.jpg Taken from the Dam https://i.imgur.com/76pPZVIl.jpg The other side of the Dam |
https://i.imgur.com/jBO5aOjl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/C4CMRJbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/V3uSiyNl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/bCghvaql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lGCsJD1l.jpg As I continued with my journey I came across a Shrine N43.69696 E17.53280 which was towards the edge of the forestry block, but it was in the middle of no where. I could not see what it was for. https://i.imgur.com/9OVuvyDl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/sJsGsrCl.jpg As I left there the twist happened, N43.69657 E17.53327. I had only ridden about 100 yards from getting back on the bike after taking the photos of the shrine and I ended up in some loose gravel, not good, the front washed out from underneath me, I tried to keep the bike rubber down but it wasn’t having none of it, down I went on the left side, the left pannier ended up on my foot, the boots work. So after I had prised myself from under the bike, I picked it up, it was heavy but not as bad as I thought it would have been. On close inspection I have put a big dint in the bottom left corner of the pannier, and pushed it in where it attaches to the frame, I also think the frame has moved but cant be sure. I got on the bike to ride off to find that the bars had twisted in the fork clamps, or thats what I hoped, Yes they had. So a few hard knocks on the opposite lock sorted that out. Time to move on. https://i.imgur.com/4KzCEAql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/XlWGsSol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/K6HUWJGl.jpg |
Next up on the unpaved road I came across some more of those Stones N43.66331 E17.54271, these were more tomb shaped than the others I saw the other day.
https://i.imgur.com/pQhm7rIl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/J8YfI5Ql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Dpw1iNdl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/wy4W9NIl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/jwMvIm7l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/sxemUeQl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5QmlZzHl.jpg |
A few miles down the road from the stones the unpaved road went to paved again and there were really long sweeping bends on it. It was good to be back on the tarmac. I also went passed another Lake, Lake Blininje
I stopped at this little village which had a small supermarket, with a cafe attached to it at N43.54550 E17.41024 and had a Kava before pushing on to some Waterfalls I wanted to visit. https://i.imgur.com/gEjbD4Yl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9H8hZAJl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/AqKNPvDl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/WF0L7JGl.jpg |
Next up was the Kravice Waterfalls N43.15641 E17.60898, I thought they were better than the other falls I visited. They were also a lot easier to get there, no heart attack mountain to climb…thankfully. It was a five minute walk from where I left the bike. I had a nice Kava before I left the area.
https://www.kravice.com https://i.imgur.com/4SQnnhbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/SXngvHal.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ldNsV3Nl.jpg |
Once I left the Waterfall I had one more thing to see before I went to find somewhere to sleep, Pocitelj Castle N43.13303 E17.73093. Just as was on the outskirts of Pocitelj I met and got talking to a rider from Austria on a GS1200, he was just out day riding from where he was stopping. Had a natter for about 20 mins before he went towards Mostar and I continued pottering about.
https://i.imgur.com/jaXnz4El.jpg https://i.imgur.com/OANYft5l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/aEpo8n8l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hTuXCSRl.jpg The plan was to wild camp tonight, but I didn’t find anywhere which suited me so I ended up in a Motel on the road to Mostar. Short journey tomorrow, booked a room for £26 for 3 nights in Mostar, which is my last stop in Bosnia before heading to Kotor in Montenegro Wayne |
Smashing mate :thumbup1:
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Wayne |
Sat in Mostar now, relaxing and watching the world go by. I have an hour to kill before I can check in to my Airbnb
Wayne Sent from my tapatalk with a nice cold beer in my hand |
:thumbup1: its a hard life doh
Plenty to see in Mosie Wayne but the price goes up !! when i left i passed through https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k...o/IMG_2116.JPG https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u...o/IMG_2117.JPG cant tell you where the road(track !!! ) was just crossed an old iron bridge and found this in the middle https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--...o/IMG_2120.JPG Thanks again for making me go back through my pics bier |
Wayne.... check out Blagaj 10km south of Mostar and source off the river Buna...
then you can take old road to Trebinje,nice little town, then Dubrovnik is just 36km or Herceg Novi about 42km vich will be on your way to Kotor.Once in Kotor a MUST is serpentine road to Negrose and Cetinje. Safe ride Kawazoki |
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Wayne Sent from my tapatalk with a nice cold beer in my hand |
Day 19 Balkans Trip
Day 19 Balkans Trip
Just a sort trip of about 10 mile this morning to get into Mostar. Had a steady ride in and went to find where I will be staying. As I was early I went for a bit of a ride around the town before finding a Cafe for some fruit tea. Got settled into the room. It is not as good as the last place I stayed in but its clean and for £7 a night you can not complain. Most importantly Arrunya is in a garage out of the way. I am going to try and get the left pannier of tomorrow. The biggest worry is that it won’t go back on. But I need to check the pannier frame in more detail, just to make sure its not cracked and also try and straighten the top of the case out as the lid doesn’t fit properly now so its not waterproof and the last think I need is a wet Mac Air. Some views from on the way into Mostar https://i.imgur.com/p6oc6gyl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/mNAu5gFl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/iPpTyIZl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hpHyy8Ul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/mRIqxSvl.jpg The Room https://i.imgur.com/yqAilV0l.jpg |
Also went out to the supermarket and got my self a treat
https://i.imgur.com/PFT5XW5l.jpg Some local red wine Wayne |
Day 20 Balkans Trip
Day 20 Balkans Trip
Stay local and on foot today. Had a walk into the old town and into the newer part of town. Where ever you go in the town there is still a lot of scaring from the War. The old bridge is looking good after the renovation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mostar The Old Town https://i.imgur.com/v8IG4EBl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/fHtOGpNl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/WED1LXNl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/kyQsbuSl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/YI8KnqWl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1xfmQmjl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/eCvTQw4l.jpg |
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Still a lot of scaring from the War mixed in with the normal everyday life. Apart from this reminder it is hard to imagine this was a besieged town. It has a great Adriatic feeling about it
https://i.imgur.com/sCA1pNPl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/PN637Crl.jpgr https://i.imgur.com/Ksrrisll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FlWzduvl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/smRYUEXl.jpg Also took the panniers off today, the pannier frame looks intact after my off and although the left pannier is a bit twisted at the top it came off and went back on ok. I don't want to make it any worse so it can wait to get sorted properly once I am back in the UK. Just hope it doesn't rain as it won't be very water tight now :thumbdown: Tomorrow I am going for a ride around and hoping to visit Blagaj 10km south of Mostar and source off the river Buna. Wayne |
Great report fella :thumbup1:
Get some 2" plastic duct tape, to run around the pannier lid in the event of rain. |
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Cheers Bucket, glad you're enjoying the read Funny you should say that, thought of that and have a roll with me Wayne |
Day 21 Balkans Trip
Day 21 Balkans Trip
Last night I went to view the Bridge when it was dark, It looked quite good all lit up. I also stopped of at a restaurant and had a local dish of food. I had Japrak it was very tasty. https://i.imgur.com/La7QSUwl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/sNNSoDkl.jpg Today I went to Buna N43.25678 E17.90258 The Buna is a short river in Bosnia and Herzegovina; it is a left bank tributary of the Neretva. Its source (Vrelo Bune), a strong karstic spring, is near the village Blagaj, southeast of Mostar. Actually, it is best known by famous Buna Spring (Vrelo Bune), one of the strongest spring in Europe and extremely cold water. The Buna flows west for approximately 9 km, starts at Blagaj and meandering through villages Blagaj, Kosor, Malo Polje, Hodbina and joins the Neretva at Buna village. The Bunica river is main left bank tributary of the Buna. BH Tourism - Blagaj - Buna https://i.imgur.com/lVyUqnXl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ZGc40jTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xgy3u5Sl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Ep7sYTsl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/qDH0vTBl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/rsa0on0l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9AboeDHl.jpg It was a nice place to visit and to sit and relax just listening to the water. |
I then had a steady ride back to Mostar and went into the town
Some photos from the way back to Mostar https://i.imgur.com/jhTEjQFl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/qSr6IWvl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/cQJMB07l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/sC9b3tyl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/h4AWE8Il.jpg Tomorrow I am making tracks into Montenegro and I hope I have plotted my route to take in the old road to Trebinje Wayne |
Day 22 Balkans Trip
Day 22 Balkans Trip
I set off from Mostar with no real idea of where I would end up. All I did know is that I was making my was towards Kotor in Montenegro. Day 22 Mostar to near Kotor |
I had a great day riding. I thought I had plotted the old road to Trebinje
but it turned into a really bad track which I was not willing to tackle on my own with a heavy bike so I turned round and went back to the main road. Initially the track was ok but then it turned into sloppy mud, that was the point I turned around. It was not worth the risk by myself. https://i.imgur.com/4XkeTUQl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/KDycSR7l.jpg |
The roads were great for most of the time. Great long bends and some super scenery.
Early on the route I came across some more of the stones just on the outskirts of Stolac N43.09230 E17.92423. Some were fenced off and the others across the road were not. https://i.imgur.com/3J43eFLl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/BgFQYrFl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/djNte13l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ITPzl5cl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/97yQuORl.jpg [https://i.imgur.com/CWE6HSzl.jpg An old Fort in Stolac https://i.imgur.com/lSJJRsol.jpg Monument in Stolac https://i.imgur.com/Lk0ddChl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GC7NU36l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ErgWmXLl.jpg |
I stopped at a 14th Century Church, which was nice. It was just at the side of the road on the outskirts of Trebinje. Once in Trebinje I stopped for a good long break after I had found a nice place in the town centre. A couple of coffees were in order.
https://i.imgur.com/RuL6W0Ll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CuV4frLl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/y7cOGCIl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/YpyKADsl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/PJvuBaRl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1IoKWvLl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/XYS3QUQl.jpgr https://i.imgur.com/vkSV9ykl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/taDeVF9l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/A4iEOAPl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ccpFvIyl.jpg |
From there I went towards the border crossing. On the way there I went passed a fair sized lake. Bilecko Lake. I was a nice area to ride as the road was good.
https://i.imgur.com/FRWkB0Gl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1P9EnLzl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/3j2Lam7l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/nO60wAGl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/K3jOoMll.jpg Found this about 4.5 mile from the border in Bileca I crossed the Bosnia/Montenegro Border at N42.86163 E18.47958. Leaving Bosnia was a breeze, they didn’t even want to stamp me out even though I asked. I was stamped in. Strange. https://i.imgur.com/6je86lKl.jpg A sneaky shot of the Bosnia Border CP Then it was about 300m in no mans land to the Montenegro Border control. There the guy asked for my passport, which he got, then he asked for my vehicle documents. So I pulled the bike over and got them out. I gave him my V5 (registration document). He was typing away on the computer. Then he asked for my green card which I didn’t have. He called for his mate who was in another booth. He spoke good English and he told me I would have to buy insurance. So I bought some insurance at the border control area, 20 Euro for 15 days. So half an hour later I was back on the road. No stamp into the country?. |
Welcome to Montenegro
The road started of really bad and worn, it would have been better if it was a fully unpaved road rather than what it was. But after a few miles it went into a great road with lots of long sweeping bends and wonderfully scenery. It was a really good ride towards Kotor. https://i.imgur.com/uI07aUjl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/TLdqcbll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/4HtSm9Yl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/3zs7wOVl.jpg My first view of the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic https://i.imgur.com/eJuwiK4l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/IInvgXhl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/muKjiWal.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GjIH17vl.jpg I ended up stopping in a Hotel in Perast and had to take out a small mortgage to pay for it 60 Euro, after coming from Bosnia I nearly fell through the floor, Ouch. I hope its not going to be this expensive all the time. But it may well be as it is back to using the Euro again. https://i.imgur.com/rFtD1Vyl.jpg Stuffed Squid Hotel Conte N42.48630 E18.69801, It’s a nice room and see took pity on me I think and gave me a sea view room for the same price, it should have been 80 Euro. https://i.imgur.com/50fXAxJl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/RZmkzYrl.jpg I also got a voucher for a free drink in the restaurant next door https://i.imgur.com/hzhuKa3l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/nSfuyZZl.jpg Cruise Ship leaving the Bay A nice easy day tomorrow, about 5 mile to Kotor, find my Airbnb accommodation and relax, sort out my route for the next legs and possible pop to Dubrovnik Wayne |
€60 for a room !!!!! the modern world is a bummer sometimes doh
Looking good though Wayne and the more i read the more i'mthinking of a revisit :thumbup1: |
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Get yourself back Wayne |
Day 23 Balkans Trip
Day 23 Balkans Trip
I have had a steady morning, only a 6/7 mile ride to Kotor. Once there I had a bit of a ride around. Sourced a new sim card for my phone and then sat and had a coffee. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotor https://i.imgur.com/n427MSkl.jpg The other side of the Bay from where I was https://i.imgur.com/ni7iToVl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/6eYzwRQl.jpg Nice coffee spot in Kotor https://i.imgur.com/iNLvkitl.jpg The entrance to the old town |
I then set off to meet my Airbnb host, I met him at around 1130hrs. We sat and drank coffee and some home brew, a bit like slivodić, before I settled into my apartment. A nice place, 2 bedrooms, living room, kitchen and a balcony. Just sat relaxing now and deciding on whether to go to Dubrovnik or to Lovcen tomorrow? £35 for 3 nights.
https://i.imgur.com/81sXq0Il.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Y4HHGr0l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/WbIz5iFl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/tdp6t58l.jpg The balcony view Wayne |
Don't tempt me :thumbup1: but i've go Dakar in my sights next year
Phil |
Day 24 Balkans Trip
Day 24 Balkans Trip
I went to Dubrovnik today. Well the sun was out, the weather was great, and the roads were good, so why not. |
From my Airbnb place I rode to Lepetane and got the ferry, N42.46547 E18.6859 which went across the bay and saved me probably over an hour riding round it. The ferries go about every 15 mins and cost 2 Euro for a bike. Not a bad deal, I would have spent a lot more than that on fuel. The ferry took you to Kamenari N42.46661 E18.67460. Then it was about 30 plus mile to Dubrovnik.
https://i.imgur.com/kCnkzeyl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/AfbxYgMl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/TGEw1Izl.jpg |
Its the first time I had been and only wanted to see the old town. I was really nice and worth the visit. Loads of old building and stone carvings. I think you could have spent about 2 days wandering around them. It was a right labyrinth in amongst it all.
I didn’t have that long though as they were not going to let me out of Montenegro at one point as I did not have my bike docs with me. I did however have my Montenegro Insurance and passport with me. The supervisor said fine as long as I was back before he finished his shift. I had about 4 hours, plenty of time. As it happened I got the supervisor when I came back into Montenegro and he recognised me so getting back in was a breeze. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubrovnik https://i.imgur.com/Dn7VKiXl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/vdkDs9Rl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xFbYWxEl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/rh65ZKul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/G2WYUdzl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GkCK2XDl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/4dyPICyl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/R2V6l9Bl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/pARCXyCl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GDgXo0Bl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/YSaQHFql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ari48yol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1WB8c2Wl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/znwA37rl.jpg |
Once back in Montenegro I stopped at a Bikers Cafe and had some food before going back to my Airbnb place
https://i.imgur.com/BSY8R8yl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/VrUl0qKl.jpg Wayne |
Wayne now that you are in Montenegro you could contact Blazo (HU Montenegro organiser and good chap!).
He knows some fabulous places and restaurants. |
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Wayne |
Day 25 Balkans Trip
Day 25 Balkans Trip
Had a relaxed day today, I went into Kotor which is about 15 mins ride, parked up and went and had a look around the old town. https://i.imgur.com/1byPmc5l.jpg Riding towards the old town https://i.imgur.com/PpL55vIl.jpg Old Town entrance https://i.imgur.com/97LQ5FVl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/JIr1G7nl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/PsVoYCvl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/VoYQuq3l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/eFfIioll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/BfXRA4ol.jpg A nice old building in the foreground, and above in the background was where I was going to walk to. |
I also wanted to climb up to the Castle which overlooks Kotor and whose walls surround the old town.
It was a great climb. I guy who I paid my 3 Euro to told me there is just short of 1400 steps to get to the top. The view once up there was great and whoever was in the Castle at the time had a commanding view. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotor_Castle https://i.imgur.com/gdwh2aVl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/UeCIRpAl.jpg Climbing up the steps and getting higher https://i.imgur.com/h58mGhOl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/H2TjxUcl.jpg Quite high now https://i.imgur.com/A2K8PIdl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/tFPlkyfl.jpg The above two Panoramas do an overlapped 360 from the top |
Some Castle views
https://i.imgur.com/sOuOJ4Pl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xpjNROnl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/JBLnw4zl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ikSGqCnl.jpg The top https://i.imgur.com/9kQEB64l.jpg Looking down the other side https://i.imgur.com/eerefXUl.jpg and today through the square window....those old enough should remember that saying https://i.imgur.com/y8HKHEQl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/qvGVbU1l.jpg |
When I came out of the Old Town I got talking to two Guys from Bulgaria, one was on a Pan and the other on a 1200GS. They were on their way to Dubrovnik and then into Bosnia before heading back to Bulgaria.
Once they had left a UK plated R reg Africa Twin 750 pulled in and I got talking to the rider. Turns out Ian lives/works in the Kotor area now and has done for the past 4 years. He comes from Batley so it was good to natter to a fellow Yorkshireman over a couple of coffees. https://i.imgur.com/IpnpQuIl.jpg Ian and his R reg Africa Twin Sorting out the gear tonight ready for the off tomorrow. Budava old town via Cetinje, its only about 50 mile so might push on further. Wayne |
Day 26 Balkans Trip
Day 26 Balkans Trip
Had a great day today. The roads were just superb. The plan today was to leave Kotor and go to Budva then see where I end up for the night. The route would take me through Locven National Park and Cetinje Day 26 Kotor to Budva |
As I left Kotor I had planned the route to take me up the Serpentine road which has 25 hairpins on it and a stunning view when you get to the top.
https://www.dangerousroads.org/easte...-to-kotor.html https://i.imgur.com/g0csWnNl.jpg Looking over Tivat https://i.imgur.com/hDj1IWil.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lEncj3zl.jpg Looking over Kotor https://i.imgur.com/WBhLCzDl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/yeUHZ3el.jpg https://i.imgur.com/c60lMtZl.jpg |
From there I followed the main road for a bit before taking a right into one of the National Parks, Locven. It was really good riding through and I went even higher before starting my decent in to Cetinje.
Once there I had a bit of a ride around before finding somewhere to sit have a coffee and ring my partner in Thailand. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lovćen I didn't get many photos in the Park as I was enjoying the ride https://i.imgur.com/xNNejnKl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/jjfKUL3l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/F0Us7pcl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/mJ6Ws79l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/dghy4OAl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/yf6Je3ql.jpg |
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Then it was on to Budva. I wanted to go and see the old town. Also I wanted to find the Budva Bikers Bar N42.28231 E18.83794. I did find it and had some lunch, grilled squid. Great. Whilst there I was given two of the bar stickers and a copy of the Bikers Prayer.
Then this guy came out and apologised for not coming to greet me sooner but he was busy. Turns out he is the owner of the bar and the owner of some lovely bikes, most of which he rides. So I said no problem and I was coming back for some more food after visiting the old town before going to find somewhere to pitch my tent. Anyway he said you can pitch it here but better still you can sleep in the back room but sorry I don’t have a bed. To top it off he told all his staff that I stay here as his guest tonight and everything is on him. What a gentleman. I am not saying that everyone will get the same treatment but the bar is well worth a visit. They have a band on tonight so hopefully a great night is on the cards. Sat at the bar doing the report. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budva https://i.imgur.com/egKZQQAl.jpg Coming down towards Budva [https://i.imgur.com/wfeQ2lul.jpg Budva https://i.imgur.com/qzENKGRl.jpg Budva Biker Bar http://beerbikeclub.me [https://i.imgur.com/UEODI7Ul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/MNYcHMRl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Zlecx2kl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/XbFLuNTl.jpg The Owner with one of his toys |
Some more of his toys
https://i.imgur.com/wDXbpsql.jpg This beast he said had a 1600 engine https://i.imgur.com/knzXiH3l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/omAen8fl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/R3GmCyql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/lTjeDUXl.jpg Ummm, Arrunya fits in there nicely https://i.imgur.com/4brxuwql.jpg |
So after a natter with the owner I went into the old town and after going to the old town of Dubrovnik and Kotor I was a little bit disappointed. Quite a lot of the area had locked gates with it being private property and maybe I have been spoilt with the other two.
But I did dip my boots in the Adriatic Sea…well I did it in the Mekong River so why not! https://i.imgur.com/Pxv2K7Kl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/VjGekVTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/WtM9LM7l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/akuc6CVl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9pvaWx5l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/2miOuzAl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/rY6UoCbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/gRImet5l.jpg Tomorrow pushing on along the Adriatic before heading inland to Lake Skadar Wayne |
Day 27 Balkans Trip
Day 27 Balkans Trip
A good ride today. I followed the Adriatic from Budva to Ulcinj then some minor roads from Ulcinj over the top of a mountain to Vranjina and Podgorica following the southern edge of Lake Skadar travelling west Day 27 Budva to Podgorica |
My first stop was Bar where I had some breakfast, from there I went to Stari Bar which is the old town of Bar and is surrounded by a wall.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stari_Bar https://i.imgur.com/AKhermMl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/bUqqEeal.jpg https://i.imgur.com/HmiyPLxl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/EXetVdWl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ggp72M2l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/kT3Z4w0l.jpg |
From there I headed to Ulcinj and stopped there for a coffee.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulcinj https://www.visit-montenegro.com/destinations/ulcinj/ https://i.imgur.com/Xnq2CePl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/gUhHB4El.jpg https://i.imgur.com/uyMNzX4l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/nUwxq92l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/J5NLbqgl.jpg |
Then it was minor roads over the top of a mountain before dropping down towards Lake Skadar. It was pretty slow going as the road was not the best with sharp bends most of the time about 50 to 80 meters apart. The bends were not the problem it was the crazy drivers in their cages coming in the opposite direction. It doesn’t mater whether they are taking a left or right hand bend they always go over the middle of the road and when the road is just over a cars width it doesn't leave you much room. Especially when there is a shear drop on your side.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Skadar https://i.imgur.com/eVdCauwl.jpg Where I was heading for https://i.imgur.com/RSuy0cSl.jpg Going up one side of the mountain https://i.imgur.com/smuUEMLl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/EDTY9VHl.jpg At the top and my first view of Lake Skadar https://i.imgur.com/KnMuXYMl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/fZI70yjl.jpg Looking at Albania https://i.imgur.com/Wzc90Uil.jpg On the way down the other side https://i.imgur.com/HO4YCwYl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xX5c3zDl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/MsyILGvl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/BOfDIFLl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5gm3jFVl.jpg |
I eventully saw the Old Fort near Vranjina N42.27143 E19.11969 but couldn’t find away to get there as it was at the other side of a railway line alongside a main road. But I did stop and take some snaps.
https://i.imgur.com/JaBCskol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/l9BIKBSl.jpg I have ended up in Podgorica and I am staying at the Hotel M Nikic. N42.43714 E19.26187. After getting about 3 hours sleep and doing over 100 mile today I need a good kip. Its not cheap but at least Arrunya is in a garage under the hotel. Tomorrow I am heading towards Durmitor National Park. Wayne |
I'm starting to think you drink too much coffee :rofl:
Keep it comin' Lonerider :thumbup1: |
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Wayne |
You should visit mausoleum on top of Lovčen : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lov%C4%87en
and Rijeka Crnojeviča :https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rijeka_Crnojevi%C4%87a https://500px.com/photo/44712762/rij...europe-trotter On the way to Durmitor is monastery Ostrog :https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostrog_monastery I never visited it. It's supposed to be too crowded in season (it's off season now). On Durmitor you should ride Durmitorski prsten (Durmitor ring) : Durmitorski prsten 2 - Bikemap - Your bike routes online (as I know it's all paved now). Have a nice time (no snow I hope). Franc |
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The Monastery at Ostrog was great Wayne |
Day 28 Balkans Trip
Day 28 Balkans Trip
Had a great days ride today. I went from Podgorica and ended up at Pulzine at a camp site on the edge of the Durmitor National Park. Day 28 Podgorica to Pulzine |
The road was easy going today and I made some good time.
I pulled off at the side of the road and stopped to have some food which I got from the supermarket last night https://i.imgur.com/OZLaf3rl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/8ueEqxMl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1wau5eDl.jpg On the way I stopped at the Monastery Ostrog near Stubica N42.67475 E19.03088. It was a great sight to see and it is built in to the side of a mountain. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostrog_Monastery https://i.imgur.com/2YBgqz2l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/B6Awlvel.jpg https://i.imgur.com/XO049FFl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Oc8fLkLl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/azTG3UMl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/oRphMzdl.jpg |
The view from the Monastery was great
https://i.imgur.com/rJfziNfl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/thaOFr0l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/qw88dRcl.jpg |
The side of the road stop for lunch
https://i.imgur.com/CO0WITwl.jpg Happy Day, as it says on the drink. https://i.imgur.com/iPWJKcEl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/neadBsQl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/W0d8BRil.jpg |
https://i.imgur.com/rVzuO9wl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mtWi5zcl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/oGyg2zkl.jpg The camp site is ok, I don’t know if I have to pay. No one about. But there is a restaurant about 25m away so I will be going there. They have wifi so I can get todays report up loaded. Sat in the sun, 17 degrees C, typing this up and taking the photos from phone. https://i.imgur.com/9jmX8sCl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Q0l3HUPl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NO7Lqtal.jpg With a nice view Tomorrow I am going to the Tara Bridge and then right around the back of Durmitor. Wayne |
:thumbup1: its making me want to get out there again !!! stop it :thumbup1:
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https://destinationworld.smugmug.com...FILE0427-L.jpg Love your report btw! :clap::thumbup1: |
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I hope it's good. Very misty at the moment Wayne Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk while having a cold beer |
Day 29 Balkans Trip
Day 29 Balkans Trip
Had an awesome ride today. The Scenery was outstanding. I traveled from Pulzine to Kolasin via Lake Susicko and Lubljak. The route was to take me around the back of Durmitor National Park and up some great climbs Day 29 Pulzine to Kolasin |
On route to the Montenegro/Bosnia Border the sun was trying to break through as I went down the Piva Canyon and over the Dam. Then it was time for a fruit tea before going through the border to take the Tara Canyon road. It was only about 0800 and still a bit nippy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piva_(river) https://www.dangerousroads.org/easte...nyon-road.html https://i.imgur.com/v5k0465l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/UrQuq6Vl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ITibasol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/eMedH6Bl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/aUKUHAWl.jpg From the Dam https://i.imgur.com/WokFBhGl.jpg Looking the other way Then over the bridge https://i.imgur.com/U82xGd4l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/WB3gnjtl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5PEJxPpl.jpg Further on down the road https://i.imgur.com/QKueh1dl.jpg Tea Break https://i.imgur.com/R9xSpELl.jpg Montenegro Border control |
Then in to Tara Canyon heading towards Lake Sušičko.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_River_Canyon https://i.imgur.com/51jAxJEl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9mQ0FZFl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/5zSWIDMl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1pjYE0Nl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ms4qm2xl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Ls9NyGgl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/kl9XHHnl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/HbbdRDol.jpg https://i.imgur.com/vcl4LCHl.jpg |
I stopped a Lake Sušičko with no water in it, although I did know there wouldn’t be any as it is only full after the winter thaw
https://i.imgur.com/AIlxn0tl.jpg The not so wet Lake https://i.imgur.com/x4Ssli0l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/1eHHnXBl.jpg |
I had another off today which was a bit of a schoolboy error. I was going round some sharp, steep up hill switch backs as i was climbing out of the Lake Sušičko bottom and I was in second gear due to me looking at the sights. I should have been in first, I went to change down but for some reason I only got neutral, lost momentum and over I went. At least I have a matching push-in on the inner of both my panniers now.
https://i.imgur.com/jxbLirZl.jpg Looking at the other die of the Canyon where I had just come from https://i.imgur.com/zaeLj1kl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/pS9bl7ul.jpg Whoops https://i.imgur.com/oASjWNYl.jpg |
There was still a trace of snow on the grass and also a little snow/ice on the roads where the sun had not melted it as I was coming over the top from Sušičko
https://i.imgur.com/FETRgp8l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/RLT1ShYl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/ltKnclKl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/z2saE5hl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/gx2Gv5rl.jpg |
I then went in to Lubljak where I was going to stop for the night but I still had a couple hours of day light left because I set off early in the morning. So I sat with a Coke and decided on what I was going to do. I made the decision to go to Kolasin, which will be my jump off point to go to Skopje in Maceadonia.
The road from Lubijak to Kolasin was great. A little wet in places where the sun hadn’t dried it out and oil/diesel was abundant in those areas. But overall a super road riding along side the Tara River for most of i https://i.imgur.com/MXiOKAkl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xTbo5WOl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/XPAF20tl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/yW20CWFl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/QBJMPawl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/iKOC3DKl.jpg Found myself a cheapish nice hotel and I am going to chill for a couple of nights, Arrunya is safely in a garage. Getting to practice my German again with the old landlady as she doesn't speak more that a few words of English. On Thursday its through Kosovo to Macedonia Wayne |
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Wayne |
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Wayne |
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Wayne |
Wauu, I like your report too. I was "visiting" most of the places "in person", but it's always nice to seen them again.
Franc |
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Wayne |
Day 30 Balkans Trip
Day 30 Balkans Trip
Not a lot to report today. All I have done is some washing and been out for a walk, had some food and relaxed all day. Tomorrow I am hoping to be on the road for 0800hrs and go from here ( Kolasin) to Skopje in Macedonia to visit ccaa (a member of the HUBB) for a couple of nights. Then it will be time to do the long push back North Wayne |
Absolutely stunning pics Lonerider :thumbup1:
Are these on phone only or camera as well ??? Seriously, you should enter 2442 in the next Horizons calendar competition bier |
!!!!! day 30 !!!! only seems like a couple of days since i started following you mate !!! goodluck with the treck north , the Dalmation Coast road is well worth it
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U...o/IMG_2145.JPG |
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The photos are all taken with my Iphone 5s. Glad you like them. I think its doing a great job. I have look at doing the calendar but they are just too small for the size they want :( Wayne Sent from Tapatalk with a cold beer in the other hand |
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Change of plan. Serbia, Hungry, Slovakia, Cech Rebublic, Germany to visit a friend then ride to the ferry Not had wifi so will do updates when I leave and start heading up north Wayne Sent from Tapatalk with a cold beer in the other hand |
Day 31 Balkans Trip
Day 31 Balkans Trip
Had a great ride today from Kolasin to Skopje in Macedonia The roads were really good all day. Day 31 Kolasin to Skopje |
When I sent off from Kolasin at 0800hrs it was really cold and thick with mist. You could only see about 50 meters in front of you. As I started to climb I came out of it. This didn’t last too long, as soon as I droped back down I was back into it. Cold, wet mist. I even had to put my heated grips on at one point. The mist lasted for about an hour and a half.
https://i.imgur.com/2DFUmvml.jpg Looking down on the some of the mist I had ridden through https://i.imgur.com/XcYLi3al.jpg |
Crossing the border from Montenegro to Kosovo was easy and I paid 10 euro for some insurance which was valid for 15 days, they did not do transit insurance. The road on the route I took was really good and afforded some good riding.
https://i.imgur.com/T3nlM05l.jpg A sneaky shot of the Border post Some shots inside Kosovo https://i.imgur.com/BpZqZhIl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FhIOvjzl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/7ypmBM8l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/40VtaPKl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/35eJDvTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/w597tjWl.jpg Spotted this in one of the towns I went through...I didn't realise KFOR were still in Kosovo! It had Soldiers in it, not local, I thought the uniform looked German |
The crossing from Kosovo to Macedonia was not so good. I left Kosovo ok but when I came to the Macedonian border I got a stroppy guard after being told by another to park in a particular place to go buy insurance. So we exchanged words and then he walked off but he was not very happy. I got the insurance which was 50 Euros, I nearly fell through the floor, all the other countries I had been to had not totalled that price. But anyway it was paid and off I went. It was only about 20 in to Skopje from the border.
I went straight into the city centre and found a cafe with Wifi so I could message Petre (ccaa) to come and get me. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skopje https://i.imgur.com/cGjQXahl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Av1kEfsl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/sZOj3rrl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/kKOT8Uvl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/361XD9sl.jpg Then it was to his place for food and drink and a relax after doing just shy of 200 miles Wayne |
Day 32 Balkans Trip
Day 32 Balkans Trip
First I would like to say a big thanks to Petre and his great family for hosting me for a few days and showing me some of the sights around Skopje. https://i.imgur.com/3cD3du9l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/q9voFFUl.jpg Getting ready to go out |
Had a good ride around the outskirts of Skopje and inside the city.
Visited a view point up Mount Vodno which over looked the city and you got a great view of Skopje. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vodno https://i.imgur.com/xB4kZtyl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/12R3Lmul.jpg https://i.imgur.com/0gAszDDl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/mz2gLkvl.jpg |
Then we went and had a look a a 12th Century Church which was still on Mount Vodno but a bit further down. It has been renovated but on the inside there was some lovely murals on the wall.
Middle Vodno Monastery, Mala Bogorodica. https://i.imgur.com/gk2WR2xl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/vwOE0fql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/3puU5Pvl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/OMouMVTl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/0EtoICJl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/DRoDBzvl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/Q0Ch9Ypl.jpg |
From there we visited Lake Matka which has been artificially made in a canyon by building a dam across the River Treska. Also there is another church this time is was a 14th Century Church and again there were some good murals on the wall
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matka_Canyon https://i.imgur.com/J73LBenl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FSTf9Q1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/2MaVTU8l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/azpC9JJl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/2Jynsrml.jpg https://i.imgur.com/q56Z3fql.jpg https://i.imgur.com/vHK1jY1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/CibvQpKl.jpg Then it was into the city and a visit to the Old town Bazzare. Filled with lots of market stalls and cafe bars. Wayne |
Day 33 Balkans Trip
Day 33 Balkans Trip
Stayed local to Skopje and visited a viewpoint at Kozjak and had a great view across several ridge lines and another man made lake made by the River Treska https://macedonia-timeless.com/eng/t...s/kozjak-lake/ Day 33 Local to Skopje The View https://i.imgur.com/NufqLDyl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/7LkU1Zll.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NJ8KkeJl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/xAXqBmDl.jpg |
On the way back we stopped at an old 14th century Monestary with is still working with an Order of Women. Saint Dimitri Monestary.
Inside the main church the murals on the walls and ceiling were very spectacular. https://i.imgur.com/7vO4aLml.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NUGVCFHl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/aoFnL9jl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/9Cfvmb1l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/VyxIlqNl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/0wRr1mzl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/wy79iAgl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/7ZYDqSpl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FB42JcDl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/jwRoii6l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hUupP8bl.jpg Tomorrow morning I start my trek north and back towards the ferry home, but I still have nearly 3 weeks left Wayne |
Day 34 Balkans Trip
Day 34 Balkans Trip
Today I travelled from Skopje to Niś in Serbia Day 34 Skopje to Niś |
Before I go on with today. I would like to say another big thanks to Petre (ccaa) and his family for hosting me over the last couple of days. I have had a great time in and around Skopje
Had a bit of a bad day today. I didn’t feel really in the mood when I got going from Petre’s place. But I had to crack on and do some miles. I had all the intention in getting to Niś and then going to look at the fortress. But it didn’t happen. I jumped on to the main road (dual carriage way) from Skopje towards Kumanovo. Then something went a bit wrong with the Montana. I ended up going into Kumanovo and through the other side heading out of town. I didn’t think it was too much of a drama but about 15 miles out of town the time of arrival was going up and not staying at what it originally was. That wasn’t good so I monitored it for about 5 mile and it still kept going up. so I turned around and went back to Kumamovo and got back on to the Dual Carriageway. By this point I had done about 40 mile and an hours riding for nowt. Leaving Macedonia and entering Serbia went smoothly. They didn’t even ask to see bike docs or insurance at Serbian Border point. Although I didn’t have to buy any as my insurance company covers Serbia. https://i.imgur.com/dZoXmL9l.jpg The Serbian Border Point I then just rode to Niś. I stopped in the centre to get a sim card, had a coffee then went a looked at the fortress. I didn’t go in as I wasn’t really in the mood. Niś on first impressions to me was dark and grey all over. I am hoping that rest of my trip in Serbia is a lot better. https://i.imgur.com/SK8fT0vl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/tCDg8mzl.jpg To top it all I have booked into the Best Western in Niś and in the room above me they have been drilling for the last hour. After a phone call to reception its now stopped. The day can only get better. :thumbup1: Tomorrow I am hoping to get to the Monestary at Studenica. Wayne |
:thumbup1: bloody teknolage !!!! i do like a paper back up , all looking good though :thumbup1:
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Hi Wayne,
it was a pleasure to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. :) |
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