You make it to Velico Tarnovo. You find the quite empty hostel and head into town for some food and a beer or three.
The town looks a little different from when you were last here five years ago.
Velico Turnov.: Rest day
Saturday March 17, 2007, 10 km (6 miles) Total so far: 2,044 km (1,270 miles)
A rest day today sees you visit the fortress and a museum. It is all very nice. Later you ride up to a nearby town. There is an old church with frescos. But it is a rest day so you dont want to exert yourself too much. After all, you do have a lot of climbing to do tomorrow as you make your way south towards Plovdiv. And you never know how many girls will be chasing after you.
On the way to Stara Zagora.: A nice night to pitch the tent
Saturday March 17, 2007, 122 km (76 miles) Total so far: 2,044 km (1,270 miles)
The hostel breakfast is just too good. You just dont want to leave. Never-the-less, you do. The hostel was difficult to find. There are no signs. Apparently a hotel nearby kept taking them down. The hotel manager dissuades you from your chosen route. Too dangerous he says. Too windy, too steep.
Instead you are sent on a road though longer, has less traffic and is not so steep. Apparently. Either way there is still a mountain to cross. And sure its a long way up but the ride down is great!
The Cyrillic signs are difficult to follow. Sometimes an Anglo equivalent is given but often not. You head to Stara Zagora. You spot another road, heading roughly in the same direction, still in good condition and minus the traffic. A nearby Sheppard confirms both roads head to the same town. So you take the traffic free one. But the Sheppard wants payment for his services. A candy bar perhaps but you dont have any so you just go.