VelikoTarnovo

The riders got more than they bargained for this day. It was meant to be a long day, but it turned out to be longer. We sent the riders on the back roads to the town of Sumen. The highway would have been too busy. So, instead of riding 130kms with large trucks and heaps of traffic, the group of very tough men and women rode a total of 155kms on the quieter back roads. By 7:00pm, Piotr and Shanny had to go out and pick up some of the riders, as it was becoming too dark to ride safely to camp. I was riding as sweep again that day and therefore had to get picked up also (by my own truck).

Dinner was late that night and we all ate in the dark at this really nice park that we happened to be camping in.

This route was new for the tour this year, as we were told that Veliko Tarnovo was very worth seeing. After walking around the town, I have to agree with its beauty. Very old buildings, on cobblestone roads, with a castle up on one of the hills made for a very lovely evening walk.

I do believe that this is a segment in the trip worth keeping. Not to mention the challenging ride you get to have.

Some of the riders also purchased local artists work in the form of paintings and vases and hand woven scarves. Now if only they would purchase things that would fit in their luggage, I would be happy!