34. Shkoder to Kruje

30 May 2022

Our young host was so enthusiastic about our bikes (we have seen no e-bikes here in Albania)..that he went off for a ride first thing on Iain’s bike. And returned to say he had not gone far…because the battery was so low! This was news to Iain for it had been charging all night… and alas…when we plugged it in again…it did nothing. And back on the bike…it was dead as a doornail!! Sudden death of a battery? Or something like that!! And given we have been using two batteries almost every day…this was a bit alarming!!

So we bade farewell (lovely brand newly converted guest house)…and started on our way. With the  route being largely rolling/flat…it was comfortable to be on medium power….and the battery was lasting well!!

Lovely squiggly route to avoid the highway….with a few bits of off-road! 

Interesting that I had heard all sorts of stories about Albanian roads…but they have been fine!! And a lot better than many in Southern Italy!! 

Some shots from the road…..

And then Kruje was approaching…high up in the hills! It was the original capital of Albania…and our destination was right at the top, within the castle walls. Iain dropped to Eco….

…and reached the town…before his battery died…so he was left with a hard push up to the castle!! Very steep….and heavy bicycle…so beers were well earned!!

Wonderful wee guest house…which was just a delight…a real experience!!

A wander through the bazaar….

…food and bed!!

The people here continue to inspire. So welcoming, and so friendly, with waves and smiles everywhere we go! Lots of folk walking on the roads (which tells a story)…but certainly made cycling feel very safe! We are both loving it!