4 June 2022
Today started with a hard push up from our wee apartment down at the lake!
And then a long long climb directly from Trpejca up to an elevation of 1,577m (highest point thus far!). But it was a gorgeous road – through the Galicica National Park (cars have to pay, bikes don’t!)….at a good grade, and we passed only four cars during the whole 35km ride through the park!
Looking back down to Trpejca…
…and reaching the top (snow still on distant peaks…but it was a lovely temperature here despite the altitude)….looking back to down to Lake Ohrid…
….then across a small saddle….
…and down towards Lake Prespa….which sits at at 900m. Glorious descent… with snow pockets not far away!!
All very lovely…but Prespa probably not quite as picturesque as Ohrid….and probably not Heaven on Earth!!
It was pleasant up and down ride around the lake….(we have seen lots of tortoises on the road but this was particularly big one!)
…before a final sting in the tail with another 400m ascent…
before the best “end of ride” run…being a 15+km of pedal-less and brake-less descent on a deserted road to arrive bang in the centre of town!!
Bitola was busy!! Great vibe though…with (apparently) Macedonia’s most famous street (Širok Sokak) forming its core!!
Interesting to reach a significantly sized town (rather than the lovely but touristy village of Trpejca)…..and compare prices!! Cigarettes are certainly cheaper here…than anywhere we have been!! At 1.5 euros or less! Beers are around 1.20 euros for a pint (slightly more than the lowest price we found in Albania. And you will rarely pay more than 3-5 euros for food! So…generally….yes…prices here are probably the lowest of the trip…and the landscapes some of the best!! Too little time here….off to Greece tomorrow!!
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Great scenic views (which reflect the hill climbs, I think). Beers well earned!