Factor Foundation Day 29 of Cycling Marathon 2011: Blagoevgrad – Velingrad
There is not a single day which is like the others in the marathon. Today the cyclists started their day at 7Am due to the relatively long and difficult route. Nevertheless, it turned out not to be as hard as expected. The cycling group covered about 130 kilometers from Blagoevgrad to Velingrad – the spa center of Bulgaria. All the time the route was going in a very close proximity to fast rivers and train tracks – a very relaxing and peaceful setting which acted like an inspiration to the cyclists while pedaling up into the mountain. Read more
Day 28 of Cycling Marathon 2011: Petrich – Blagoevgrad
On April 29, 2011 the participants covered about 90 kilometers from Petrich to Blagoevgrad – the next stop for today. The ride was quite pleasant and smooth regardless of the relatively heavy traffic. The group left Petrich in a great mood which was uplifted thanks to the numbers of young children and pupils of the town which came to say goodbye and good luck to the cyclists. From Petrich there were about 5 more riders which joined the main group and cycled till the last stop for the day – the beautiful town of Bulgaria – Blagoevgrad. Read more
Day 27 of Cycling Marathon 2011: Gotse Delchev – Petrich
About one week before the end of that unique for its kind event– the cycling marathon of Bulgaria – the cyclists were able to pedal for about 90 km and still feel fresh and energized. The group headed for Petrich from Gotze Delchev and bravely hit the incline up in the mountains. Again the ride was quite pleasant and the participants were able to reach the highest peak enjoying the sweet singing of various birds, the aroma of the blooming flowers of the spring, and the breathtaking scenery.
Today the cyclists were able to visit two distinctive landmarks – the world famous town Melnik and Rupite. Melnik is a small town situated in the south-west part of Bulgaria and very close to Petrich. It is famous with its unique architecture and its wine cells. Some of the finest wines of Bulgaria are made in Melnik. Rupite, on the other hand, is a sight where the house and the church of one of the most famous foretellers of Bulgaria could be found. Also in that area there are a number of springs with boiling hot mineral water which makes people from all around Bulgaria come and enjoy its healing powers.
As the group reached its final destination for the day – Petrich – it was welcomed by a police escort, members of the Petrich City Hall, and curious young boys and girls – eager to find out more about the cycling event. They all received fliers, stickers and information about the cycling marathon
Day 26 of Cycling Marathon 2011: Dospat – Gotse Delchev
Today the day was quite pleasant, relaxing and unique. The riders covered about 50km despite the rainy day. Namely the rain has contributed to the uniqueness of the ride: crystal clear air, quiet environment, and few cars on the roads up and down the Rodopi mountains. Read more
Day 25 of Cycling Marathon 2011: Smolyan – Dospat
On the 25th day of the marathon, the cyclists cycled about 80 kilometers from Smolyan to Dospat. The day was quite sunny and hot, however, there was a cool breeze due to the mountainous region in the Rodopi mountain range. Today there were steep inclines and fast downhills which kept the riders excited all the time. The beautiful sights of the mountain, the small villages, scattered caws, sheep, and workers on the fields could be seen and enjoyed by all participants. Some of them were even able to see a couple of running deer up in the mountains. Read more
Day 24 of Cycling Marathon 2011: Kardzhali – Smolyan
On the 24th day of the marathon the cycling group covered about 90km from Kurdzhali to Smolyan. It was another challenging day due to its predominantly steep inclines, however, the scenery and never-ending, breathtaking views kept the cyclists going. The nature of the Rodopi mountains was truly magnificent and the cyclists were very glad to have had the opportunity to cover that stage of the trip. Read more
Day 23 of Cycling Marathon 2011: Plovdiv – Kardzhali
On the Easter Day the participants of the marathon had experienced a quite sunny and pleasant, still challenging day. As soon as they left Plovdiv, the cyclists made their way towards their next destination – Kurdzhali. However, on their way the group stopped to see the Assen’s Fortress – a landmark which has been built since IX Century to guard the Aegean mountain pass and also to mark the borders of the Byzantine Empire. Read more
Day 22 of Cycling Marathon 2011: Haskovo – Plovdiv
A day before Easter – one of the greatest Christian celebrations, the participants of the cycling marathon of Bulgaria had a great fun day. The first thing they did was visit the Highest Monument of the Virgin Merry and young Jesus recognised by the world Guiness Book. It was luckily situated in Haskovo and as coincidence or not, this gave a special charge to the whole group.
The cyclists covered about 85 kilometers to their next destination – the town of Plovdiv. However, on their way they were met by the mayor of Purvomay – another town which is situated in proximity to Plovdiv. The mayor cycled with everybody to the city center of Purvomay and invited everybody to have a drink in a café nearby. Read more
Day 21 of Cycling Marathon 2011: Stara Zagora – Haskovo
On the 21st day of the cycling marathon the group was able to spend a great Good Friday. As soon as they left Stara Zagora, the cyclists made their way towards Dimitrovgrad. There a police car was waiting to take the cyclists to the city’s church where the participants lighted candles and received Easter eggs and bread, also known as kozunak. Read more
Day 20 of Cycling Marathon 2011: Kazanlyk – Stara Zagora
On the 20th day of the marathon the group cycled a total of about 70 kilometers. As soon as the cyclists left the gym in Kazanlak, and due to the fact that today the distance was not very big, they used the time to visit some of Kazanlak’s lendmarks. Thus, they went to see the well known Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, the museum, and the church in Shipka village.
Today’s next stop was Stara Zagora. On their way towards the next stop the participants were joined by another group of about 7 cyclists which pedaled till the city center. The participants made a lot of noise and cheered during the whole time and encouraged everybody to get on a bike. In front of Stara Zagora’s city hall there was a huge crowd of young students who were waiting to greet and see the cyclists. It was a truly great and happy moment seeing everybody smiling and cheering. Then, a presentation was delivered in front of the crowd and fliers given out.
The day ended in a sports hall which was provided thanks to the Municipality of Stara Zagora.
