Thursday 18th April
If the quiz show Pointless asked 100 people what they would do with an Easter Bank holiday weekend, solo cycle touring in rural Albania would probably be a winning answer.
At least by the raised eyebrows and mildly wry smiles I've received since booking this last minute getaway. Nevertheless, it did not take much pre-trip research (googling this and this) to convince me this is a great idea, and set some pretty high expectations...
• Google search says it is cheap, the weather is good, people are nice and the food & scenery look great. Even the FCO gave Albania all but a big two thumbs up.
• Google maps and street view show an abundance of back roads connecting mountain and coastal villages through pretty, if hilly, countryside.
• Reward flight finder found low cost flights, perfectly timed for the bank holiday.
‘Why cycle?’ is because exploring by bike is satisfying and worthwhile. Often at the time (Type 1 fun - like riding a beautiful descent into a remote valley or trying new and unusual food) and almost always after the fact (Type 2 fun - reflecting how lucky/ridiculous a situation was).
Because this is a short solo trip to an unfamiliar country, I have done more route planning than usual. Coming up with a circular route starting in the coastal city of Vlore, looping inland to the old city of Berat, then over some mountains and back up the coast.
I'm writing this on the train to Gatwick where I will catch the evening BA flight to Tirana airport, from where I will drive a rental car to Vlore, and start the ride early Friday morning.
The wheels are already off, as my somewhat cobbled together attempt to arrive at Gatwick airport, less sweaty than usual, with 25kg of awkwardly boxed bike & camping equipment, did not work. Self destructing between the house front door and Derby train station inter platform area.
If the quiz show Pointless asked 100 people what they would do with an Easter Bank holiday weekend, solo cycle touring in rural Albania would probably be a winning answer.
At least by the raised eyebrows and mildly wry smiles I've received since booking this last minute getaway. Nevertheless, it did not take much pre-trip research (googling this and this) to convince me this is a great idea, and set some pretty high expectations...
• Google search says it is cheap, the weather is good, people are nice and the food & scenery look great. Even the FCO gave Albania all but a big two thumbs up.
• Google maps and street view show an abundance of back roads connecting mountain and coastal villages through pretty, if hilly, countryside.
• Reward flight finder found low cost flights, perfectly timed for the bank holiday.
‘Why cycle?’ is because exploring by bike is satisfying and worthwhile. Often at the time (Type 1 fun - like riding a beautiful descent into a remote valley or trying new and unusual food) and almost always after the fact (Type 2 fun - reflecting how lucky/ridiculous a situation was).
Because this is a short solo trip to an unfamiliar country, I have done more route planning than usual. Coming up with a circular route starting in the coastal city of Vlore, looping inland to the old city of Berat, then over some mountains and back up the coast.
- Unusually even multiple bail options have been planned -
The wheels are already off, as my somewhat cobbled together attempt to arrive at Gatwick airport, less sweaty than usual, with 25kg of awkwardly boxed bike & camping equipment, did not work. Self destructing between the house front door and Derby train station inter platform area.
- An ominous omen of what is to come? My attempt to fit wheels to reduce bike box faff is not yet in the league of Indian Jugaad or Brazilian Gambiarra -
DUDE! You’re so cool.
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