Day 3 – Bogoi Pass – Chiflik
A stimulating morning of riding as we ascend from Ribaritsa (630m) to the highest point for the day – the Bogoi pass (1185m). It’s a challenging 12 km ascent to the summit but the riding is through idyllic countryside making for a scenic climb. We have a glorious descent and have lunch in a small spa resort set amidst pine trees. We end our ride at the spa town of Chiflik and recommend taking to the warm waters to relax your legs.

Ok, that’s the official summary of the day. Sounds harder than it was… My main thought for the day is that I need to be more careful about choosing warmer climates for bike trips! Thankfully no rain today, but some sun with many clouds. Tomorrow rain is predicted which sucks.

Riding through this countryside, we are in an area that seems to be a destination for Bulgarian city dwellers to escape the hot city temperatures into the mountains. Lots of hotel spa type places around today, a river and many swimming pools along the way.

After lunch, the group split, several going down to Trayon, a small town which according to them according to them was largely unmemorable. Stan elected to go straight to the hotel, another 8 km from the split point, I chose to go with him, it didn’t seem right to leave him riding alone. He is a very very interesting character, has done and seen a lot in his 86 years.

The hotel has five pools, three of them are the exact same temperature, one is warmer, One is cooler. I guess I’m not a big spa guy, after about 30 minutes I was done with that adventure.

One thing Paul noticed riding today, we’re on sort of a rural area, there were no children, teenagers or even young adults visible at all all day long. Just older folks…

Meeting the group for din as always and we will drive to a restaurant nearby for dinner.

OMG, what a feast! The menu of this grand meal is below, I don’t do the flavors or ingredients combinations justice whatsoever in my description. Copious amounts of food! And the homemade wine was fantastic! Soooo good! Seems like we’re not biking a room near enough to be eating as much as is being offered! The restaurant was beside the river, a very old place that obviously has been in business a long time, and the food really was very very good!

Up early and out the door at 7:30 AM, 45 minute van ride to the top of the pass, not sure why we don’t just ride it, but we don’t… but trying to do most of the biking day before the predicted rain hits in the afternoon. I hope we make it! (The now noisy bar at the hotel is very near my room, hope I can get to sleep!)

Roasted pork leg
Pork bits w onions
Fried potatoes
Fried potatoes W cheese
Grilled Chicken
Cheese garlic bread
Tomato pepper salad
Hot peppers pickled
Lettuce salad w tomatoes
Tomato cucumber salad w cheese
Beef w mushrooms
Homemade Bread loaves
Homemade wine