biking the balkans?

[samantha sugah]

I'm going on a road trip down from Prishtina, Kosovo to Albania in September. I originally planned to rent a car or take the local transport, but now I'm considering buying a touring bike instead and taking in the countryside by way of the backroads (hiking and biking is the only way to access the paths and partially paved roads that traverse the mountains and countryside). Anybody here been biking in the Balkans? I would love some suggestions if anyone can share with me some scenic routes and must-see places that are off of the beaten path. Thanks.

[gjuro]

You have a nice plan but I really DO NOT recommend your route. Kosovo and Albania are not very recommendable for cycling. The lack of infrastructure and help on the road can make your trip too hard. You did not mentioned are you going alone or with some company. Albanian mountains are very beautiful but also a dangerous place for a girl. Company is strongly recommended. Also you may hire a van to pass the mountains or take a buss.

I would like to recommend you to take a route from Pristina to Skopje and then down to Veles, Prilep, Bitola, Resen and then to visit Ohrid lake and city of Ohrid which is one of the oldest cities in the Balkan area and also is known as Jerusalem of Europe (a lot of Churches and history). Then you can visit Struga and take a route to Albania. I recommenced to pass the Mountains with a bus or a van.

[samantha sugah]

Thanks for the route recommendation gjuro, I'll google map quest it. I was already planning on going from the capital to Skopje, but then from there, I don't know where. Actually, this whole bike idea is really hinging on my cousin coming along and serving as my guide, and as of late he seems to be preoccupied and keeps on putting it off. But I'll keep on him about it, it's the kind of adventure one can only attempt when they're young (or ‘young at heart’ and adventurous).

[robi]

check out crazyguyonbike.com and you will certainly find many who have been through the region by bike!

Robi