Balkan Boulevard
 


Frequently Asked Questions

 

Participants
 
Who is the tour aimed at ? 
We like to combine the best of two worlds. On the one hand a challenging bike journey in an attractive environment and on the other hand to have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and cultural heritage of a fabulous country.
The tour is aimed at individuals who want to challenge themselves. It's definitely a challenge to cycle the whole distance between Ljubljana and Athens with all its hills and mountains. But the tour is also meant for the people who like to travel by bicycle through beautiful countries and to visit the famous cities and some of the less known attractions. It is not a problem if you take a seat some days in the supporting vans. If you like the challenge or if you prefer more the journey, you are both welcome in the "Balkan Boulevard". 
  
Am I capable of doing this ? 
If you are in good health, love a challenge and enjoy cycling, you are capable of completing the "Balkan Boulevard". We average roughly 106 km per day and you can ride at your own pace. You will be served lunch at the mid-point of each day's ride, and our crew are always available to assist you if you are having difficulties of any kind. On any day when you don't feel up to biking, you can also catch a ride on one of our support vans. 
 
 
Before you start

What about insurance ?
You are responsible for obtaining health and travel insurance, including emergency rescue. Further information will be given in the brochure. Individuals without proper insurance will not be allowed to participate. 

 
On the Tour
 
Where do cyclists stay and sleep ? 
Suitable accommodation has been organised throughout the tour. The vast majority you stay at well equipped campsites. In totality, you'll also stay 18 nights in a hotel, this includes the first night in Ljubljana and the last night in Athens. 
At several campsites you have the possibility to rent a bungalow or site caravan at own expense. The campgrounds are most of the time on the outskirts of cities on our route.
 
What will I eat ? 
On biking days, our cook will prepare four meals. We know how important food is on a trip like this. You will be treated to generous portions of food that will be a combination of regional recipes and meals made from local ingredients as well as some of the cook's specialties. We will also provide energy bars, clean water and an energy boosting beverage.
Everyone is of course free to explore and sample the culinary hot spots along the way. We believe eating the rich local cuisine is part and parcel of the journey.
For those with dietary restrictions and/or ferocious appetites, you need not be concerned. We take all this in consideration when preparing your meals. You may go to sleep exhausted, but never hungry.
 
Who will carry my equipment ?
Support vehicles will carry your personal items including tent, sleeping bags, camping gear and spare parts. In addition, support vehicles will also carry such items as food, water, kitchen equipment and emergency medical items. While riding, you only have to carry some basic tools, a spare tube, water, and a snack. 


Climate
 
What kind of weather should I expect ?
The weather conditions in the Balkan in September and October are normally fine with temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. It is not uncommon that we get rain showers along the way. Keep in mind that the temperatures can drop down considerably at altitudes above 1500 meter. On a whole, we expect too have good weather for cycling. Not too hot, and rarely too cool or wet; and in the end it's all part of the adventure.
   

Road conditions
 
What is the terrain like ?
The "Balkan Boulevard" is all together 3.600 kilometer which is divided into 36 cycling days. An average of around 106 kilometers. 
The whole route follows mainly well paved and quiet roads. The course varies from rolling hills and winding roads along the coast to steep challenging climbs more inland. Especially Slovenia, the south of Albania and Greece are mountainous, but also the other areas are definitely not flat. Be prepared : you don't get one single flat stage.
You can expect at a handful of stages short stretches of gravel which are well passable with a normal road bike. These stages are still for more than 90 per cent paved.

 
Bike
 
What kind of bike should I use ?
The bike is without doubt the most important part of your equipment. The tour can be completed on any kind of bicycle as long as it is entirely human powered. The route is paved all the way. Road bikes are the most efficient way to cover the distance, but hybrids, mountain bikes and trekking bikes might be more comfortable. It's very personal which bicycle you prefer. It's best to install a bit wider tires (25-30 mm). Enough gears, strong legs and common sense, and you can do the job.
 

Non-cyclist 
 
I don't want to cycle, but can I still come ?
Yes, there is a limited number of places for people who like to join the "Balkan Boulevard", but don't like to cycle. You can take part in the organization around the cyclists and join the other staff with their daily activities like setting up campsites, providing the meals, visit local markets, etcetera.
 
 
What to bring
 
What do I need to bring along ?
Detailed information will be sent in the brochure.