Day Fifty-Two

03/07/25 - Day Fifty-Two

Tough day into the saddle today, body was TIRED! I slept well, but by no means felt fully rested. After breaking camp, I set off straight away, skipping breakfast. The plan was to stop in a town en route to charge my phone and gps, and get a much needed coffee and breakfast. My body groaned as I began the 11 miles to a town. The gradient was barely noticeable to the eye by very much felt by the legs - I had to push HARD to even make it to town. I was dreading the climb. 

I parked up at the first cafe I saw, and ordered myself a coffee. I was seduced by the low prices so got a cheese omelette with bread as well. All in, £3, not too shabby at all. Once my electricals were sufficiently charged to get me to Sofia, I filled my water in the town centre, and headed on my way. The 13 mile long climb beckoned. It was a tough slog for an already weary body. After a few hours by-and-by I made it to the top - only with the help of plenty of pauses, snacks and water. I lunched at the top - tomato ketchup tuna sandwiches - and began my just desserts. I whizzed down the meandering road, daring to take each corner faster and faster. At one point, I’m not proud to admit, I screamed a bit too high pitched for comfort, as a hidden beast barked and lunged for me. I was going at a rate of knots and felt the adrenaline rush, a crash at this speed would have been nasty. 

Eventually, the landscape opened right up and the vast plain below, home to the capital Sofia which came into view. As, I entered the outskirts, I still had 10 miles to go. I made it to the centre, but my phone had run out of charge. So I asked for directions the old school way, and slowly hunted down my hostel. Just before arriving, I noticed something feel off with Barbara. I looked down, it wasn’t good. Not at all. My rear rack eyelet had snapped off! I was learning to get over things better by now though, and it hardly phased me. I was in a capital after all, someone would be able to help me out. 

I checked in, meeting the Russian owner, Nina. She was quite the character! She basically no English so we communicated via good old Google translate. I ate a big dinner and enjoyed some conversation with the other guests. By-and-by, tiredness overcame me, and I headed to bed. Easier said than done when the room is boiling despite the air on! I was on the top bunk too, which must add a couple of degrees! Nightmare.

 

 

 

Coming into Sofia

  

 

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