In future years  MTB (Mountain Bike) enthusiasts will look back to 2009 as the year it all started for Bansko’s mountain biking. The region, and Bulgaria, are now set to be placed on the MTB world map of destinations…

I recently caught up with mountain bike enthusiast, James Hughes. James is the mastermind behind the MTB Bansko event, “The Road To Nowhere” on 24th to 26th July. Take a listen here: James, an expat in Bansko of some six years, talks to me about his personal journey to Bansko. And how an initial factory search leads to a Bansko hotel purchase, James convinces that he’s here to stay for the long haul.

Listen to the event plan … and the ROUTE details – the Dead Dog and Perfect Day routes:

Day 1 / Race 1:  Dead Dog       – 23km

Day 2 / Race2: Perfect Day   – 30km

Day3 / Race 3:  Free4All     -  Fun Downhill (Dobrinishte)

We talk about general entertainment,  1 leva for a large beer, live bands and DJ in the main square. With a big turn out guranteed from Bulgaria’s mountain bike clubs – a good party atmosphere is on the cards.

A demo session on the 26th so you can try out the best bikes. wrap up some of the fun for three days. This is a NON PROFIT MAKING event… Just 20 leva entry fee or 50 leva including three night accommodation.

James then shares his thoughts… from the Ian Woosnam Golf Course… http://banskoblog.com/pirin-golf-club-events/

… to the long term future of Bansko as a mountain destination in general.

The energy, not to say time, James has put into getting routes marked up, is already huge.  Working with the municipalities, James is achieving more and more.

MTB enthusiasts in Bulgaria are right behind him, and James is sure of Bansko’s world class MTB credentials.

On a personal note, like James, I have witnessed what can be achieved in Bulgaria. In Sopot, near Karlovo, just two hours east of Sofia lies the world class paragliding centre – nestling at the foot of the Stara Planina range.

Take off and MTB start are accessed by a chair lift that runs, on demand, for paraglider pilots and MTB’ers. The first stage giving you a 900 metre height gain. There is a really good vibe here around take off and in the landing field attracting regular summer events… I digress. I went there enjoying paragliding there two years ago.

Its a site on the paragliding World Cup (PWC) and deservedly so. Even then, Sopot was attracting serious MTB’ers to its top downhill track.

This is one of my favourite areas of Bulgaria — and well worth visiting, whether you are a mountain biker, paraglider pilot, hiker or just enjoy soaking up sublime scenery. Oh… and I recommend the small boutique mountain hotel, Almond Hotel in Karlovo.

Back to the interview: James and I spoke about Dobrinishte, just down the road from Bansko – and its potential. The Bezbog chair lift above Dobrinishte is the destination for day 3′s fun downhill “race” . He describes the future MTB possibilities around the Chalin Valog lift…  a potential world class course… for the hardcore downhill fanatics.

If you’re more like me, a cross country mountain biker – then the region also has so much to offer from day trips to four day tours of the Pirin. Bike hire is available in Bansko – BUT be warned bikes are not top of the range and its not hard to bring your own on the plane. Check out this for the best airline deals: http://banskoblog.com/cheapest-flights-sofia/

If you haven’t done so, just click on play below to listen:and then book yourself into this fun MTB rally 24th – 26th July: go to www.bansko-mtb.com.

If the free event accommodation is full — or you’re thinking of a summer trip then check out the value accommodation options here:  http://banskoblog.com/bansko-accommodation/.

For  a warm welcome from Vania and James do also check out their hotel  www.avalonhotel-bulgaria — and also their Thursday night curry evenings. The Avalon Hotel’s policy of low local prices is appreciated – and thoroughly deserves its popularity.

For other curry fans –here’s my Bansko Indian recipe:  http://banskoblog.com/does-bansko-have-a-curry-or-indian-restaurant/

What do you think of this event? Please comment below.

Have you completed MTB or cycle routes in Bulgaria that you have enjoyed? If so, then please contact me – especially if you can share your experiences.

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Before packing your clubs, and heading off to Pirin Golf And Country Club, you’ll either need to be a member (€3,000 per annum) OR enter a tournament BEFORE turning up. You can see an article and club house review here: http://banskoblog.com/pirin-golf-and-country-club/.

Today I take a look at, how to  play golf here. When you require a handicap certificate — and some more pictures and info on the course. Including excerpts from the new Pirin Golf And Country Club presentation brochure.

For this and photos, my thanks go to Gergana at Pirin golf club who contacted me this week. She was very keen to point out that they have just launched their events schedule for the season… so as quick as lightening I set to work to bring blog readers up to date.

I have not played the course myself yet – but will soon. I’ll then pass on my detailed hole by hole impressions.

BUT there are many other people much better qualified to do this. So if you are a low handicapper who play this course, I would love to hear from you.

Those who have played the Ian Woosnam course at Pirin Golf course all say it is absolutely sensational. Praise indeed.

So if you do not have a handicap certificate, it’s worth contacting the club and playing the no handicap tournament.

This WILL be on the Ian Woosnam course for nine holes. I’m sure it will be a well worthwhile entering this Here are all the tournament dates. The no handicap tournament will prove very popular so contact the club direct for this and all other forthcoming events.

Tournament Event Dates And Details For more details contact Andrey Glushkov….Mobile: +359.885.921.403:  E-mail: registration@piringolf.bg:  www.piringolf.bg

Golf Monthly Series June 7 July 26 August 30 September 18 October 11 Series of tournaments with separate evaluation of each round, and total evaluation of the whole series. Handicap Required

No Handicap Tournament June 28 July 19 August 9 September 27 October 18 “9 holes tournament for those who don’t have official handicap certificate”  This is played on Ian Woosnam course.

Katarzhyna Estate Golf Tournament June TBA September 26 1st round at BlackSeaRama 2nd round at Pirin Golf Club

Spaghetti Kids Cup Tournament July 11 September 5 Golf tournament for children from 7 to 16 years of age

Tiger & Rabbits Tournament August 16

Pirin Golf by Night August 22

Pirin Golf Club Tournament September 19 – 20

Bulgarian National Cup October 3 – 4

Summer Golf Camp for Children July 5 – July 12 AND August 30 – September 6: For beginners and Handicap players. Entertainment and Accommodation provided. I’m waiting for more details on this event.

Pirin Golf Club House

Pirin Golf And Country Club Brochure

From their brochure Pirin Golf Club here is the marketing pitch: “Pirin Golf & Country Club features two golf courses exclusively for the use of our residents and guests of the resort, as well as guests of Bulgaria Holidays hotels (Katarino SPA, Perun, Bulgaria).

The pride of the club is the outstanding 18-hole, Par 72 championship course designed by the winning 2006 Ryder Cup Captain, Ian Woosnam.

The second course is named after the surrounding area: . Pirin Pine Course, at the moment, features five fully constructed holes. It is designed by a young German company.”

Club House

Practice Range And Golf Academy

“The practice range (Driving Range, Pitching Range, Putting Green) is situated in the heart of the resort. It lays between the Ian Woosnam and Pirin Pine courses. Eager golfers could practice and improve their skills in one of the biggest, and most impressive Golf academies, in Central & Eastern Europe. The academy includes sophisticated video training equipment.

All managed by Nikolay Stanew – the only Bulgarian golf professional to be certified by the European Professional Golf Association.”

The Club House

The brochures continues… “Undoubtedly, one of the most important buildings for a golf club is the Club House. Special attention is given to the design of the Club House in order to make it a desired place for meetings, social events and relaxation.

The Pirin Golf Club House is a beautiful and spacious building, constructed very much with the modern day golfer in mind and incorporating in it the spirit of tradition and modern times.

Included is a well-stocked Pro shop (shop for professional golf equipment from famous trademarks), changing rooms, conference facilities, VIP room, as well as a refined restaurant and bar. From the terrace of the restaurant one could enjoy the peace and quietness of the natural surroundings and overview both the magnificent 18th hole of the Pine course and the Ian Woosnam Golf Course.

Situated nearby the practicing range the Half Way House offers refreshment drinks and international cuisine to the tired golfers. The cosy terrace reveals a beautiful view of the mountain peaks, the pine forest and the Driving range.”

Vacation Properties

“The properties of Pirin Golf & Country Club represent three residential districts – Downtown, Lake and Pirin. The allocation reminds of the typical structure of a town with its busy trading area and the different residential districts.

In December 2008 the districts Downtown, Lake and Pirin 3 received official occupancy permit and saw the first happy owners take over and move into their properties. District Pirin 1 is with envisaged launch in June 2010. “Downtown is busiest place in the complex with pedestrian access to the vital commercial trade areas, beautifully shaped green areas,restaurants and swimming pool. It is located south of the internal road, nearby the 5-star hotel.

The trading area will feature various shops, restaurants, offering international cuisine, bank offices, medical centers. It consists of six buildings with a wide range of apartments, each facing either the 14 hole of the Ian Woosnam Golf course or the Pirin Mountains.”

“Lake is considered to be the most luxurious district of all because of its ideal location. It stands north of the internal road and features a group of two apartment buildings (called the Towers) and 12 detached villas.

They are located above the fairway of 15 hole and the two lakes filled with clear mountain water from Pirin. District Pirin 1 and Pirin 3 are situated near Downtown and its facilities, but nevertheless offer more privacy and peace. Each district consists of three identical apartment buildings with internal space for relaxation and entertainment, swimming pool, cafés.”

5-Star Hotel

“The hotel is located northeast from the main gate of the Pirin Golf & Country Club and overviews  the 14th hole of the Ian Woosnam Golf Course. It features four blocks, situated perpendicular to the main road, with beautifully laid out internal spaces, recreational areas, pools, green alleys. Block 1, situated on the east side of the complex, is planned as a 5* hotel with about 70 cozy rooms. The other three blocks form an Aparthotel with more than 220 apartments, 20 of which are massoinettes.

SPA And Wellness Centre

The blocks are connected through a 4,500 sq.m. SPA&Wellness Center. The center also features a series of conference halls which could be opened into one big hall. The envisaged launch of the 5-star hotel is planned for the middle of 2010.

With the facilities and services it will provide, the hotel will complete the product Pirin Golf & Country Club, thus making it an unmatched holiday destination in the region.” So there you have it… the official brochure..

Is Golf  The Future Of High End Summer Bulgaria Tourism?

My view is that Balkanstroy should be congratulated on making the Pirin Golf And Country Club a reality. It’s no mean feat trying to get things done in Bulgaria. And the quality of the club house can be seen from the pictures on this page.

If I’m nit picking, there are teething problems.  Service standards are not yet up to Kempinsky levels on my last visit. But its very early days — and I have not yet experienced all aspects.

But is the €3,000 annual membership fee which includes an accommodation package and free use of driving range simply too expensive? For a country with an average annual salary of around €3,000 – it would, on the face of it, to seem so.

But that, I am afraid, this is not the point. I think Golf will be sold to Bulgarians as a very exclusive pastime.

Only the very wealthy need apply. Whilst Bulgaria has under a 1,000 local golfers, there are (or were) 200,000 Bulgarian millionaires living in Bulgaria. So we’ll see what happens. But for now, Pirin Golf  proves that high end Golf tourism in Bulgaria is now a reality. Golf here will bring more publicity — and will lift the reputation of the area to attract top spending visitors.

The Katarino resort, also a Balkanstroy development and previously reviewed on my blog here:  http://banskoblog.com/katarino-spa-resort-review, is the original high end hotel and Spa in the area…and probably still has the best SPA in the valley. Bansko, and the Razlog valley, are all the better with the Pirin Golf And Country Club.

For non golfers, my tip is to head out to the Club house this year. It is just fabulous place for a pre dinner drink on the terrace and would impress most well traveled golfers. Dinner in the restaurant looks great… I’ll leave this for another day and another review.

It will take several more years for “Bansko” to be recognised as an international golf tourist destination. But it now can make serious claims to be one of the very best mountain courses in Europe!

It needs major televised events – which it will attract in time. Longer term, they say many more courses will be built in the Razlog valley. I’m sure this ambition is some way off – but stay tuned as I’ll report on it when they do!

Combine golf with the fabulous Bansko Jazz Festival: http://banskoblog.com/bansko-jazz-fest-2009/ or simply relax by a swimming pool or, for the energetic, hiking, mountainbiking, horse riding etc. Looking for a comfortable place to stay? Then you check out the reviews on accommodtaion here. I’ll end with a picture of the “on course” property.

What do you think? Please comment below on your views – they are really appreciated. If you enjoyed this article, please join www.banskoblog.com by registering. You’ll receive occasional newsletter with reviews, interviews, news and tips on getting the best out of Bansko, and Bulgaria.

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Fancy a round of golf at the the fabulous new Pirin Golf And Country Club ?

But before I go on to a neat way of getting a round in at this members only club, take a look at the incredible new club house. I took a look in early April — with snow on the course.

The Club House

The effort that has gone into designing the Club house has been worth it. It really has a great feel. Loads of light comes in and the dining room must now rank as the most impressive in the Razlog valley. At the moment the journey to the Club is somewhat circular but takes 10 minutes from Bansko centre.

Lots of wood and an open beam roof dominate. A library room creates a club house atmosphere without feeling too themed.

However, its the views that impress from the spacious terrace. This is a world class club house, and there is no doubt that, in years to come, major tournaments will be held here. An 18 hole Ian Woosnam championship course and a second 18 hole course complete the picture.

The long drive to the club house, from the high security entrance, reveals the various “village” areas. Whilst construction still continues its now beginning to feel complete in some parts. Architectually it seem a bit random at times: some of it look really good – other parts look a little out of place.

Probably a matter of taste. Once its all completed my bet it will all look better.

I have not had the chance to play the course yet — BUT here is the latest news… Membership costs 3,000 Euros per annum.

Not cheap! But there is a refusal to offer pay and play yet. So don’t just turn up expecting to play. Perhaps another year of minimal income may well change their view on this policy. I hope so.

So the target market would seem to be the many wealthy Bulgarians, who associate golf with wealth, and luxury. Most do not yet play the game! So I suspect the main attraction will be being seen in the hotel, spa and club house. It is a fabulous setting.

Alternatively, you can buy a property on the course and receive “free” membership. Deals to buy are, I am sure, available.

Pirin Golf And Country Club House, Razlog

Golf Tournament: Pirin Monthly Series

Thanks to Johnny Sutton, at Bansko Tourist Information for the info. Monthly tournaments as follows:

Pirin Monthly series golfing competition that is to be run throughout this summer at the Pirin Golf course in Bansko.

This competition is an open competition that does not require club membership.

The competition is to be held each month from May – Oct. The scoring system is accredited to league standings and will carry through month by month culminating in the prizes being awarded after the final round in October.

If you wish to participate, please email your application form to: registration@piringolf.bg by close of play on 21st May.

Pirin Golf - Club House

Costs Of Tournament

On May 23rd at Pirin Golf & Country Club will be the first tournament of the Pirin Monthly Series.

This will be a series of tournaments each month until October.

The rounds of the Series will be on the following dates:

• May 23rd
• June 7th
• July 26th
• August 30th
• September 18th
• October 11th

The format of the Tournament: 18-holes Individual Stableford with separate evaluation of each round and total evaluation for the whole series.

The Series ranking will be with points distributed among the first ten players in the Net Stableford ranking of each round as follows:

1st place: 60 pts.        6th place: 15 points

2nd place: 45 pts.        7th place: 9 pts.

3rd place: 35 pts.        8th place: 5 pts.

4th place: 28 pts.        9th place: 3 pts.

5th place: 21 pts.        10th place: 1 pt.

Winner is the player with highest score from all rounds.

If you play a round at Pirin Golf, then do report back how on your experiences. There is no doubt the staff will be finding their way.

A word of warning. The Club House bar and restaurant prices are very high for Bulgaria — but probably justify the surroundings. And I did not try the restaurant. So more reports please! Expect to pay 30 euros per head upwards for a meal there.

A big minus I have fed back to the manager is that there is none of my favourite Shumensko beer on sale. Nor a Zagorka! On the upside the wine list is a good one. Click here for article containing info on wine and beer in Bulgaria:  http://banskoblog.com/bulgarian-wine-beer-best/

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