MTB Race 2011: I'm Suffering

My mountain bike ride on Saturday’s Bansko MTB rally “The Road To Nowhere” did not start well. The mountain bike I had borrowed for the event seemed okayish – but I had not had time to test it properly. Mistake number two – the previous evening. Beers and a fine Melnik red wine from Uniquato flowed. A late night is not what I call preparation for a 32km ride in the Pirin. But I was feeling keen to support this annual event — in its third year.

So I turned up, and just hoped for the best. Whilst I have not been on a mountain bike for twelve months, I have been keeping a reasonable level of fitness through jogging. That said, I was not sure if my bike fitness was anywhere near where it needed to be.

Bike Problems

The first problem arose when I saw the back wheel had as much free movement as the people in communist era Bulgaria. The rear brake was rubbing. The rear wheel stopped turning after a revolution and a half. Even the squeaking sound prompted a fellow rider at the start to kindly diagnose this problem.

Whilst I was tempted to not to start with these gear handicaps – I thought “sod it” let’s give it a go. The initial going felt so much tougher than I would normally experience on my Specialsed Enduro, not with me in Bansko. No SPD shoes, no working suspension. So it was not long before I was pretty much tail end charlie. But I was fascinated to see this route up close and personal. And as the landscape became more interesting, and the energy of the Pirin mountains kicked in, I was almost enjoying it. I also started to overtake some others who were taking rests – or pushing.

Uphill & Downhill

Still Smiling, Joseph and friend

Being unprepared has its pros and cons. As I stopped at the water refuelling point (see video) I thought somehow it can’t be far now. I had had no time to look at the map prior to starting. It was now about half way. And with what seemed like mainly uphill treks, I could have stopped then. I imagined free wheeling down the road that passes by the ski road — just by my favourite Peshterite mountain restaurant. But after a short downhill section I suddenly realised that I had a problem.

On any downhill stretch, of any severity, full brake application yielded a bike that continued to pick up speed. As scary as hell. Luckily, knowing this I thought I would crack on, and then take it very slow on any downhill sections.

The route made an ugly turn up hill on tarmac. And so it went on. After a pleasant chat with Douglas, from sponsors Bamro, at the check point – it was onwards and, still mainly, upwards. And then… finally, after the legs were beginning to turn to jelly, after three hours, the great downhill run started. Not trusting my borrowed bike, I gingerly walked down the first section. This first part looked steeper than the start of the Chalin Valog black run. And then I remembered, the brakes really would not control the descent speed of the bike. I was resigned to walking the bike down. Complete frustration. However, the memories of the sweet pine air and the friendly local encounter. This encounter was a kind stranger simply passing me a handful of his freshly picked wild raspberries. I was thinking how satisfiying it must be to go foraging for fruits in the mountain.

The walking went on and on… made more painful that this was a mere ten minutes of normal downhill riding. George, who was acting as safety officer on his trail motor bike stopped. We spoke, and he encouraged me that it would be best if I threw my bike in the back of the descending 4×4 coming up behind me. I agreed. So after 3.5 hours or so I was delivered back to my home. Relieved to have made it round most of the course. But just a little regret that I did not have the “honour” of being last over the line .

As this last weekend I was reviewing the Kempinski Grand Arena, the relaxing bubbles of the jacuzzi was waiting. Ordeal over. So if you are thinking of joining me next year year don’t do as I did. I’ll be making sure my bike really is up for the job and I’ll be taking it easy the night before too.

Thank You

I have nothing but admiration for the many Bansko volunteers who made this two day mountain bike rally happen. The sponsors, the police and the many unpaid towns people should be congratulated. I know James Hughes started this all off and played a major role in it the event once again. I urge you to come and experience this incredible mountain biking event next year. But for holidays 2011, Bulgaria and the Pirin mountains high above Bansko, offer a wonderfully refreshing experience. Summer activities arranged and ski packages too.

And Finally

I hope the organisers try a shortened course in the future. This will widen the scope of the rally for more entrants. For the winners though, they should be congratulated on their incredible skill and fitness. Sign up now to receive full latest HD version of driving directions video: “Sofia To Bansko In 8 Minutes”

Avoid borrowing; look for online deals and get your own mountain bike matched to your specifications.

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Get On Your Bike

Mountain Biking in the Pirin is Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st July, with registration open on Friday 29th July. For the first mountain bike event I spoke to James Hughes who gave his views on the event, summer tourism and Bansko generally. This year the mtb rally follows the format of last year. Once again, I expect that the event will again be a huge success.

Routes for 2011 will be the same as 2010.

Registration details can be found via this web-link: http://bansko-mtb.com/en/2​011/04/registration/

Day one will be the reverse of “Perfect Day” plus “Dead Dog”. Day two will be a variation of “Foxy Lady”.

The Program:

Friday 29th July

4pm to 10pm registration in the park.

Saturday 30th July:

8am race day registration in front of the church.

8:30am pre race briefing in front of the church.

9.00am Start with police escort to the edge of town.

Sunday 31st July:

8.00am race day registration in front of the church.

8:30am pre race briefing in front of the church.

9.00am START with police escort to the edge of town.

2pm speeches and prize giving in the Park.

Mountain Biking In Bulgaria

I was recently in Sopot at the Shambhala lift for paragliding and the combination of a lift, and a professional level downhill track, has brought visitors for competitions to this region for some time. There is even a fully stocked mountain bike shop stocking Drag bikes and spares in Sopot town.

The efforts employed by the organisers of the Bansko Mountain Bike Rally for this third year do, however, need to be supported by a bigger investment in infrastructure in Bansko for mountain biking. MTB facilities have to be in place to attract more MTB visitors to the region in the summer months.

I’ve been researching about how mountain biking is organised in other resorts and I was impressed to see how a typical sea side resort, such as Lanzarote island has developed in this regard. A destination more famous for family holidays, is now attracting mountain bikers from all over the world — all year round. Their investment in the MTB  infrastructure, services and along with competitive prices has helped fuel this growth. The variety of terrain has also made it an ideal place for hosting cycling events, including the Ironman – one of the world’s most challenging competitions. I do hope Bansko can learn from other locations to boost this tourism.

So if you enjoy Bansko for moutain biking this summer, check out the cheap flights to Lanzarote for winter mountain biking.

Tip Of The Day:

BA flights are often the cheapest in the summer months.

Bansko VIP Bell Tower Apartment To Rent: bestofbansko.com.

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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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Bansko Tourist Information owner, John Sutton, takes time out today to talk to me about tourism in Bansko.

But he’s realistic on the work that lies ahead. And he argues why Bansko is set to offer every bit as much as the famous French alpine summer mountain resorts, such as Chamonix and Morzine.

Click play for audio interview John, an active snowboarder and mountain biker, is working with partners to offer Bansko summer packages that offer a unique and varied tourist experience. Be sure to click play to hear this interview. It was a particular pleasure to chat to John, as his views on the Bansko tourist market are so well informed. They come direct from the daily feedback of tourists. Tourists entering his premises on Pirin street every day. John explains to me how he set about his information business. And how with around 195 suppliers he has contact with, he can point people in the right direction. You’ll hear how the business structure has changed in Bansko from sales to property management and other businesses. Jazz Festival And The Summer Season John shares his views on the “out of ski” and summer seasons. And how he is working hard to bring more visitors to the area from surrounding countries, especially Greece. He also adds a useful reminder on the Jazz Festival, it’s wide variety of music genres outside Jazz. We discuss how lively atmosphere contributes to this annual festival being a special time for residents and visitors alike. John mentions a new event for 2009:  24th to 26th July Bansko Mountain Biking Competition. But Official Jazz Festival dates not yet announced. Expect around 8th to 13th August. Lastly he shares some initiatives for encouraging more summer facilities. Including the opening of the gondola for peak summer season hikers and mountain bikers. What do you think? How will Bansko’s tourism develop? Your comments are welcome. Do please subscribe for more like this. If you run a service or business in Bansko, and would like to discuss an audio or written review then do contactme soon.

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