Day 30: Veliko Tarnovo to Topolovgrad & Popovo to Jambol - in Bulgaria

Bob reports that he had a long (93 miles) ride to Jambol, Bulgaria, on good roads and that the mountains were easier than expected.   Whereas Mark's 97 mile route through the Stara Planina was marred by HGV's using the minor road as a short-cut between motorways.  Later in the day he found himself in the back of Bulgarian beyond, cycling on the worst roads anywhere in Europe to date.  The EU's writ does not appear to have reached some parts of Bulgaria's hinterland.

Anyway, by this evening Bob is in Jambol and Mark in Topolovgrad, both close to the border with Turkey - into which final country they will each cross tomorrow.  Discussions have taken place as to the crossing point they will use.  Strangely enough, there are not that many to choose from and one Dutch cyclist travelling in the opposite direction reported that he had entered the northern tip of Greece from Turkey, before cycling into Bulgaria.

On the subject of other cyclists whose paths the boys have crossed, Mark was cycling through the mountains this morning when he was passed by a road bike who said he was a contestant in the London to Istanbul Bike Race.  Quite apart from the fact that road bike tyres are not best suited for this terrain (a 4 kilometre section of cobbled road marks the route south of Nova Zagora), he is the only competitor encountered as yet.

And finally, if you want to send an email of support to Bob and Mark, please do so via aconcagua@virginmedia.com