EXPLORE THE MOUNTAINS AROUND OUR LAKES ORGANIZED CYCLING EXCURSIONS

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Bethanie Morgan
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1 EXPLORE THE MOUNTAINS AROUND OUR LAKES ORGANIZED CYCLING EXCURSIONS

human culture. Be prepared to raise the adrenaline in your veins.

2 ABOUT OUR COUNTRY "Mother of the World" or "Mother Earth", this is the true meaning of the word Macedonia. It is a place that will bring you back years, to the dawn of civilization, a place mentioned in the Bible, a place where you will discover everything you wanted to know about the beginnings of human culture. Be prepared to raise the adrenaline in your veins. Ride through unforgettable picturesque landscapes that can be found from many view points, all of which are over two thousand meters above sea level. Fall in love with nature, see the blue sky mirrored in the lakes crystal clean waters, smell the freshness of the vegetation, ride through dense forests and the golden wheat grain in the valleys, glance at the roused-red sunsets, all from which one becomes totally breathless. Velodrome: St. Jane Sandanski 84, Vi Bike: St. Jane Sandanski 57, Ohrid, Macedonia velodrome@t-home. mk tel.:

3 EASIEST EASY DIFFICULT MORE DIFFICULT EXTREMELY DIFFI- CULT Trail width Tread surface Average grade Maximum grade Natural obstacles and tachnical trail features ( TTF ) 2-3 meters Hardened or surfaced Less than 5% 1-2 meters Firm and stable 0,5-1 meter Mostly stable with some variability 0,3-0,5 meters Widely variable 0,3 meters or less Widely variable and unpredictable 5 % or less 10% or less 15 % or less 20% or less Max. 10% Max. 15 % Max. 15% or greater None Unavoidable obstacles 5 cm tall or less; avoidable obstacles may be present Unavoidable obstacles 20 cm tall or less; Avoidable obstacles may be present; Unavoidable bridges 60 cm wide or wider; TTF 60 cm high or less, width of deck is greater than 1/2 of height Max. 15% or greater Unavoidable obstacles 40 cm tall or less; Avoidable obstacles may be present; May include loose rocks; Unavoidable bridges 60 cm wide or wider; TTF 1,2 meters high or less, width of deck is less than 1/2 of height; Short sections may exceed criteria IMBA TRAIL DIFFICULTY Max. 15% or greater Unavoidable obstacles 40 cm tall or greater; Avoidable obstacles may be present; May include loose rocks; Unavoidable bridges 60 cm wide or narrower; TTF 1,2 meters high or greater, width of deck is unpredictable; Many sections may exceed criteria

TWO LAKES, TWO PEARLS A panoramic view worth the struggle Catch the enjoyable moment UNESCO protected area in one view - you have two pearls of the Balkans Prespa Lake and Ohrid Lake.

4 TWO LAKES, TWO PEARLS A panoramic view worth the struggle Catch the enjoyable moment UNESCO protected area in one view - you have two pearls of the Balkans Prespa Lake and Ohrid Lake. You will walk on tectonic stones dated in the Paleozoic period. You will discover part of thousands plants, species in this unique climate, 14 of which are endemic only to this mountain. 160 species of daily butterflies can be found during the summer period. If you have a little luck, the true trademark and the spirit of the mountain, you will meet the Lynx Martioni. The transfer starts in Ohrid, a short brake is taken at the springs at Korita and the Koritski rid viewpoint. After that the road goes on to the pass at an altitude of 1580

ng dirt road uphill to the 400 meters higher Vakoj Signoj peak, at an altitude of 1980 m a.s.l. The uphill walk takes almost 2 hours, but it is rewarded with an unforgettable view due to the position of the mountain between the two lakes, the two pearls of the Balkans.

5 m a.s.l., which offers unforgettable view to the Lake Ohrid and all the settlements on both Macedonian and Albanian parts of the lake shore. The first section on foot is a 4 km long dirt road uphill to the 400 meters higher Vakoj Signoj peak, at an altitude of 1980 m a.s.l. The uphill walk takes almost 2 hours, but it is rewarded with an unforgettable view due to the position of the mountain between the two lakes, the two pearls of the Balkans. There is not a single soul that has remained untouched by the sight of the vastness of the water on both sides bellow. On the north is the rest of the mountain Galicica, further south is Magaro, at 2254 m a.s.l.- the highest peak on the mountain. West and across Lake Prespa is mount Baba with its highest peak Pelister, east across Lake Ohrid is mount Jablanica and the horizon in the distance is encircled by the far away mountains in Albania and Greece. Transfer: 40 km; Biking distance: 30 km ( 20 km asphalt road downhill and flat terrain, 10 km dirt off road downhill ); Hiking distance 3 km uphill and 3 km downhill off road. Time approx. : 7-8 hours. Difficulty

6 TOUR THE LAKE OHRID Fulfil your holiday with a tour around the Lake How would you like to go around the Lake? Starting from left or right? Looking from the Ohrid coast, the 97 km round trip, we prefer the right side. After 14 km we are passing through Struga city of poetry and the city by the river Black Drim. Next are 14 km of climbing towards the border crossing point Kjafasan and we are in Albania. Long 6 km downhill follows just after the border crossing point and we are enjoying the views towards the Lake Ohrid. When the downhill ends and the flat terrain begins ( 25 km ), we can feel the scent of fresh fish from the small fish villages by the road. Next stop is

At the end, we arrive in Ohrid again, but from the south east side and we ve completed the 97 km long tour. Podgradec, the biggest city from the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid.

7 for the last 12 km of the route. We are passing on the downhill through Peshtani village cycling closely to the lake shore. From Peshtani towards Ohrid 11 km road, we are on the best side of the Ohrid Riviera hotels, apartments will change respectively. At the end, we arrive in Ohrid again, but from the south east side and we ve completed the 97 km long tour. Podgradec, the biggest city from the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid. Rest and recovery to be prepared for the last 35 km of the tour. We are passing through village Tushemishte and shortly is the border crossing point St. Naum towards Macedonia. After the border, we are making short stop to visit the monastery of St. Naum above the Lake Ohrid and afterwards we continue forward. Ljubanista village is on our way. We are entering into NP Galicica passing through on 4 km uphill and afterwards, 2,5 km downhill follows towards village Trpejca. Passing above Trpejca, the Gulf of bones is on our way the prehistoric village from 12 th to 7th century B.C. on the Lake Ohrid. Another rest and recovery there Biking distance: 97 km on asphalt road (25 km uphill, 14 km downhill and 658 km flat terrain) Time: approx. 10 hours Difficulty

MADE BY NATURE FOR THE BENEFIT OF MEN Find out how the nature and humans can work together Have you ever thought of seeing something unique during your holiday?

Just 6 km away from Ohrid, in the village Kosel, is located the dead volcano Duvalo. Here you can feel the smell of sulfur hydrogen coming directly from the small craters and holes.

8 MADE BY NATURE FOR THE BENEFIT OF MEN Find out how the nature and humans can work together Have you ever thought of seeing something unique during your holiday? We all know that human knowledge from centuries in the past combined with the nature around can be useful for everyone. Let us see and enjoy all of these things together. Just 6 km away from Ohrid, in the village Kosel, is located the dead volcano Duvalo. Here you can feel the smell of sulfur hydrogen coming directly from the small craters and holes. The sulfur hydrogen crystallizes into sulphur dust, which the local population use because of its healing power for skin diseases. Further, on the 20 th kilometre, following the rivers Koselska and Recicka, is the village Recica. The road to the village passes through colorful natural surrounding, where the silence makes you enjoy the sound of the river. Into the village, we can see how the human knowledge from the past, with the help of nature, can be combined in

a useful way by building rolling mills (whirlpools) where people wash their clothes, blankets and other

Here we can enjoy and refresh before starting our way back.

are grown into fish ponds and can be served for the visiting guests.

cherry, strawberries, apples, plums, at uncle Stojce s yard, in the village Velgosti.

9 a useful way by building rolling mills (whirlpools) where people wash their clothes, blankets and other woollen covers, without any detergent, just by using the power of the water. Here we can enjoy and refresh before starting our way back. Cycling downhill, we can visit the place called Rajska Dolina where the endemic species of Ohrid trout are grown into fish ponds and can be served for the visiting guests. Just before the end, we can t miss the opportunity to taste some of the local seasonal fruits - Ohrid cherry, strawberries, apples, plums, at uncle Stojce s yard, in the village Velgosti. These fruits are typical species, originated from this area, not treated chemically and present here for centuries. Biking distance: 50 km - 45 km on asphalt road, 5 km off-road (easy ascent) Time approx.: 5 hours Difficulty

At the foot of the mountain you are met by the blue streams and the few waterfalls whose murmur reveals the wealth of water in the area.

10 SKREBATNO A picnic point with a thrilling nature Here the nature is showing its true art and spirit. Wonderful composition of dense oak forest and wide green fields, coloured in different colours of the flowers. At an altitude of 1130 m a.s.l. on the northern slopes of Mount Galicica, is the village of Skrebatno. At the foot of the mountain you are met by the blue streams and the few waterfalls whose murmur reveals the wealth of water in the area. As you climb up, the high steep slopes of the mountain make you wonder - at least for an instance - where the village might be. It finally appears after two hours of biking, like a birds nest, its old houses scattered over the slope on the right side. The houses are old and built in the traditional Macedonian style, made of stone, mud bricks and wooden beams. The village is almost deserted and it reminds of a museum under the open sky, with the time seemingly standing still. High above the last of the houses lies the pride of the villagers, the church

11 of Sveta Bogorodica (The Virgin). The villagers and the local population considers the place to be holly and the day of the village is 28 August, when by the Orthodox calendar is the holiday of the Ascension of The Virgin. On that day, about 5000 people from Ohrid and the area around are going to the church, on the fields around traditionally prepared lunch is served in pottery along with home made bread and people are consuming it sitting on the ground. Skrebatno village is also known by the traditional way of producing lime. If you want to see how it is made and the rest of the story, join us. Biking distance: 30 km - 12 km on flat road, 9 km ascent and 9 km descent. Optional: 5 km off road single track on the way back. Time approx.: 5 hours Difficulty

SINGLE TRAIL ADVENTURES Do you want to enjoy the adrenaline and nature at the same time? Then this is the mountain biking tour you are looking for.

After intermittent changing of wood and fields on downhill you enter in the village Shipokno.

12 SINGLE TRAIL ADVENTURES Do you want to enjoy the adrenaline and nature at the same time? Then this is the mountain biking tour you are looking for. Starting from Ohrid, we have 2 km uphill on asphalt road and afterwards the adventure begins. The off road single trail will lead you in the canyon above village Racha, bellow the village Velestovo. After intermittent changing of wood and fields on downhill you enter in the village Shipokno. Then, a climbing part of 2,5 km and you enter in the village Konjsko with perfect views towards Ohrid and Ohrid Lake. From Konjsko follows a reward - 3 km of nice downhill on single track through woods and there is Elshani village on the way. Short stop for refreshment and moving on towards Trpejca field uphills and downhills will change on the 4 km off road. Afterwards, you are inside the mountain Galicica, on an open green field, enjoying the silence. Rest & snack and 4,5 km long off road

13 downhill towards the village Peshtani. The ending part will be biking by the Ohrid Lake on asphalt road 10 km, all the way to Ohrid. Biking distance: 28 km (12 km asphalt road 2 km uphill, 10 km flat terrain; 16 km single trail off road 5 km uphill, 11 km downhill). Time approx.: 4 hours Difficulty

SPIRIDON Discover Galicica, its unique landscapes and viewpoints Have you ever thought of riding a bike on Mars? Yes, it s possible! Our Galicica is even more red than Mars!

After that the road goes on to the pass at an altitude of 1580 m a.s.l., which offers unforgettable view to the Lake Ohrid and all the settlements on both Macedonian and Albanian parts of the lake shore.

14 SPIRIDON Discover Galicica, its unique landscapes and viewpoints Have you ever thought of riding a bike on Mars? Yes, it s possible! Our Galicica is even more red than Mars! The tour starts with transporting the group by coach and the bicycles by van to the Galicica pass, 38 km from Ohrid. A short break is taken at the springs at Korita and the Koritski rid viewpoint. After that the road goes on to the pass at an altitude of 1580 m a.s.l., which offers unforgettable view to the Lake Ohrid and all the settlements on both Macedonian and Albanian parts of the lake shore. This is the starting point of the bike ride. The first section of the ride is a 4 km descent towards Lake Prespa and then a left turn up to the mountain and its plateaus. A short, 2 km ascent will bring us to Dva Javora, the entry point to the meadows and pastures on the slopes of Mount Galicica. The scenery is breathtaking and complemented by the scents of the vast variety of flora, represented by 176 species. 26 of these are endemic to the Balkans, and further 12 are specific to Galicica. 5 km from Dva Javora is the Sarbojca area,

15 one of the most beautiful plateaus of the mountain, with the Asan Djura mountain lodge. After a short break and the snack, Dofa area is next, with its specific red dirt which makes you feel as if you are riding the surface of Mars. This area is interesting for the natural watering places and the summer sheepfolds. The section that follows is a 1,5 km ascent to the Krstec pass, situated 100 meters higher than Dofa, at an altitude of 1555 m a.s.l. From there, the group will ride down a 12 km distance at an almost 800 meter lower altitude, enjoying the view of Ohrid - the city of light, as well as the surrounding area. Transfer 40 km; Biking distance: 37 km (asphalt road 10 km 7 km downhill, 3 km uphill; Off road 27 km 15 km flat terrain, 3 km uphill, 9 km downhill ). Time approx. 6-8 hours. Difficulty

VEVCANI Etno village, Museum under the open sky The existance of this settlement dates back to the third century B.C. It is situated on the slopes of the Jablanica mountain, along the western shore of Lake Ohrid.

16 VEVCANI Etno village, Museum under the open sky The existance of this settlement dates back to the third century B.C. It is situated on the slopes of the Jablanica mountain, along the western shore of Lake Ohrid. The village is located on a slope, starting at an altitude of 800 m a.s.l., with its upper end as high as 950 m a.s.l. It is one of the most interesting places in the area, with its narrow, steep streets and the wealth of rushing streams along them emerging at 1500 liter per second from the springs above the village. The clear, freezing water and the freshness relaxes you after the ridding uphill. Paganism and Christianity have left deep marks in these areas, leaving rich heritage embodied in the local traditional embroidery, weaving, woodcarving and the large number of festivities. The most famous event is the internationally renowned Vevcani Carnival, a tradition of over 1400 years, which takes plase on the 13 th and 14 th of January every year. During the two days of festivities, the village echoes with the sounds of drums and traditional zurle in the songs

year, the evil spirits are chased away, with all the evil that had remained in the village over the previous year.

17 and chants of the masks - groups of villagers disguised in both traditional and modern masks. The festivities celebrate the arrival of the New Year by the Julian calendar, the water springs are baptized for a wealthier and happier new year, the evil spirits are chased away, with all the evil that had remained in the village over the previous year. The carnival has been a member of the Association of European Carnival Cities since Biking distance: 60 km on asphalt road, of which 50 km in the flat, 5 km ascent and 5 km descent. Time approx.: 6 hours Difficulty

CAVE CHURCHES ON THE ROAD VIA EGNATIA Via Egnatia - the ancient Roman road which connected ancient Rome with Constantinople built in third century B.C. 1200 km long, from the Adriatic to the Aegean

Several cave churches can be found on that ancient route. The biking tour starts from Ohrid. After 6 km ride is the first church - St. Erazmus, dating from III century A.C.

18 CAVE CHURCHES ON THE ROAD VIA EGNATIA Via Egnatia - the ancient Roman road which connected ancient Rome with Constantinople built in third century B.C km long, from the Adriatic to the Aegean Sea, with significant part of it passing through Macedonia and the City of Lights (Lychnidos), was very important travel, trade and military route in that time. Several cave churches can be found on that ancient route. The biking tour starts from Ohrid. After 6 km ride is the first church - St. Erazmus, dating from III century A.C. He was very important person for spreading the Christian religion in this area, with strong cult respected until today. 200 meters on a single track walk, higher than St. Erazmus, with a magnificent view of the Lake Ohrid and its north and west shore is located St. Ekaterina, a small cave church dedicated to a young Christian woman who was killed in the III century A.C. Riding along the lake shore, the biking tour continues to the neighbour town Struga, famous for its river Black Drim and the Struga Poetry Nights an event held annually for over 60 years, where poets from all over the world present their poetry. 5 km from Struga is located the

Monastery of Virgin Mary with its 13 th century cave church and monk cells hidden in the rock. The yard of the church provides a magnificent view to the lake and its surrounding.

19 Monastery of Virgin Mary with its 13 th century cave church and monk cells hidden in the rock. The yard of the church provides a magnificent view to the lake and its surrounding. Following the lake shore on a 5 km long ride is the village Radozda, famous for its 13 th century cave church dedicated to St. Archangel Michael. Situated high above in the rocks, it provides an amazing view to the lake and Ohrid city. During this tour it s possible to be present at traditional Macedonian wedding or baptism. Biking distance: 52 km on flat asphalt road Time approx.: 6 hours Difficulty

7 DAYS PACKAGE ARRANGEMENT Two Lakes, two Pearls and Spiridon The package arrangement includes: - transfer from / to the airport - six full boards - licensed guide - Mongoose Tyax Elite mountain bike

Resort Momir, the other four overnights are on different locations: mountain house Asan Djura, motel Riva in the village Stenje, villa Mostro in the village Ljubanista and Risto guest house in the

20 7 DAYS PACKAGE ARRANGEMENT Two Lakes, two Pearls and Spiridon The package arrangement includes: - transfer from / to the airport - six full boards - licensed guide - Mongoose Tyax Elite mountain bike - protective helmet and backpack - luggage transfer from one location to another Short description of the arrangement: - The first and last overnight are nearby Ohrid, in the village Openica Eco Resort Momir, the other four overnights are on different locations: mountain house Asan Djura, motel Riva in the village Stenje, villa Mostro in the village Ljubanista and Risto guest house in the village Elsani. - Luggage transferring to all of the mentioned places. - The breakfast and dinner are served in a restaurant or in ethno accommodation units. The lunch is taken by the tourists in the backpacks ( 1,5 L water, 0,5 L energy drink, 2 sandwiches, 100 gr. chocolate and fruits ) - Licensed guide is cyclist ( mountain biker ) and is licensed by the National tourist organization; first aid license from The Red Cross and Florion international organization for first aid on unreachable terrains; license by the National park Galicica. - Home, sweet home! After six days in

everybody about your holiday on two wheels in Macedonia!

21 the saddle and an adventure-packed outdoor holiday, unforgettable nature and cultural heritage, you must be yearning to go back home and tell everybody about your holiday on two wheels in Macedonia! Biking distance: 130 km on various off roads and asphalt road. Hiking distance: 6 km. Difficulty

22 VELODROME

Equipment: - mountain bike, - helmet Trek - mamba 29 Mongoose - tyax Polar - forester lady - backpack: 1,5l water, 100g chocolate, sandwich GRATIS 0,5l isosport energy drink fruits Your cycling

23 Equipment: - mountain bike, - helmet Trek - mamba 29 Mongoose - tyax Polar - forester lady - backpack: 1,5l water, 100g chocolate, sandwich GRATIS 0,5l isosport energy drink fruits Your cycling leaders: - are registered tourist guides - posess Operation FLORION first - aid certificates - have Red Cross training in administering firs-aid in mountain terrains - are supported by the ranger service in the Galicica National Park - technical support Ride with us, experience the nature Rent A Bike Rent for 3 days get 1 day gratis

24 Biking & Cycling club RIDE WITH US, EXPERIENCE THE NATURE

Be prepared to raise your adrenaline whilst enjoying exciting, though moderate climbs in the mountains. And be sure - your effort will pay off.

Be prepared to raise your adrenaline whilst enjoying exciting, though moderate climbs in the mountains. And be sure - your effort will pay off. Our biking activity starts in the village of Velestovo, off