The Clock Tower in Tryavna marks the start of a ride that quickly leaves the cobblestones behind and enters the Balkan Mountains. Байк тур Трявна и Балкана is a day for strong legs, not a casual stroll with a number on the handlebars, taking you north of the central ridge of the Balkan Mountains in the early days of autumn. The air is crisp, with dirt roads still holding dust but the forest already smelling cooler.
The route begins with a climb on a forest road, making you work from the start to pass through several peaks southwest of the town. The surface is gravel and dirt country roads, demanding a rhythm from traction and turns, and careful conservation of energy for the next ridge. This route is designed for those who prefer the terrain to speak louder than finish line fanfare.