Having the climb of our lives

May 24, 2022 to May 25, 2022

Day 94 - Fier to Orikum

Day 95 - Orikum to Dhërmi

Wow, what a couple of days! The weather has been getting warmer and warmer, approaching 30c at its peak (is that too hot to be called warm?), and despite being pretty small in length and height, the 58ish kilometres to Orikum felt like more. It was great to get to the sea again though! After spending about half the day on busy roads, through not very attractive or still under construction urbana, as well as some nice countryside, we finally got there.

They call this part of the country the Albanian riviera, and it deserves it! Beaches to rival any we've seen yet, with hotels, restaurants, palm trees, and tourists to boot.

The next day was a big challenge - cycling past Mount Çika, and others, overland between Orikum and the next collection of seaside towns. It was over 1100 metres of climbing, which isn't crazy - we've done 1000+ before - but it comes in only about 25km, which means it is STEEP.

We didn't have to get off and push, which is nice, but we did stop a lot. It was slow going, with several false peaks giving us hope only to be followed by yet more, yet steeper road.

If you squint you can just about sea the sea where we started.

Looking much less cooked than I felt on the other side of the peak.

We climbed through beautiful little farms and forests, with spectacular views. The other side of the mountain is totally different though - all browns and yellows and switchbacks all the way down! Not sure if these mean the gradients are easier, but I'd still rather do it our way and not be baked on a shadeless road the whole day.

Here's the komoot ride if anyone's interested:

https://www.komoot.com/tour/781890631?ref=aso

Today's ride: 97 km (60 miles)
Total: 3,619 km (2,247 miles)

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Ali JarySuch glorious scenery but so steep ! Fitness levels must be peaking ! X
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1 year ago

Scott AndersonYou biked over Logara Pass! Congratulations! That’s an awesome accomplishment with loaded bikes. We rode it as an out and back day ride from Himare several years ago so we k ow how challenging that must have been.
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1 year ago

Lorenzo JaryTo Scott AndersonThanks a lot Scott. It was a challenge for sure, testing our ability but not overcoming it. Nicely satisfying!

Haha, is there anywhere in Europe you haven't cycled!? Permission to ask your advice if I'm ever planning another European tour 😃
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1 year ago

Scott AndersonTo Lorenzo JarySure, as long as you understand what you get for free.
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1 year ago