Day 32 – 95km 2008m – Sarajevo to Han Pijisek

Bobbing along

The highlight of the day came early. A brainwave had hit last night and I discovered that the Sarajevo cable car allowed bikes on. No further invitation necessary. I was first in line and first up.

At the top, I found the graffiti covered 1984 Olympic bobsled track, and it was cyclable! I hadn’t anticipated taking these sorts of tracks when cycling to Istanbul, but it was great fun. I went hard on the brakes through the berms and bends – it wouldn’t have been fun to injure myself and halt the ride.

Then the days track took me through more beautiful Bosnia. Once more I rode over gravel tracks with incredible mountain views. So much of this country is empty of habitation, and likely incredibly inhospitable in winter.

On one track in the deep first, far from civilisation, the quickening thrum of motorised transport rapidly approached. Five huge quad bikes machined past at terrifying speed and volume. The drivers had baggage strapped everywhere. I guess they were doing something similar to me, just with different transportation. Quiet forest sounds quickly returned.

I had a late supermarket bench lunch – harking back to Rhine days – and then did the last 30km or so to my accommodation tonight.

I’m planning a big one tomorrow, in distance as well as elevation gain. The stage notes start with “welcome to the wilderness” so I’ll carry plenty of food and water.