From August to October 2025 I plan to cycle from my home in the UK to Istanbul.


The most recent blog post will appear immediately below. Scroll through the pages (below the comments section) to find older blog posts.

Blog

  • Day 34 – Mitrovac to Lake Zlatar – 102km 2017m

    Gearing up for the slopes

    One of today’s highlight was the ski resort of Zlatibor. Positioned about half way through my ride, I had time to sit on a bench there and people watch as the good folk of the town enjoying their sunny Saturday.

    There was a big central square, surrounded by food outlets. On the outskirts of town, there were roller skaters, wheel-skiers, and quad bikers.

    I had popped into a cycle shop to get the drive train on my bike cleaned. Also, having come down numerous long and steep hills since I’d had my brake pads changed in Ljubljana I thought I’d get them checked too. Still got 80% life in them apparently.

    Spectacularly standard by now

    The morning had been the regular series of climbs. I love the mornings, I’m the only one out. I was cycling through the Tara National Park, with views to rival anything Bosnian.

    I didn’t stop long here

    As the sun rose over the ridgeline, clouds gathered in the valleys like milk in a cereal bowl. A sight all to myself.

    At 80km, and with another 40km to go but next to a main road which would provide a 20km short cut I asked myself “what would Steve do” (something Steve himself had been keen for me to ask!). Answer – get there on the shortest possible route. And here I am, right by a wonderful lake.

    Day 34 video highlights

    Thanks for leaving a public comment on this post! This is anonymous if you prefer, but please do use your name in the comment text so I can reply to you in person. If you want to get in touch with me privately, please use the “Contact Ben” link at the bottom left of the page