Spring Mountain Biking in Rhodope Mountains

Recently we did a series of mountain bike trips around part of Western Rhodopes, which are located between Rila and Pirin Mountains, between the towns of Bansko, Gotse Delchev, Velingrad and Dospat and west from Dospat Dam. It is called Velijsko-Videnishki Dyal and rises up to 1700 meters above sea level. The views to Rila and Pirin Mountains, visible from its main ridge, are awesome.

Main starting point for the area is the highest rail station on the Balkans – Avramovo, located more that 1200 m. above sea level. It is also considered a border between Rila and Rhodope Mountains. Some remote paved roads criss-cross the mountains and provide access to numerous dirt roads. Long descents both to Velingrad and Bansko are possible, also routes that are combination of biking on the southern slopes of Rila Mountains and the Rhodopes.

View to Bel Kamen Village and the southern slopes of Rila Mountains on the back

The area is inhabited mainly by the so called Pomacs – Bulgarians, who converted to Islam during the period of the Ottoman rule.Very friendly and welcoming, they live in a small neighborhoods spread around the mountains. Some of them are accessible only by dirt forest roads and have no other facilities rather than a small shop. Most of the population works in the agriculture and livestock breeding – the main crop are the potatoes, as they are the most sustainable vegetable to such a climate at heights 1200-1500 meters above sea level.

The village of Bel Kamen – the village mosque and the school are next to each other, Rila Mountains beyond

Whats is particularly good in spring mountain biking? It’s never too hot and the views are amazing. It is already spring in the lower parts, but Rila and Pirin Mountains are still completely covered in snow. Actually, next to Ortsevo village was found an ancient Thracian tomb. Trchians were the first ones who gave the name “Orbelus” to what we call now Pirin Mountains. Orbelus in translation means “The White Mountains” and is clear why they choose this name for Pirin Mountains.

Of course there is always slightly higher risk to get wet and muddy because of the spring rains, but the great views of the blossoming trees and flowers and the green, green slopes of the mountains are definitely a good compensation to that. Take a look at some more photos on Facebook – click here.