It had to happen ! The Henley germs which have so far been spread around numerous countries including Europe and the UK have finally taken hold of our cycling group claiming numerous victims (including self) !
You would have expected that after a great days rest in Ohrid we would have been raring to go on day 6 of our Albanian adventure, but with a combo of sore muscles and Henley's fast spreading plaque we were reluctant departers on a beautiful sunny morning !
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| Morning in Ohrid - L-R Robbo, Kev, Kirk and Aussie Kev |
We managed only 300 metres before the first of our numerous stops for the day having to fix Pommie Kevs bike seat. Arjan our tour was not totally sympathetic asking Kev why he hadn't checked his bike in the 30 minutes we were lolling about prior to departure doing nothing - a fair question I thought !
Our cycle route took us on a beautiful undulating (yes more bloody hills) ride around Lake Ohrid to the lovely resort of St Naum with its monastery and amazingly clear spring / river water. Here we took an extended coffee break overlooking the lake with even time for those brave enough (Lee and Pommie Kev) to take to the water. In Pommie Kev's case his rememergence from the water with glaring white skin was almost enough to bring on a local eclipse !
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| Kirk and Lee - a holiday to remember !!! |
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| At the beach ! |
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| Lee testing out the water ! |
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| Kev - a whiter shade of pale ! |
3kms on we crossed back into Albania and like all good touring cyclists took another break this time an 18 course lunch that occupied us for a good hour and a half !
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| At the border ! |
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| Our 18 course lunch ! |
Finally departing lunch we took on our least pleasant experience on tour, a 3-4km climb on a narrow winding road with no verge. Here we competed with slow moving lorries and cars for space and boy were we glad when the climb was over !
A brief descent followed before an incident filled climb when some local idiot pulled over on to our cycle verge fully opening his door requiring us to move out into the high speed traffic lanes. First self then Henley blasted him using appropriate Australian venacular that was patently clear to the driver what we meant !
Regrouping, the next 30 kns were much quieter. Here Kiwi Pere won the play of the day by continually overtaking our strong Canadian girl Karine on the hills. When she later asked why he did this and then slowed down Pete simply said " coz i can "!
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| Karine on the fly ! |
Finally at the 86 km mark we arrived in Korce at 5.30p.m. to complete yet another big day !
While some of the group settled for a city walking orientation tour the remaining sensible ones made their way to the poolside bar to take on board much needed lost fluids !
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| The resident drunks ! |
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