First leg, Constanta to Lipnita. So after a decent nights sleep in the hotel in Constans and an early breakfast ; Betsy the bike was ready; we mounted up and off we set-just 4000 Kms to go. ,first days stop was scheduled for Lipnita- 103 kms:. First half of the ride was amazing (apart from getting slightly lost leaving the start!). Just after halfway I was greeted by Passepartout who provided tea and a slice of cake as is required by a gentleman tourist. All was going well and I had a tail wind for most of the way.
Feet in the Black Sea- just,
So that was the first half of the day. I don’t know I changed direction or the wind did- suffice to say that it spent much of the second half in my face,
The EV6 is described as a relatively flat route following major rivers in Europe. I don’t know where they got that from. It seems to be mostly short downhills connected by going up lots of Stoke Hills. Finally I arrived at Lipnita, fashionably at rage top of a hill and boasting zero facilities. I was hanging so elected to wait for Passepartout who meantime had followed some Mickey Mouse satnav that had taken him across the river and he was stuck in a traffic queue waiting for the ferry back. Eventually he turned up having noted some restaurants along the way. We loaded up the bike and headed off to eat- not so fast Englishmen. Establishments around here don’t open till after 01 May. Luckily we found a great spot just by the Danube and made camp. Passepartout then rustled up a tuna and pasta dish – the ingredients for which had fortunately been purloined from Lidl’s earlier. It was good and we wolfed it down, testified by the wild dogs that hung around looking for leftovers but went away disappointed.
photos later when I find out how to get them all.
Second leg Lipnita to Tutraken
first drive back up to Lipnita then off. 30kms in we cross the border into Bulgaria and we arranged to meet there and cross together in case one of us failed or got locked up. Off I went, passing the van parked up in its spot by the river. I hoped Passepartout wasn’t going to oversleep. I get to the border in good time- no sign. After a message the van eventually turns up and we cross the border. Despite rumours of problems, border staff were great. One spoke very good English and said it was a must that we tried Bulgarian beer as it is ‘the best in the world’. We promised that we would and he told us that he thought we might! Cheek.
off we go over the border and in a few miles I find the van in the entrance to a field with the sun chairs out and the kettle on. From the many hundreds of field gates we could have chosen a farmer arrives for this one- so we have to move and we pull across the road into one opposite and put the kettle back on. 5 minutes later another farmer arrives from who knows where and we have to move to let him out of the field- we never saw another one. Off I go again, getting tired now with all theses hills. Satnav is good then bang, it takes me up a steep hill (predictably) then abruptly into a farm track. I thought it would take me across to another road but I was committed anyway. So I walk, wheel, and carry the bike only to come upon the Danube. Great, a flat track along the river- no track just river! I carry the bike almost 3.5 miles when the track gets worse, me and the bike get covered in mud and it eventually comes out onto a farm track and I have lost over an hour! I cycle on into what is now the darkness and catch up with Passepartout in a car park by the river in Tutraken- still no open camp sites or hotels! We did, however, find a little restaurant and have some chicken and some beer. The was a slight issue when we discovered that they did not take credit cards and we had no local currency. Luckily the owner was a commercial soul and rinsed us to the tune of €20. Result. Another night in the van with no hook up. I stink now.😳
Food of champions
Down by the Danube near Lipnita
Arriving late in Tutraken
Border crossing official told us to.
Day 3 Tutraken to Ruse
after quite a decent night sleep in the van I was up and away. What could possibly go wrong this time? The road was good and well surfaced and I had a tail wind. I was eating up the miles. Then satnav took me right down towards where I knew the Danube was. Down another farm track but not as bad as the walk and carry yesterday- although not recommended for those whose arse has been on a bike for 250kms. 😳 2.4 miles this time then a choice of 3 tracks. Which one would take me down to the river and which one cause me heartbreak? Passepartout told me afterwards he could see my location on Google maps 1.2 miles away. However the phone locked completely. It couldnt do that while I was on the main road could it? I no nav, no google maps, no phone, or what’s app. I had no idea if Passepartout could see my location and no way of making contact. I was stuffed! So I head back to the main road and pedal off towards Ruse. To my great relief 30 mins later the motor home pulls up behind me. I was hungry and needing a good strong cup of tea. We pulled into a field entrance and brewed up. I know what you are thinking but no farmer arrived this time. I was a bit concerned about the 5 ft long snake that slithered over though! Brew complete off into Ruse. A short day today 68 Kms and done by 1300. Still not a campsite to be found, but I blew, €60 on a room in the Grand Hotel! And the receptionist spoke perfect English and we were allowed to park the van in their secure car park. Things were coming together, and if they had hot water for the shower it would have been right up there. Hey ho!
Tomorrow back across the border to Romania, but tonight some restaurant food ( we have no idea on quality yet!) and a decent kip. We discovered that the phone had overheated so it is now reset and looks like we are back in business.
Some great relive videos to upload once I find out how to do it!
Our Grand Hotel and view from the room.
Lennytranseurope 
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