Day 7: Gabrovo → Kazanlak

from Gabrovo

to Kazanlak

58 kmDistance

1,180 mElevation Gain

Difficulty

Traffic

Gallery

Description

It started with a nice climb to the Shipka Pass. Very smooth to ride with bearable elevation gains. At the pass, we decided to do a detour to the Buzludzha monument (Monument House of the Bulgarian Communist Party). The monument thrones over the area like an UFO. The road from Shipka pass to the monument is doable with a road bike, but it's not really fun. A gravel bike would be better. The downhill from the monument is fun.

Route

58.0 km from Gabrovo to Kazanlak, 1180 m climbing, medium difficulty

Start Point

Gabrovo

End Point

Kazanlak

Country

Bulgaria

Regions

Balkans, South-Eastern Europe

Recommended Months

At a glance

Distance

58 km

Difficulty

Medium

Ascent

1,180 m

Best time to ride

Before dark

Riding on

Average speed

About 5h 38m on the bike, with short stops

11h 14m of daylight at the finish

Packing list

Bike-specific essentials. Pack light, ride more.

Hotel

Everything you need for a comfortable cycling trip when staying in hotels or guesthouses.

Bags & setup

Frame bag, seat pack or panniers
Small handlebar bag for valuables
Dry bags or zip bags

Clothing

Cycling shorts or bib shorts
Cycling jersey or quick-dry shirt
Light insulation layer
Rain jacket
Socks and underwear
Gloves
Buff or thin hat
Off-bike clothes for the evening

Tools & spares

Spare tube
Tyre levers
Mini pump or CO₂ inflator
Multitool
Patch kit
Chain quick link
Small bottle of chain lube
Zip ties and a little tape

Navigation & power

Smartphone or GPS device
Handlebar mount
Charging cables
Power bank
Offline route or GPX file
Front and rear lights

Food & water

Water bottles
Bars, nuts or other snacks
Small emergency food supply
Electrolytes for heat or long stages

Personal items & documents

ID or passport
Bank card and some cash
Health insurance card
Sunscreen
First-aid kit
Personal medication
Toothbrush and small toiletries

Camping extras

Additional gear for bike trips with camping.

Sleep system

Lightweight tent, bivy or tarp
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat
Inflatable pillow or stuff sack
Earplugs

Cooking & food

Small stove
Fuel
Pot or cup
Spoon or spork
Lighter
Lightweight meals
Water filter or purification tablets if needed

Camp basics

Headlamp
Small microfibre towel
Biodegradable soap
Toilet paper
Trash bag
Extra dry bag for wet gear

Tip Pack for the conditions, your route and the duration of your ride. Less weight means more freedom to go further.