From Gostivar, the journey becomes more serious. The climbs grow longer, the valleys tighter, the mountains closer. North Macedonia feels wilder than the days before – beautiful, but demanding. At the same time, the wildfires hang over the route like a question mark. Reliable information is hard to find, so I ask locals, listen carefully and change the plan.
Instead of following the original line, I ride to Struga. Via Kičevo and the rolling roads towards Lake Ohrid, the day turns long, hot and heavy. But when the lake appears, it feels clear: right decision.
