Day 20: Bar - Durres (Albania)
We are trying to make up for the ‘mandatory’ half-day rest today by rolling 156km to Durrës in one day. The 780m of elevation gain is mainly concentrated in the first 15km. Brief pain, followed by a flat ride to cross the only border crossing into Albania. Speaking of pain, Rik slept well; his ribs feel good—for now. His left hip is stiff, though, and so is mine—out of solidarity. This is the first time I’ve had any discomfort—apart from some stiff legs. But… we’ll cycle it all out!
We start at 7:30 in already 26 degrees.
Welcome to Albania
During the typical morning climb, Rik appeared to be back to his old self. Due to roadworks, there was no car traffic and we had the road ahead of us. Suddenly, we found ourselves in front of an old-style border post. With a long line of cars (which we ignored without a second) and surly border officials. Still, it remains striking how smoothly you can enter Albania now, which used to be completely cut off from the world.
Lunch stop at Lehzë beach
Due to a lack of mobile data, we lost each other. We stop at different places. I stop after 90km at beach bar Havana, near Letzë. A dip in the sea is ideal to shake off the afternoon heat. Now just a quick power nap, and then the last 76km to Durrës, on a flat road.
Finish in Durrës
After a long drive, arrived in Durrës 🥵
For me after 164km, for Rikkie - due to a misunderstanding - 180km. But we are back on schedule! And starting on the 3rd pint 🍻 🍻 🍻
Then a quick dip and check into our little apartment 😑