Cycling at Strandzha Fire Roads

On June 4, for the first time, I decided to take part in a cycling event "Fire roads of Strandzha" of a competitive nature, organized by the Bulgarian club "Velo Tsarevo". The competition was held around the feast of firefighters - St. St. Constantine and Helena in the magical Strandzha Mountain. Inspired by Nestinarstvo - one of the oldest Bulgarian customs, the route passed through the three firefighting villages: Bulgari, Kosti and Brodilovo.

We covered about 61 km. extremely diverse terrain.

We started from the Black Sea town - Tsarevo.

The beginning of the route started with a long climb, passing through the village Izgrev.

We passed the "50 beeches" forest shelter.

We continued to the locality "Dalgata Polyana"

Crossing the Veleka River

Next was a forest area with still-blooming Zelenika ( Rhododendron ponticum  ). I was so happy to be able to see the Zelenika still blooming, even though it's June.

Strandzha Zelenika is an evergreen shrub that blooms annually in May. Although all its parts are poisonous, it is very beautiful with its large, colored in different shades of pink and purple. It is protected by the Biodiversity Act.

There was a variety of terrain ahead before I reached the village Bulgari.

The village Bulgari has the status of a folklore reserve. This is the only fire-fighting village in Bulgaria, which has preserved the ancient custom in its authentic form.

                                                                        

On the evening of June 3-4, the day of St. St. Constantine and Helena in the old style, in this place the dance on the embers were performed, to the sounds of a fire-dancing melody.

By the time I arrived in the village - the next day after the ritual, I had the opportunity to watch the procession with the icons to "Ayazmoto" and "Oder" of "St. Helen". It was performed with traditional drums and bagpipes.

Konacheto - the temple of the firefighters is located in the center of the village  Bulgari near the village fountain.

The quadrangular building is oriented in the directions of the world and marks the sacred center of the village of Bulgari. The sacred fire drum is kept here.

In the village there was a support point for the participants in the competition, where I took a break in the pleasant company of the team of Velo Tsarevo.

I continued cycling through meadows and forest paths. There was a section through which unique blue butterflies flew.

I saw huge mushrooms and the herbs around were in such abundance and in their full beauty. St. John's wort, rock rose, oregano, calendula.

Crossing forest streams and the Veleka River again.

Jumping over fences

The second support point was in the village Kosti.

The village is located among the eastern hills of Strandzha Mountain in the valley of the Veleka River. It is surrounded on all sides by mountain hills rich in deciduous and ancient forests.

After a short break, I continued cycling up to the village Brodilovo.

I passed through a long meadow.

I was about to have an unpleasant encounter with two large shepherd dogs. Fortunately, the shepherd soon appeared and the dogs withdrew.

Before village Brodilovo was the third support point, where we were greeted with fresh drinks and food.

Soon I had to part with the pleasant company of the team, because there was a long ascent on asphalt road followed by a technical path.

The cycling route:

This was the fifth edition of the mountain biking marathon "Strandzha Fire Paths 2022". I was very surprised when I turned out to be the only woman to participate this year. I received gifts and a beautiful medal that will remind me of the wonderful emotions. 

Thanks for the excellent organization of Velo Tsarevo!

Тhank you for stopping by!

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