Biking Through Macedonia: A 750-Kilometer Adventure

There is no better feeling than knowing that daylight saving time has changed and we now have more daylight to enjoy outdoor activities like cycling. Dean Davitkovski, a passionate cyclist, recently embarked on an impressive journey, riding 750 kilometers across Macedonia in just 5 days.

Dean serves as an excellent cycling guide, sharing his experiences and tours with the community, inspiring others to take up cycling adventures.

Last year, on August 1st, he embarked on a solo cycling tour around Macedonia. The journey spanned 5 days and covered a total of 775 kilometers. Dean chose this "bike camping" tour because it was the most affordable way for him to experience the stunning landscapes of Macedonia.

The tour began in Skopje under heavy rain, with the hope that the weather would clear up. Unfortunately, the rain persisted all the way to Mavrovo. Dean credits his waterproof gear, which he carried on himself and over his bike bags, for keeping him dry. This serves as an important lesson for new cyclists planning a similar adventure in the spring or summer, as shared in his story on Kayak.mk.

He took a break at the Bigorski Monastery for a meal and a beer. Afterward, he continued to Debar despite the ongoing rain.

Dean suggested another break at Modrić due to the challenging hills that lay ahead. With an additional load of 40 kilograms on his bike, the journey was strenuous. He rode an MTV 27.5 (DRAGica) and had traveled to Ohrid for the fifth time, passing through Straža and Mavrovo.

He arrived in Ohrid around 7 p.m., settling in the Ljubanishta camp. The next day was dedicated to exploring Lake Ohrid by bike. By the time he reached Ljubanishta, he had covered 235 kilometers in 13 hours.

The next day, he begins his journey at dawn, entering the lake at 5 a.m. to freshen up. After packing up his tent, he heads to Lagadin, where he stops to buy a few groceries.

Dean advises that if you plan to tour Lake Ohrid by bike, sunscreen is essential. He notes that while the Macedonian side offers ample shade, the Albanian side exposes you to constant sunlight. On his second day, Dean managed to cover 150 kilometers.

He dedicated the third day to climbing Galichica, which proved to be an unforgettable experience for him. Dean believes that cycling up Galichica is an adventure everyone should undertake.

After Galicica, he descended to Stenje, describing it as a thrilling adventure due to the numerous potholes along the road. He spent his third night right on Stenje beach, where the strong winds, which he noted could have easily blown away his tent, created a spectacular experience.

He spent the fourth day in Krani and Dolno Dupeni, where restaurants and shops were closed due to the pandemic. After Krani, he continued his journey towards Bitola with the intention of climbing Pelister, but the rain accompanied him and prevented any climbing. Despite the rain, he traveled all the way to Lake Veles, where he made his final camping trip.

He concludes his final day in Skopje just half an hour before the rain ceases. Dean emphasizes that having quality equipment can significantly enhance the success of bicycle tours. This, he notes, is not his first tour, whether undertaken alone or with a group.

The Kayak.mk team extends their gratitude to Dean for sharing his experience.