In the last week of November, a few of my friends and I went cycling in the area of ​​Malko Tarnovo. One of the last sunny and warm days was coming up and we didn't want to miss it.

Our starting point was the Strandzha village Mladezhko, which is located about 54 km south of the city where I live.

We arrived in the morning by cars, unloaded the bicycles and got ready for autumn cycling.

We started the cycling trip with a long climb.

We went west to Bliznak village.

There were obstacles along the way - but we overcame them.

It had been raining non-stop in the area for a few days and we were prepared for it to be muddy, but luckily there were only puddles in places which we walked through without a problem.

Nature was beautiful and peaceful.

The meadows were full of purple autumn crocuses, which according to popular belief are called Mrazovets. Their flowering is associated with the approach of winter.

We saw them among the fallen leaves, among meadows covered with moss.

Animal tracks.

We crossed bridges.

On the way we met this cool dog who was running next to our bikes for quite some time.

We entered Bliznak village.

In the center of the village, we saw a large square with a stone fountain next to it.

The town hall of the village:

The church "St. Mother of God"

In the center of the village, there is also a convenience store, which is also a restaurant. It was open and we went in to buy some things.

After a short rest, we continued to the next Strandzha village - Trakiytsi.

We approached interesting rocks around which there was a herd of cows. They were startled by the noise of our bicycles and moved to a distant distance. During this time we explored the rocks.

Our road to the village Trakiytsi was fabulously colored in the warm tones of autumn. 

So much orange color!

Unique tree shape.

Before entering the village, we took a lunch break in the forest.

Some of us filled the sandwiches with my homemade sprouts.

Unfortunately, Trakiytsi is one of the depopulated villages in the Strandzha Mountains. The people who live here can be counted on one's fingers.

Approaching, we saw a large herd of horses that got scared and ran away.

The sign of the village, whose inscription is barely legible.

We returned to the village Bliznak, but this time by a different route.

We took a short break at the fountain in the center.

We returned to the village of Mladezhko just as the sun was setting.

We cycled about 39 km on dirt roads that day. 

Thank you for stopping by!