{"id":3747,"date":"2012-07-03T05:03:59","date_gmt":"2012-07-03T09:03:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.worldbiking.info\/wordpress\/?p=3747"},"modified":"2016-12-28T10:40:07","modified_gmt":"2016-12-28T15:40:07","slug":"top-5-reasons-to-go-bicycle-touring-in-kosovo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.worldbiking.info\/wordpress\/2012\/07\/top-5-reasons-to-go-bicycle-touring-in-kosovo\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 Reasons to Go Bicycle Touring in Kosovo"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Balkans are gaining in popularity as a cycle touring destination. \u00a0And rightfully so. \u00a0Beautiful and diverse scenery, cultural attractions \u00a0and reasonable prices make for a perfect two-wheeled holiday. \u00a0Guest poster Jamie Wilson tells us why Kosovo made such a strong impression on him.<\/p>\n

In 2008, I cycled from Istanbul to Zadar (Croatia) across the Balkans with four University friends: Richard Hackett, Thomas Hampton, Strachan Mackenzie and Alex Magnussen. Kosovo was a gleaming highlight of my trip and I would thoroughly recommend it to other intrepid travellers<\/em><\/h4>\n

#1 \u00a0Rugged<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Kosovo felt like an adventure. Signs like these, although sad in origin, added some testosterone to our tales.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

#2 Partying in Pristina<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Pristina, Kosovo\u2019s capital, has a surprising number of bars and clubs happy to include salt encrusted lycra in the dress code. The smoking ban hasn\u2019t blown this far east yet, so maybe people just didn\u2019t notice…<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

#3 Valued<\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/strong>As tourist we were definitely made to feel valued. At times I felt like I was personally taking credit for securing Kosovan peace \u2013 an effort I was not involved in, nor knew much about.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

#4 Youth Optimism<\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/strong>After a past plagued by conflict, the youth share a palpable optimism for the future. These sentiments pour out from the cafes and clubs across the country, and left us feeling up-lifted for the future of Europe\u2019s newest country.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

#5 Kosovo-Montenegro Border <\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Kosovan \u2013 Montenegrin border is perched high up in the Prokletije mountains overlooking the beautiful Bjeshket e Nemuna National Park. The park is an untamed and rugged expanse brimming with wildlife, including some of Europe\u2019s last wild bears. There is currently a project to join the national park with bordering areas in Albania and Montenegro to form a united Balkan Peace Park; another example of this country\u2019s commitment to carving a peaceful future.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n