One lady rider and six wild boys decided to conquer the Balkan Peninsula. We all met at the new starting point in Lublijana (SI). While the American were real Americans, the two Aussis weren't "real" Australiens. Their roots are in Slovenia and Croatia, so they felt somehow like home. With brand new bikes we were ready let the reins go off to discover the many different roads and to stop at each interesting place.
Back raods in Slovenia is all you need. We stay away from traffic and enjoy the beatiful landscape and we got to know everything obout the castle Predjama and the bloody tyrann "Erasmus von Lueger". Finally we cross into Croatia with an open border since they joined the "Schengen" agreement. Our target today is Motovun.
Cres and Krk are the two biggest islands of Croatia with charming old citys and fantastic roads. The ferry schedule was the only thing we had to respect. Riding these roads and you easily forget about time.. Although it was the best place to dive into the Mediterranian Sea to cool down a little bit, before we continue......
Along the Adriatic Coast ther is road with a name "Jadranska Magistrala E65". While the main traffic runs on the highway a few kilometers inland, the sweepers along the coast must be on the bucket list.
The rain in the morning was just welcome. Walking through the "National Park Plitvice" with its 16 lakes, heat and lots of tourists would just bother. In the afternoon we will go the no longer used military airport Zeljava and after a visit to Bosnia y Hezegovina.
Before Croatia joined the "Schengen Agreement" Americans could only use main border crossings. But today we can use the smallest roads without passport control. Much mor fun guaranteed.
The last day will bring us back to Lubljana, but not before we climb the South-Eastern end of the Alps - the Karawanken. After cruising through backroads toward North we finally cross to passes into Austria and back.
