AUDAX Randonneurs Bulgaria

Murdo Jamieson, UK

I was really most impressed with the way everyone helped with such goodwill, enthusiasm and attention to the needs of the participants. … I loved the route. The roads covered every type of conceivable road surface and scenery. Thanks for the cobbles 60k from the finish! This was a challenge not only of endurance but mental agility and bike handling skills as you would have to avoid rough sections and potholes at a moments notice.  In this regard i feel it would be a shame to miss out on the strikingly beautiful passes at Dylino and Arabakonak.  They were challenging and the descending was especially difficult, however, that is the nature of the event and this fact was well advertised in the literature you sent out prior to the event.  All riders must take responsibility for their own safety calculating the risks about when to stop and rest and when to continue based on the information given (which was detailed and accurate).

19.7.2008

Comments from some foreign participants - SVS'2006:

François GOAS, France

Philippe and I, have well returned to France with one's head full of souvenirs and good feelings for this "too short" 10 days stay in Bulgaria. I hope to come back soon in your beautiful country to explore some new roads and new country landscapes ( Rodhopes for example ).

30.6.2006

Mattias JOHANSSON, Sweden

My stay in Bulgaria was a truly memorable experience that I’ll never forget. Riding those Bulgarian roads was different from all other things I have experienced on my bike. For sure.

I think you have had put together a very nice route, I really think that the landscape of your country is very beautiful. Up in the mountains I sometimes got some really astonishing views, that I really appreciated. Your country has far more hills and mountains then I expected. The temperature is also a whole lot warmer then a could ever had imagined...!

Apart from the actual riding I´m also impressed by the good organisation with drop bags and support on each and every control. With simple means and a limited number of staff-people you somehow seamed to be all over the country, all at the same time! I’m stunned by the friendliness and hostility that was shown to me by all the Bulgarians I met during my stay in your country.

Finally, thanks for all your help with arranging my trip and stays to-, from, and in Sofia. Everything worked out really well and on my way home I got a nice stay in you capital for some sightseeing. Once again, thanks for a fantastic randonneur event, I´m sure we’ll meet again somewhere, somehow.

01.7.2006

Chris WILBY, UK

I very much enjoyed my experience in Bulgaria and I managed to bring some sunshine back to the UK.

02.7.2006 (see full report: http://www.freewebs.com/randonneur/ )

Philippe DEMANY, France (DNF)

In conclusion, for me, with detailed route description is necessary to complete with a map of Bulgaria. In France I couldn't find any Domino Map of Bulgaria. Domino Map of Bulgaria was Ok for SVS; For instance St Teodor Monastery is indicated. So in the future it should be useful to recommend to foreigners to procure Domino Map, for the less…

Anyway I will keep a good souvenir of SVS 2006.

Please my best Souvenirs to all the team of SVS2006.

03.7.2006

Comments from some foreign participants - SVS'2005:

Ferdinand Jung, Austria

The 1.2oo km svs will be memory all the time in my life. It was very hardly. I think never starting for 1.200 km once more again. But I said this also 1999 by my first pbp and also 2.003.

22 Jun 2005

Christian Hermanutz, Austria

It was a great ride SVS I remember very often. Thank you for your friendship. The Bulgarien people and their country are very nice. Thanks.

28 Jun 2005

Mike Thompson, UK

Since I've got back home and had some time to reflect on the whole event, I can honestly say that I cannot think of any suggestions as to how it could be improved further. Personally, the event was my most pleasant and enjoyable to date, and is definitely worth a return visit.

21 Jul 2005

Comments from some foreign participants - SVS'2004:

Adrian Hands, USA

What a great ride it's been - what a wonderful time in Bulgaria. Climbing, scenery, camaraderie, it's all here. I cycled alone enough to relish my independence, stopping where I pleased, and learning to live in a new land. We cycled together enough to horse around, challenge and encourage each other. The course was challenging, yet fun. The dining and accommodations were exceptional.

Lazar has prepared an excellent cue sheet for us - I don't think I've ever seen a cue sheet so jam-packed with information.

A truly memorable randonneuring experience which I highly recommend.

July, 2004 (see full report: http://cycling.ahands.org/svs2004/ )

Richard Leon, France

Au contrôle des vélos – … – échanges de souvenirs, remise des feuilles de route avec une foule de renseignements précis sur l’état de la chaussée, les points d’eau, les ressources aux contrôles, les réparateurs de vélos etc. …, les plans des villes traversées, et avec cela, une plaque de cadre personnalisée avec notre photo personnelle incrustée : souci de l’accueil, gentillesse, perfection de l’organisation : tout est là et ce sera ainsi jusqu’au bout.

Comme ce compte-rendu le montre, ce SVS, je n’ai pu être en mesure de le finir qu’avec l’aide et l’infinie gentillesse de mes amis accompagnateurs que je remercie très chaleureusement.

Je voudrais aussi souligner une nouvelle fois la parfaite organisation de ce raid, qui m’a permis sans longue préparation de ce voyage de n’avoir aucun souci de logistique – préférer simplement les roues de dimension standard (700C ou 26 pouces …).

July, 2004

Comments from some foreign participants - SVS'2002: