My off-road route begins in front of my luxurious residence. A 55 km long unpaved shortcut also used by local traffic to head towards Lake Ohrid without crossing the country border with North Macedonia.
The first part is a fine gravel road, but the further I go, the worse the road gets. If, at a junction, I can choose between a stretch across Macedonian territory and a stretch that remains in Albania but is only 15 km longer, I choose the latter. And I knew that. This road demands everything of my abilities. Deep gullies and climbs that can only be taken with a slipping clutch or a slipping rear wheel.
When I am steaming near some farms, 2 young men immediately ask if I need help. Or coffee, or water, or whatever. But a chat is enough for me.
One of them also lives in London and is a car salesman there. Aha, hence his perfect English and his bright white teeth. He gives me his phone number in case I need help for the remaining 10 km. After that it will get easier. Half an hour later I am at the highest point. It worked. From here wide gravel roads that descend slowly. Lovely drive with beautiful views.
Glad to be back on asphalt, I enjoy the rest of the day. Towards the end of the afternoon I turn up at the only mini-campsite in the far area and the owner welcomes me with homemade Raki. Cheers!
