III. B     North - East  Region

 When the bicyclists begin planning a tour including crossing Bulgaria from north to south or from south to north, my suggestion is to follow the next algorithm:

      - Define the point of entering in the country;

      - Define the point of leaving the country;

      - Choose the pass, where to cross Balkan: I have given detailed information about Balkan passes in:

Chapter I.  Passes in Balkan: Sector I. B & Sector I. C

1. Giurgiu - Ruse: bridge

      I do not recommend entering or leaving Bulgaria here. The bridge and the approach to it is narrow and the traffic is very intensive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f-vQZxMaOY

      There is an idea a new bridge to be built 2 kilometers east from the old one, but God only knows if and when that may happen.

      There is a plan for a ferry at the same point as well. According to this plan, the ferry will be available June 2024 . . . we will see ... Maybe it will be better for bicyclists!

     As it can be seen on the next map there are five possibilities to leave/enter Ruse:

Sector III. B - 1

Leaving / entering in Ruse

      The city of Ruse is the biggest BG city on the Danube River. At the bridge Ruse - Giurgiu, it is easy here to cross Danube River, although I am not sure if it is safe for bicyclists. The bridge is old and narrow, and there can be lots of traffic.

      There is a rumor of a new bridge to be built next to this one, but nobody knows when it will happen.

      There is a plan as well for a ferry to be built at the same point. According to the plan, the ferry will be available June 2022 . . . we will see ... Maybe it will be better for bicyclists! . . . it is still not available April 2024 :)))))

      Good information is available in Internet concerning Ruse here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruse,_Bulgaria

http://wikitravel.org/en/Ruse

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NC/rousse/rousse/rousse

For more detail description I will split this sector in fore.

sector III. B - 1. a

      Use this route when you head south direction (towards Elena, Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia and BG/TU & BG/GR borders: road N501).

      Entering Bulgaria from Romania via the bridge you will turn right and head toward Ruse. Here is the East Industrial zone of the town.

     Further I will post several maps, I think it is easy to find the road N501 looking at them one by one.

      Just after the bridge, you have to leave the road E85 (N2, E70) and enter its industrial zone.

 sector III. B - 1. b

      Consider visiting the town garden located along Danube River.  You can use different park lanes. You can pedal closer to Danube River.

      In the park is located the National Transport Museum, there are a lot of old steam engines in the park to see.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

National_Transport_Museum,_Bulgaria

 sector III. B - 1. c

Pedalling further, you will enter in the City center. It is a walking area.

sector III. B - 1. d

      From the city center, you will be heading towards the Danube River. It will not be difficult. Simply turn to the right and you will see the place on the photo - just before Hotel Riga.

     Many years ago I lived for a year in Ruse, I used to enjoy watching the sun going down . . . Forgotten emotions are coming up as I look at this place and write about this town  . . .

      Upon leaving Ruse you will traverse a hill and will reach Basarbovo. Pedling up the next hill, you will experience a grade on the right riverside (Rusenski Lom River) - my camp place.

      Entering Ruse from the south to the north is not a problem. Simply do not enter the bridge of road E85.  Enter in the Industrial zone and follow my line, or take "Struma" Str.

Sector III. B - 2

The route from Ruse to Borovo (road 501)

      This is one of my favourite routes in this area. I pedalled it many times, it always brings me great pleasure to be here again.

       From Ruse to Basarbovo to Ivanovo to Dve Mogili to Borovo.

      Remember, it is very important to avoid  road E 85. It is one of the extremely dangerous roads in Bulgaria.

      As it can be seen from the road profile chart, the road from Ruse to Borovo is a not steep. A steeper hill is the one from Basarbovo to Ivanovo.

      Bicyclists heading toward Sofia have to follow the same route !

 ٭An opportunity: An interesting Rock Monastery can be seen near Basarbovo (the road toward it is signed well):

https://www.bulgariamonasteries.com/en/basarbovo_monastery.html

Leaving Ivanovo you will enjoy of beautiful descending toward Basarbovo. Just after entering in Basarbovo you will see a sign, selling of geese.

Next village along the road is Ivanovo. there are 2 new hotels in it.

 ٭Opportunities:  The remains of Cherven mediaeval fortress are located several kilometers to Dve Mogili. The road to the fortress is signed well. The fortress is in Rusenski Lom River Canyon, a very scenic place.

      The area near Rusenski Lom River is a National Reserve:     

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rusenski_Lom_Nature_Park

      And a link for the fortress remains near Cherven:  

https://mytasteforliving.com/en/bulgaria/fortress-cherven

Orlova Chucka Cave:              https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlova_Chuka

The next little town along your route is Dve Mogili. Some information about the area can be seen here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dve_Mogili                    http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NC/rousse/dve_mogili/dve_mogili

Photos from Dve Mogili and the countryside after it.

Next several photos are the countryside from Dve Mogili toward Borovo.  Some information about Borovo:

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NC/rousse/borovo

Sector III. B - 3

The route from  Borovo to Vinograd

      From Borovo (road 5101) to Pet Kladentsi to Bistrentsi to Vinograd.

      Unfortunately the road in this sector is not well marked, so GPS device would be very helpful. There is very little traffic on this road and the road is in very nice condition.

      Bicyclists heading to Sofia have to take the road 407 just before Vinogradi:

      Toward Orlovets to Karantsi to Polski Tranbesh.

A very detail description of this route can be seen in the

VI. Crossing Bulgaria from west to east. Routes:

B. From Sofia to Varna

Route 3. From Sofia to Varna: The route along Danube River Plain.

      The next several photos are the beautiful countryside from Borovo toward Pet Kladentsi and Bistrentsi (Pet in Bulgarian means 5).

      When I was in the area between Bistrantsi and Vinograd, in August '18, the road is not labeled. Hopefully, by now things have improved. The countryside was beautiful and I assume it is just as beautiful today.

      Be careful in this area. I am afraid it is very easy to lose your direction here. Maybe a GPS would be useful here. Other than that, there are no problems visiting this area.

Again, just before Vinograd there is a nice springs of fresh cool water, unfortunately there is not a nice shade, where to relax for 2 - 3 hours.

      ٭An opportunity: There are no overnight accommodations in Dve Mogili or Borovo. You will need to go to Byala to find accommodations.

      Byala is close to the Yantra River. If visiting Byala, you will have an additional climbing, as you can see from the next road profile charts below.

 Down toward Byala

Overnight accommodations in Byala is available, some information about it is available here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byala,_Ruse_Province                                          http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NC/rousse/byala

     If you decide to visit Byala, the only not so intensive traffic you will see is when you leave it along road N51, no more than 7 - 8 kilometers.

Sector III. B - 4

The route from Vinograd to Veliko Tarnovo

route a

       This is a nice route for bicyclists intending:

      From Vinograd to Paisiy to Strelets to Draginovo to Dolna Oryahovitsa to Gorna Oryahovitsa to Arbanasi to Veliko Tarnovo.

      I have pedalled this route. Unfortunately I have only several photos to share here.

From Draganovono toward Dolna Oryahovitsa

A view from the hill next to  Dolna Oryahovitsa toward Draganovo an valley of Yantra River.

Gorna Oryahovitsa is a big railway center. The lines crosses Bulgaria from east to east and from north to south.

Overnight accommodation is available here. Information is here:

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NC/veliko_turnovo/gorna_oryahovitsa/gorna_oryahovitsa

      In the Chapter III. A. North - Central Region, Sector III. A - 3, Route c: From Svistov to Veliko Tarnovo; Sector III. A - 3. c I have given information for the route from Gorna Oryahovitsa to Arbanasi and Veliko

Sector III. B - 5

The route from Vinograd to Elena

route b

      From Vinograd (road 407) to Lozen to Gorski Senovets to Tsarski Izvor to Strazhitsa to Dzhulyunitsa to Gorsko Novo Selo to Zlataritsa to Elena.

      The route from Vinograd to Tsarski Izvor is almost flat, which is unusual for the Danube Plane, consisting mostly of rolling hills. It is extreme pleasant countryside to travel, without any traffic.

      Strazhitsa is a little town, located in a low area, it was destroyed totally by an earthquake 1986.

      Overnight accommodation is available in Strazhitsa; some information can be found here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strazhitsa

      Crossing road E772 (you are on road 4005). If my memory serves me, the road was not signed well. You may need to be careful finding the road toward

Dzhulyunitsa.

      The same is true for the opposite direction, travelling from Dzhulyunitsa toward Strazhitsa.

      You will find the road toward Gorsko Novo Selo is with minimal traffic, pleasant and easy for pedaling. On the left is a nice spring of drinkable water.

      You can see my camping place just next to Gorsko Novo Selo.

Zlataritsa is a little town, with no overnight accommodations. A little information is available here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zlataritsa 

      After Zlataritsa, toward Elena, the climbing starts. The hill is not steep. In the middle of the road between

      Several kilometers before entering Elena there is a spring hot for drinking and cool for bathing . . . Several times I have used it to refresh, relax to it and wash equipment.

       The last time I was there, just after washing my equipment, I noticed there was a big bee garden and thousands of bees . . . Fortunately they were very busy with their busyness. They did not pay any attention on me.

      Elena is a touristy spot, architecture of XIX century is saved. There are overnight accommodations and nice restaurants in the town.

Information of Elena can be seen here:

https://bulgariatravel.org/en/town-of-elena/

      Several photos from Elena:

      Traveling south from Elena you can use:

-Tvardishki Pass: toward Nova Zagora;

- Vratnik Pass: toward Yambol,

(Look in) Chapter I. Passes in Balkan Sector I. B

Points: 10. Tvardishki Pass

               11. Vratnik Pass

     Again I will say that very detail information about available passes in Balkan south from Veloko Tarnovo

1. 2  From Ruse to Ticha

(route a)

and Varbitsa

(route b)

 (Routes toward Yambol and Burgas,  Greece &Turkey borders)

      The next two routes are appropriate for bicyclists crossing BG from north to south toward BG/TU (Borders Checkpoints Lesovo & Malko Tarnovo). The routes are shown on the next map in left. It is very important to avoid road E70, where the traffic can be quite heavy.

      - From Ruse to Yambol via Kotlenski Pass:

      Ruse to Opaka to Popovo to Omurtag to Kotel to Pentacle to Yambol (to Border Checkpoint Lesovo);

      - From Ruse to Burgas via Varbishki Pass:

      Ruse to Opaka to Popovo to Omurtag to Varbitsa to Sungurlare to Karnobat to Aytos to Burgas (to Border Checkpoint Malko Tarnovo). 

       Here I will describe routes to TIcha (route a) and Varbitsa (route b), where Kotlenski Pass and Varbishki Pass are located. A detailed description of both passes can be seen in Chapter I Passes in Balkan  Sector I. C

     For more detailed description I divide this route in 3 sectors:

Sector III. B - 6

From Ruse to Opaka

         I am suggesting 2 routes:

- route a:

      From Ruse (roads 2 & 202) to Straklevo to Nisovo to Katselovo to Gorsko Ablanovo to Krepcha to Opaka.

- route b:

      From Ruse (501) to Basarbovo to Ivanovo to Dve Mogili  (5001) to Pepelina to Ostritsa to Gorsko Ablanovo (202) to Krepcha to Opaka.

Route a

I did not explore the distance between Straklevo and Nisovo, I can say, the traffic here is not intensive, the countryside - scenic.

      The next photos illustrate the area from Katselovo toward Opaka, they are taken in the extremely raining June '21, when it was not easy to find a dry place

 to set up my tent - it is no the asphalt; and the next misty morning. Never mind, it was a pleasant tour.

      From Ruse to dve Mogili I illustrate the route in the previous point of the same chapter, so next photos are photos from Dve Mogili to Opaka.

      The road is in very nice condition, because it has just been renovate. There will be hardly any motor traffic, making pedaling a real pleasure. Except in Pepelina, food and water are available in villages along the road.

      If my memory serves, next to Gorsko Ablanovo is the memorable poster featuring the world famous football referee, Colina, inviting you to visit a building materials store . . . : ))))))

      Very little information for Opaka can be seen here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opaka

      I am not sure if overnight accommodation is available in Opaka. The most famous fact about Opaka is that it is often mentioned in crossword puzzles in BG.

Sector III. B - 7

From Opaka to Omurtag

The route is:

      From Opaka to Gagovo to Popovo to Nevski to Svetlen to Aprilovo to Konak to Moravka to Gorne Hubavka to Omurtag.

      Again a route without traffic. Photos in right illustrate the countryside.

Very little information for Popovo can be seen here:

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NE/turgovishte/popovo

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popovo,_Bulgaria

      Leaving Popovo you have to ride a short distance on road 51. As you enter Svetlen you have to turn right following the sign for Omurtag (road N 409). Here you will leave the main road.

      The first village next is Aprilovo food is available.

Unfortunately I can not find photos illustrating the area from Svetlen to Omurtag.

 Sector III. B - 8

      Reaching Omurtag you have to decide your next route: toward Kotlenski Pass, or Varbishki Pass.

     Have in mind that the road via Varbishki Pass from the south side of Balkan is in very poor conditions, but there is not any traffic. I prefer it.

     Information for Omurtag (where there is an aviation museum):

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NE/

turgovishte/omurtag/omurtag

http://www.bestbgproperties.com/

bulgarian_districts/Omurtag_property.html

      Omurtag is named of the Khan Omurtag (the First Bulgarian Kingdom):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omurtag

_of_Bulgaria

      Overnight accommodations are available in Omurtag as well. Several photos from Omurtag.

Route a

 An extremely pleasant for exploring area!

Route b

The route is:

From Omurtag to Dolno Novkovo to Ratlina to Plastina to Mangihevo to Varbitsa.

Next are 5 photos of the camp place next to Paliska River, just before Ratlina (next to Paliska River) I and my daughter Maya spent a night August '10. I remember the tasty sausages we bought in Ratlina.

      Some information for Varbitsa can be seen here:

http://www.guide-

bulgaria.com/NE/shoumen/varbitsa/varbitsa

       I am not sure if overnight accommodation is available in Varbitsa. Five kilometers up the mountain at Varbishki Pass there is a little resort, restaurant, hotel and thermal water.

1. 3  From Ruse to Provadia and Varna (route a),

Balchik and Durankulak (route b)

Sector III. B 

Giurgiu - Ruse

      The next routes are Intended for bicyclists intending to cross the low eastern part of the Balkan (heading toward Burgas), or visit the Black Sea while they are crossing Bulgaria (toward Durankulak, Balchik or Varna).

      So, I will say several words for 2 opportunities: from Ruse to Provadia (and Burgas) -  route a, as well as routes from Ruse to the seaside (Durankulak, Balchik and Varna) - route b.

      My long year experience has shown me, many peddlers are preferring main roads. Avoid road E70 from Ruse to Razgrad to Shumen because it has a lot of road traffic.

      The next several photos illustrate the route along E 70 - I pedaled it several times many years ago, when the traffic was still not intensive.

      It would be much better to follow my next description.  You will pedal nice roads without any

traffic, the countryside is very nice, you will not add extra kilometers following my suggestion.

Sector III. B - 9

From Ruse to Kubrat

      I suggest two routes, both of them are very nice to be explored:

Route a

      The route is:

      From Ruse (road 2, road 23) to Cherna Voda to Novo Selo to Tetovo to Belovets to Kubrat.

      It is very pleasant area, typical for this part of Danube Plain, a flat area cut by dry river canyons. Compared with road 2 (E70), here there is very little traffic.

A typical one hour afternoon summer storm. Usually it happens June to the middle of July. August is usually a dry month in this area.

      I am not sure if overnight accommodations are available in Kubrat. Somr information for it can be found here: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubrat_(town)

     The town is named of Bulgarian Khan Kubrat:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubrat      

       Photos from Kubrat and our coffee place.

Route b

      The route is:

      From Ruse (road 2, road 21) to Slivo Pole to Borisovo (road 2102) to Cheresovo to Seslav to Kubrat.

      Comparing with the route a, there are fewer hills, and not steep at all. The distance is 5 km longer, and there can be more traffic traffic from Ruse to Slivo Pole.

Sector III. B - 10

From Kubrat to Nikola Kozlevo

      The route is:

      From Kubrat (road 23) to Medovene to Brestovene to Zavet to Malak Porovets to Dragomazh to Isperih (road 702) to Lavino to Kapinovtsi to Podayva to Belintsi to Duhovets to Pristoe to Kaolinovo to Todor Ikonomovo to

(road 7003) to Doyrantsi (road 701) to Valnari to Nikola Kozlezo.

      The route includes 79 kilometers pedaling in a nice plane area. There are a lot of villages along the road, so locating food and water in not a problem.

Zavet is a bigger town. I am not sure if overnight accommodations are available here. A little information for Zavet:     

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NC/razgrad/zavet/zavet

Toward Isperih

      The next little town is Isperih, overnight accommodations are available in it. Some information on Isperih can be found:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isperih

The town is named of Bulgarian Khan Asparuh:

http://www.wow.com/wiki/Asparuh

From Isperih toward Nikola Kozlevo - a calm countryside, very little traffic.

Photos were taken in the early August ' 22. My FB friend (Armin from Romania) and I pedaled this area.

In the Kaolinovo region mining is developed, there is a lot of Kaolin in the field. The little city is apart of the road.

Sector III. B - 11

Nikola Kozlevo to Provadia

      Another very pleasant area for exploring. The roads are nice with very little traffic on the roads.

      The route is:

      From Nikola Kozlevo (road 2370) to Radan Voyvoda to Stefan Karadzha (road 207) to Kaloyan to Dobrotich to Momchilovo to Sredno Selo to Vetrino to Provadiya.

The next photos illustrate the countryside toward Stefan Karadzga.

Vetrino is a bigger settlement, in it can be find food, but overnight accommodation.

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NE/varna/vetrino

Down toward Provadia. A very pleasant road segment to pedal. Next photos are of the countryside Vetrino to Provadia. After Vetrino there is a nice spring.

Sector III. B - 12

From Provadia to Varna

And the last road segment toward Varna is: From Provadia to Dobrina to Manastir to Devnya to Varna. of

      As it can be seen from the map above there is a road just next to the lake of Varna (road 2008). Have in mind it is an industrial zone and the traffic can be demanding. It would be better to avoid this area.

      Information for Devnya and its interesting museum of

mosaics:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devnya

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_of_Mosaics,_Devnya

      Next several photos are taken along the road just east above Provadia toward Dobrina, Manastir and Varna.

Sector III. B - 13

From Nikola Kozlevo to Dobrich

The route is: From Nikola Kozlevo (road 2075) to Tsani Ginchevo to Zarnevo to Orlyak to (road 207) Zheglartsi to Kochmar (road 7106) to Podslon to Geshanovo to Karapelit to (road 71) Dobrich

Here you will explore an easy flat area, the countryside is beautiful.

      Many times I have explored this area and often I move further from village to village researching the map, often I have used shortcuts – off-roads in the field between villages.

      Dobrich is the main town of this district. Overnight accommodation in it is not a problem.

Information for Dobrich:

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NE/Dobrich/

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/ne/dobrich/dobrich-city/dobrich

Sector III. B - 14

Routes from Dobrich to the seaside

There are fore opportunities:       Route a: From Dobrich toward Varna (road 29).

Route b: From Dobrich to Albena (road 71)

I pedaled this route only once in the extremely hot and dry May '07 . . .

      Albena resort is a beautiful place:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albena

http://www.bulgariatravel.org/article/details/16

      There is an endless beach (south towards Kranevo) and the beach sand maybe is the finest of all the beaches along BG Black Sea.

      There are fountains and showers on the beach. You can wash your equipment.  Because of the lack of facilities my stays here are short and then I move on. Here, I love to walk along the beach.

      The entrance road into the Albena Resort has no exit.  So, you will have to leave the resort the same way you came in.

Route c: From Dobrich toward Balchik (road 27).

     Balchik is a small city located in tiers above the sea. It is a touristy place. Rooms for the night are easily found, along with more luxury hotels. I love to stay

here for a day or two. Information for Balchik:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balchik

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NE/dobrich/balchik/balchik

      In the town there is a small residence of the Romanian queen with a lovely botanical garden. (This area was under Romanian control 1918 – 1938).

Information for this spot:

http://visit.guide-bulgaria.com/a/14/balchik_botanical_garden.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balchik_Palace

I like this garden and can not avoid to post more pictures :)

1. 4 Ruse - Silistra

A detail description of this route can be seen in the Chapter V. Bicycling along Danube river

2. Oltenita - Tutrakan: ferry (still a project only)

3. Calarashi – Silistra: ferry

&

Constanta – Silistra (border checkpoint Silistra)

Calarashi – Silistra: ferry.

You can cross  Danube by a ferry to/from Chiuciu (Calarasi) or come from Constanta (road 3) (RO). The more detail map above shows the disposition of both ferry and the border checkpoint. For the ferry schedule look here:                                          https://www.spikaferry.com/en/

Information for Silistra:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silistra

http://www.bulgaria-guide.com/guide/Silistra/203776/

      Pointed routes on the map from/to Silistra are:

3.1 To/from west

          1. Toward Tutrakan and Ruse , road N 21 (I have mentioned several words about it in:

      Chapter V. Bicycling along Danube river

3. 2 To/from south (Provadia)

(BG/Turkey Border - Border Checkpoint Malko Tarnovo)

            2. Toward Povadia, roads N218, 7, 207;

            - route a: roads N218, 701, 2, 208

      - route b: roads N7, 207, 208

      I recommend both routes to bicyclists intending to pedal to Varna.

3. 3 To/from Black sea side

            3. Toward Dobrich (andBalchik):

             - route c: road N71.

           On the maps below are shown these routes.

      This part of the country is called Dobrudzha - the east most part of Danube Plane:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dobruja

      The both routes from Silistra to Provadia I trace here are away from the main road 7, last years the traffic along it is relatively intensive. I am not sure which one is better, I pedalled both of them. You will choose the best one for you.

      The routes can be used by bicyclists intending to visit Varna. Have in mind that the road 29 from Dobrich to Varna is very busy.

Sector III. B - 1

Route a

      The route in this sector is:

      From Silistra (road 213) to Profesor Ikonomovo (road 208) to Bradvari to Vodno  (road 208) to Dulovo (road 23, 7) to Grancharovo (road 701) to Seculovo to Todor Ikonomovo to Nikola Kozlevo.

      As it can be seen from the road profile chart, the entire area is flat, it is very pleasant to be pedalled in the both directions.

The overnight accommodations are available in Dulovo. Very little information for Dulovo is available here:

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NC/silistra/dulovo/dulovo

Sector III. B - 1

Route b

From Silistra (road 213, 7) to Alfatar (road 207) to Alekovo to Chestimensko to Tervel to Kochmar to Zheglartsi to Vekilski.

     The elevation of Silistra is 26 m. and is surrounding by a higher plateau. If you are leaving Silistra in the southern direction (toward Alfatar) you have a climb for 5 – 6 kilometers.

Some information for Alfatar:

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NC/silistra/alfatar/alfatar

      Overnight accommodation in Alfatar is not available.

      Tervel is a little city. Overnight accommodations are available in it. Information about Tervel:

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NE/dobrich/tervel

      The City is named of the Old Bulgarian Khan Tervel. His story can be seen here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tervel_of_Bulgaria

Sector III. B - 2

Route a

      The route in this sector is:

      From Nikola Kozlevo (road 701) to Hardovo to Zhilino to Stoyan Mihaylobski to Novi Pazar to (road 2)Stan to Vetrino (road 208) to Provadia.

      The road segment from Nikola Kozlevo is still in my plans, I did not explore just this area, but I am sure the road is very nice, with very little traffic here.

     Some information for Novi Pazar is available here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novi_Pazar,_Shumen_Province

      If you research Google for information, have in mind that in Serbia there is Novi Pazar as well. I am not sure if in Novi Pazar overnight accommodation is available.

      Next several picture are the countryside from Kaspichan to Vetrino. Summer time (July and August) temperatures in this region often are very high.

In Vetrino, food can easily be found, but not overnight accommodation.

Next three photos are the countryside from Vetrino to Provadia. It is extremely nice route in this direction - from the Plateau of Dobrudha down almost at the sea level.

Sector III. B - 1

Route b: From Vekilski (road 207) to Radan Voyvoda to Stefan Karadzha to Kaloyan to Dobrotich to Mpmcjhilovo to Sredno Selo to Vetrino (road 208) to Provadia.

 Comparing with the route a, this one is shorter and the climbing is a little bit less. Next are several photos illustrating the area from Stefan Karadzha toward Vetrino.

Sector III. B

Route c

(From Silistra to Dobrich road N71)

      Bicyclists intending to head toward Durankulak and Balchik, I recommend pedaling toward Dobrich. Here are possible 2 routes:

Route c - 1

     From Silistra (road N7) to Alfatar to Tervel to Karapelit to Dobrich.

Route c - 2

From Silistra (road N71) to Bogorovo to Srediste to Karapelit to Dobrich.

Sector III. B - 1

      A more detailed map concerning alternatives from Silistra to Karapelit:

Route c - 1

      From Silistra (road N71) to Bogorovo to Srediste to Kolartsi to Hitovo to Karapelit .

      In my younger years this route was one of my favorites, maybe I pedaled it more than 10 times.  My last touring here was July '18.

      The  area is beautiful when the wheat are green or yellow, or when the sunflowers are flowering. Summertime here is quite hot.

      Along the road between Silistra and Karapelit there are lot of apricot trees, which makes pedaling in this area very pleasant from the end of May to the middle of July.

Route c - 2

      From Silistra (road N7) to Alfatar to (road 207) Alekovo to Chestimensko to Tervel (road N106) to Kochmar to Podelon to Geshanovo to Karapelit .

      Both routes are very nice, no traffic. I like both them and really can not say which one is better.

      Comparing the route profile charts, it can be seen that the area is almost the same, the climbing is the same and the distance too.

Route c - 1

Route c - 2

Route c - 1

As it can be seen from the road profile chart, when leaving Silistra there is 5 - 6 km hill.

      Further toward Karapelit pedalling is extremely pleasant. As I have mentioned, along the road between Silistra and Karapelit there are lot of apricot trees,

Route c - 2

Next photos illustrating route c - 2 are taken in the beginning of October '13 - the last time it was so hot was 1930.

Alfatar is little town, I am not sure if overnight accommodation is available in it.

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NC/silistra/alfatar/alfatar

The next town Tervel is a little bit bigger.

 http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NE/dobrich/tervel/tervel

Sector III. B - 1

Nothing special to say about the distance from Karapelit to Dobrich. Almost flat area easy to be pedaled. Years ago near the road there were a lot of cherry trees, it seems they were cut because of drying.

Dobrich is the main town of this district. Overnight accommodation in it is not a problem.

Information for Dobrich:

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NE/Dobrich/

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/ne/dobrich/dobrich-city/dobrich

      To complete this point, I will mention that in exploitation are two relatively new open Border checkpoints on the  Bulgaria/Romanian border:

- Border Checkpoint Kaynardzha - Lipnitsa

(open 2017, works between 8 am and 8 pm);

- Border Checkpoint Krushari - Dobromir

(open 2018, having the same work time).

      On the map in left I point this two new Border Checkpoints.

       June '21 I explored this area and my information is very real.

If you use Border Checkpoint Kaynardzha - Lipnitsa head west toward Kaynardzha and road 71.

East toward Kranovo road is nice to this very small village.

The road between Kranovo and Kapitan Dimitrovo has not been maintained is in very poor condition. Exploring just this road segment I had problems with my tires, I did not know both tires are very worn. But the fields were beautiful !

Toward Koriten, Krushari and Dobrich the road in nice. I did not take more photos, thinking only to reach Dobrich and replace my tires.

4. Border Checkpoint Iovkovo

(Negru Voda – Kardam)

      I am not sure, if somebody would use this Border checkpoints. Over the last few years the traffic here (from the border checkpoint to Dobrich) is really heavy in the tourist season. The roads here are in nice conditions. Towards Burgas and BG/Turkey Border I can suggest the following route:

Route A

Includes crossing of Balkan Mountains along Aytoski Pass

      From Border Checkpoint (road 29) Iovkovo to Kardam to General Toshevo to Dobrich (road 2702) to Suvorovo to Vetrino (road 208) to Provadia to Dalgopol to Aytos (road 6) to Burgas (road 9, E87) to Malko Tarnovo to Border Checkpoint Malko Tarnovo.

          I will not give here information for this route, Explores of my Home Page can find information about it in:

   - Chapter I.  Passes in Balkan Mountains,

Sector I. C , Point 15. Aitoski Pass;

and

  - Chapter III. Crossing Bulgaria from north to south (from Romania to Turkey & Greece):

D. South - East Region ,

3. From Burgas to Border Checkpoint Malko Tarnovo

As a variant of Route A, I will give the next route A1 -

Includes crossing of Balkan Mountains along Dyulinski Pass:

      From Border Checkpoint (road 29) Iovkovo to Kardam to General Toshevo to Dobrich (road 2702) to Suvorovo (road 2009)to Devnya (road 9004&904) to Dolni Chiflik  (road 906) to Dyulino to Burgas

As the information for Dulinski Pass (the route part from Burgas to Dolni Chuflik) is available in:

 - Chapter I.  Passes in Balkan Mountains,

Sector I. C , Point 16. Dyulinski Pass,

Here I give information only for a part of this route:

      From Dolni Chiflik (road 904) to Pchelnik to Dabravino (road 2044) to Sindel to Trastikovo to Devnya (road 2009) to Chernevo to Suvorovo (road 2702) to Stipsko to Valchi Dol to General Kiselovo to Vedrina to Odrintsi (road 27) to Dobrich

      This part of the route is very pleasant to be explored - Roads are with very minimal traffic, food shops and water are available in the villages and towns along it.

       The only one my suggestion is to avoid entering Sindel, it is not a pleasant place - the road surrounds it.

      The road profile chart shows a long 30 km ascending starting from Devnya. in fact it is not hard - the altitude gain of almost 300 m is for 30 kilometers.

      Devnya lies at the western shore of Lake Beloslav in the northeastern end of the Devnya Valley and along the southern slopes of the Dobruja Plateau, in the close proximity to the Black Sea.

      Because it is next to the sea port, there are several big plants here for cement and soda bicarbonate. Information for Devnya and its interesting museum mosaics:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devnya

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_of_Mosaics,_Devnya

A typical view of Dobrudzha - the east most part of Danube Plain.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dobruja

Suvorovo and Valchi Dol are the next little towns, no much to say for both little towns:

 http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NE/varna/vulchi_dol/vulchi_dol

http://www.guide-bulgaria.com/NE/varna/suvorovo/suvorovo

5. Border Checkpoint Durankulak

(Mangalia – Durankulak)

Route B

      From border checkpoint Durankulak (road 9, E87) to Shabla to Kavarna to Balchik to Kavarna to Varna to Obzor to Nesebar  to Burgas to Malko Tarnovo to Border Checkpoint Malko Tarnovo.

      I realize that bicyclists entering in Bulgaria here would be glad to explore the seaside, so for detail information, please look in:

      Chapter IV. Bicycling along Black sea side

And finishing my description of this Chapter, I will give the last route: from border checkpoint Iovkovo to Durankulak - a road without any traffic. I love just this route and pedal it every time I have a possibility.

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