Vratsa Velo Society marries Angel Angelov’s two great passions — for his hometown and for cycling. Initially established to facilitate meetups between road cycling enthusiasts, the club quickly expanded its activities to include one- and two-day scenic rides through undulating cross-country trails and the Bulgarian Northwest’s beautiful towns and villages.
One of riders’ favorite Vratsa Velo routes passes through the breathtaking Iskar Gorge all the way to the 14th-century Cherepish Monastery. Nestled serenely in the southeast corner of the Vratsa Balkan Mountain, the monastery and its surroundings inspired 19th-century naturalist and explorer Felix Kanitz to call it “the most beautiful place.”
Angel is committed to sharing this beauty. “My love for Vratsa is the leading reason why I want to develop tourism products,” he says. So, although he has his plate full — Angel is a proud dad and a manager at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant in the Danube town of Kozloduy, 80 km away — developing the club’s activities is one of his priorities.
Besides being a great workout, the bike tours organized by Vratsa Velo Society are a treat for all the senses. Untouched nature, places of worship and remembrance, culture, and local delicacies — Angel believes a good tourist experience should have something for everyone.
Since it acquired a van this spring, Vratsa Velo Society has been offering tours to more distant regional destinations as well. One highlight is Oryahovo on the Danube, where participants can check out the new interactive exhibition Marin Varbanov – the Prince of Oryahovo, dedicated to one of Bulgaria’s textile art masters. On the way back, cyclists pass through the wonderfully fragrant lavender fields near the village of Altimir.
Upcoming club events include the Northwest’s Forgotten Villages Tour in the region of Mezdra, on July 13 and 14, and a two-day adventure through the Iskar Gorge with an overnight stay in the village of Opletnya at the end of July. For more information, follow Vratsa Velo Society’s Facebook page.
Cycling offers a wholesome alternative to screen-bound activities for kids and teenagers, and Angel has also made it his mission to give Vratsa’s youth access to a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Support for Vratsa Velo Society is part of the America for Bulgaria Foundation’s long-term efforts to promote economic development in the Bulgarian North through entrepreneurship and tourism.
