Novi Sad to Belgrade (and Belgrade day off)

We had a very relaxing bike ride on Sunday.  The pace of Sunday cycling is much more relaxed with far fewer cars and trucks.  Most of the 56 mile day was across rural Serbian countryside, with lots of orchards and vineyards.  We had a few climbs, but we're rewarded with a nice tailwind for most of the day.

This was from the top of a 600' climb.  We were treated to a beautiful valley

One of many, many orchards along the way.  The nets help to avoid the use of pesticides.

One of many beautiful churches.  This was about 1000 on a Sunday.  Not a lot of participation at this location

Taken as we rolled into Belgrade on a beautiful Summer Afternoon.

On our day off, we took care of various administrative (planning the next week) and other miscellaneous items.  One thing we finally completed is obtaining Pepper Spray for Bulgaria.  Other travelers have told us about packs of stray dogs.  We thought it was prudent to have some defense in case it becomes an issue.

Our big activity was a 3 hour tours with a Belgrade local guide.  Marija was a bright and enthusiastic 26 year old with a love of Belgrade.  Her family were Serbs who fled Bosnia before she was born.  Although only 3 through the bombing, she was able to fill in the details from her education and study (she is Phd candidate for tourism).  She did a great job explaining the history and culture of Serbia.  We saw religious and historical sites in the central city.  Hopefully, what we learned was an introduction to the conflict that was only 23 years ago.  I know both Rob and I would like to learn more. 

War memorial commemorating the children killed during the NATO bombing in 1999.  That is the Serbian Orthodox church of St Mark in the background

The building on the left was preserved in this state to commemorate the 78 days of NATO bombing in 1999.  This was the national TV broadcast center and 16 people were killed in the strike.  The new building was built right next door

View of New Belgrade from Belgrade.  The boats on the river are floating bars.  

One of the many friendly pedestrian areas in Belgrade (picture by Rob)

Tonight we plan on an early dinner and some more planning time.  According to my count, we have ridden 1851 miles.  I estimate that we have 759 miles to go.  We have about three weeks left and plan to break that down to 14 days of cycling.  We don't really know what lies ahead as we turn of the Eurovelo 6 route and head southeast through Serbia, Bulgaria, a small portion of Greece and finally Turkey.

Our route will take us along the Sultans Route.  It is a pilgrimage route for people walking and cycling along the route taken by the Ottomans over the years to access the west.  Wish us luck.