Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Hi all...

Last full day in Bansko before returning back to Golden Sands. Staying at the Pirin, not much more i can say that has not been said before about this hotel, friendly and efficient, clean rooms, absolutely no problems at all. Hire from hotel reception a quality mountain bike, full suspension job, 30 lev a day and up the mountain you go.
Village obviously has a differant feel than in the winter, a lot more sitting outside in the sunshine. The old favourites are still here, Cafe Parfe, Lion bar, Gino`s in the square. Prices perhaps are even lower than in the ski season. Had a great night in the Iion Bar last night, all thanks to Chris {manager/owner/barman???} a BG bloke with a real dry sense of humour. If anyone was considering a chill out week in the mountains, a bit of walking, cycling, horse riding etc, great food and drink, i don`t think you could go far wrong than Bansko....
Yes, there are some drawbacks, the building continues appace {though i have some news on that !!, the rumour yet to be confirmed is that the permissions have been revoked for the continued expansion of the accomadation in and around Bansko, it has now been limited to 10,000 beds} could be good as the ski area is definately not being expanded. I will try to look further into this on my return and also confirm what i have been told...
Flies at this time of year are a pain, especially up the mountain. I was cycling up to the middle station {OK i was walking and pushing my bike !!}, thousands of the little bu**ers all over me {i was sweating a bit}, fortunately they don`t bite {fortunate for them the amount of booze i have in my bloodstream} but it is quite alarming. It is actually possible to outrun them if you get on the bike but as soon as you stop within 5 mins they find you again. Talking about going up the mountain, two and a half hours, part cycling, part walking to get to the middle station {Bunderiza}, a small beer for my efforts at the top and the thought of the descent, 100 metres off the top i get a bl**dy puncture in the back tyre and have to struggle around every corner and straight on the way down with a flat, there was no way i was walking back down !!!! Ended up making a bit of a mess of the back tyre. Told the reception in the hotel, they informed me that i could have rung them, they would have sent a porter in a taxi to collect me and the bike, now theres service...
Anyway i have had a great week, a little differant perhaps but well worth it, now i am back to the madness that is Golden Sands {only for a couple of days} then back home, will try to sum up the whole trip {if anyones interested} and pass on some info next week perhaps..

Cheers guys

steve c